How to use a ruling pen - with ink, watercolour paint and masking fluid

[@ashleywright8686]

That ruler thing is fascinating. I never knew why cork was on ruler backs.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

all sorts of every day items have little features we no longer use….

[@elizabethdahlen1726]

You are really a lovely teacher!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

thank you so much 🧑‍🏫

[@ColeandOllie]

First video I’ve found that really explains and gives examples of how to use these unique pens! Short and thorough, thank you. And new subscriber 😊

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bonnybouncer8219]

thank you so much for this so informative video... I am 80 yrs old and i have never heard of these pens before...wonderful. Your video's are so interesting and well as informative. Keep them up please.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

thank you and I’m glad you found it useful. We never stop learning!

[@mjpete27]

Hullo Liz, I love catching older videos that are still relevant and so informative that they just keep teaching! I quite using a brush for my masking fluid when I was a very young pup! My Uncle worked as a draftsman, when I seriously started earning watercolor from my Gran, his Mom, and he gave me his older compass set and it had so many different compasses and there were several inking tools too. The ruling pen was for inking your lettering and for inking your compass lines! Fillets and rounds on technical drawings too! Thanks for keeping the information on this wonderful tool available to all!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

some see these as old fashioned and obsolete, but I think they have a lot to offer

[@wizzardofpaws2420]

This is an incredibly helpful video! I always wondered how artists got such perfect lines in their work.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@madeleine4725]

This was one of the most used art supplies back in my art education. I still have mine from 40 years ago. We used it with gouache, make it a bit more runny and practice millimeter squares. Must have made thousands of them 😂

[@LizChadertonStudio]

I would have thought you couldn’t stand to look at one ever again after that!

[@amandasymon4363]

Wow! The raised ruler thing was a revelation! Obvious once brought to your notice 👊

[@LizChadertonStudio]

someone pointed out that school rulers are curved on one side, so if you turn them over it is naturally raised…. mind blown!

[@kerry5586]

Your account really needs to carry a bank balance warning: I had seen the title of this video previously, but didn't watch as I didn't want to be tempted into spending more, but as I walked around a charity shop this morning I saw an old technical drawing set with one of these in. After an inner battle I bought it! I now need to figure out how to use all of the technical drawing set to get my monies worth! Off to have some fun! Thanks for all the inspiration, even if it can be painful at times!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Ooh, my charity shop doesn't have such goodies. I'd love to see what's in the set... And to make you feel better, the film on 24 July is all about a watercolour set which cost £1!!!

[@gila1959]

I am also used the masking fluid on leaves on a canvas. Loved your work..

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Thank you so much 😊

[@nswan363]

Thank you, this was exactly what I needed. I learned quite a bit more than just using a ruling pen. 😊

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Allyballybean]

They’re also designed to screw into compasses for making perfect circles.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

yes! I discovered that only after I made the film! never knew before

[@lindyartforfun]

I just purchased one, thank you exactly what I needed to know!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Glad I could help!

[@Whyyyyyy]

I am not a painter and have no particular desire to learn at the moment but this was just a lovely and interesting video. Your content is great.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Thank you so much! What do you use a ruling pen for?

[@MoMaryR]

Great tutorial on the Ruling Pen. Thank you

[@LizChadertonStudio]

glad it was helpful

[@MrSpinteractive]

Thank you for your excellent demonstration of the use of masking fluid and ruling pens. Much appreciated!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

You're very welcome!

[@NavyAssassinOnBLAST]

What fun! Great for getting the 💦 splatter Jackson Pollock effect. With ink or liquid watercolor 🎨

[@LizChadertonStudio]

indeed!

[@TristinaDietzElmesArtist]

Fantastic video! Really appreciate the tips. Lovely spider web artwork.❤

[@LizChadertonStudio]

my pleasure

[@ewwwobbie]

I have had a mapping pen for years. I bought it for masking fluid but couldn’t figure out how to use it. THANK YOU!!!!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Glad I could help!

[@IvanRN]

Thank you for the video! I didn't want to ruin my brushes by using masking fluid. And overall, thank you for sharing your experience.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Yes, go careful with your nice brushes!

[@bev5578]

very informative - great detail for a new and inspired ruler pen operator - thank you

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@cmumford1477]

I always wondered how you use a ruling pen properly. Thanks Liz!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Happy to help!

[@n.caronnelson9690]

Thank you for this. It's my first intro to a ruler pen and full of excellent information.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@joycedimaggio3816]

I have my grandfather 's. Love them.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

oh that is special!

[@heatherwilson487]

So helpful and clear .Thank you

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@suegibson850]

Very helpful thank you Liz!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@SwtTrisha8]

Greetings from Pensacola Florida- home of The Blue Angels. I just got back into acrylic rock painting and just bought some masking fluid along with a set of masking brushes that can only be used a few times before they just aren’t really good anymore unless you use the tips of the brush for making little dots. I later ran across that exact set of 3 pens you are using - cheap - but thought I’d try using them to see what they could do. I had no idea how to used them until I looked it up on utube and yours was the very first one to pop up showing how to use them. I was THRILLED! Thank you So Much! You have no idea how handy these are going to come with my masking fluid and possible the acrylic paint. Most of the rocks I paint are the size of quarters up to the size of the palm of my hand. Once again thank you so much. Going to try using the pen to write my name on the rock using the Masking fluid and or the acrylic paint and when it all dries and I’m through I’ll spray it with a good sealer. Going to have to subscribe and check out more of your videos. I love your teaching method. So pleasant and uplifting. 🌞🌴🦩🏖️⛱️⛵️🐡🐬🐠🦋🐝🌻

[@LizChadertonStudio]

so glad it helped. you can dip your brush in strong dish soap solution to protect them too. Then you can wash it out far more easily.

[@rampanttricky17]

just what I was looking for + a bit that I did not anticipate and enjoyed so much.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

that’s nice to hear 😊

[@Alexander-bp2ht]

With that wooden ruler, if you flip it over so the numbers are facing down, and press down on one side, you'll lift the other side up from the page.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

yes! I didn’t know that when I did the film, but a few people have told me - every day is a school day!

[@janrpascal]

Thank you! I found this in my art supplies and couldn't recall why I bought it! I'll try it out today.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Oh that's funny! I have those 'why have I got this?' moments

[@PENFOLD1962]

I rub a soft wax on the external areas before loading the pen, no need to dab it or anything. Obviously the wax will now resist the ink and direct it to between the prongs.The wax also helps against rust.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

thanks for the tip!

[@SwtTrisha8]

Wow- great idea. I’ll have to try it. Where do you get soft wax from. Are there anything around the house that could be used like the wax of a crayon and just melt a little? Or from a candle?

[@SharonNolfi]

Great video, Liz.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Thank you!

[@escanr9942]

I am an architecture student. And I've always found this in my drawing sets. But since i didn't know what it was used for, I just left it until it got lost or something🤣 i think I've had like 5 or more of these pens🤦‍♂️

[@LizChadertonStudio]

oh that’s funny! Find an artist and then will be grateful 😁

[@juliec.]

I had no idea how to use a ruling pen. I didn’t even know what it was used for so I learned a lot from this video. Thank you 👍👍. Now I gotta get me one. So very versatile.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@blackpoppymagazine]

I had no idea u cud use these for actual watercolour lines! Brilliant 😊thank u!!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

You’re welcome 😊

[@D9david]

Thanks!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

thank you - much appreciated!

[@sr5594]

Thank you very much for this helpful tutorial - greatly appreciated!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@maryannprzybycien2013]

I literally ordered one yesterday. This video is just in time! Thanks for all you do for us! ❤️

[@LizChadertonStudio]

perfect timing!

[@JC-il4or]

Wonderful!! Thank you for this!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dawnreaume2837]

This is great!💥💥💥💥💥 So many times I wanted to buy one but I’m glad I saw your video first because I would have really had a lot of beginner user error!🥰 You explained how to use it extremely well!❤️ I like the part about the ruler being raised up and also putting the flat edge against it I could see myself doing it backwards oh and the fact that you have both tines touching the paper! I believe they use something similar for calligraphy as well!?! Thank you very much! I enjoy your videos and listening to your lovely voice!😍

[@LizChadertonStudio]

so pleased it was helpful

[@bonnybouncer8219]

Thanks

[@LizChadertonStudio]

And thank you!

[@Pebblesmas]

Lots of help, great tutorial, thx so much, i learnt a lot! I have this pen for ages, it came in a set, but i never knew what it was for.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Glad I could help!

[@jeanfugate-besalke5734]

Thank you Liz!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

thank you for suggesting it!

[@KevinHallSurfing]

For school I had a Staedtler compass set in a nice blue box with a little plastic tubular bottle for propelling pencil leads, an extension for BIG circles and this ... thing ... that plugged into one of the folding arms or the supplied handle. Brought up in the pre ballpoint pen era where we had pen nibs and ink wells on your desk at school I gathered it may have had "something to do with ink" 🤔😆 but wasn't used for "DG" (Descriptive Geometry) and Technical Drawing that I recall but now, 55+ years later, I've found a use for it (masking) plus it's in pristine condition! 👍 Kind of funny watching where you have to explain how to use the tip while it is quite obvious for us oldies whether we have used one or not. No drips, blotches, smudges or gouges here. 😀😇 When drawing lines in ink I do recall starting at one end and drawing to about 3/4's or so of the length then fading out before the end then coming back starting from the opposite end to complete the line. Probably for accuracy? This method is probably not used or even required these days as carefully drawing a line in one stroke would be the norm. Odd I remember a lot this from so long ago but I found this interesting and certainly helpful in surfboard restoration for example. Will be able to get finer lines rather than just using the tip of the bottle. Thank you 😍

[@LizChadertonStudio]

it sounds like you are a professional! What I know is by trial and error, so I might have been sent to the back of the class. When I was at school, ink/fountain pens were only allowed once you could write neatly and they trusted you, so around tge age of 10…

[@KevinHallSurfing]

@@LizChadertonStudio LOL Maybe a bit over conscientious at school. Fear of teachers and the "cane" back in the 50's/60's. I guess it worked went on to engineering in the computer industry for a while :D

[@LizChadertonStudio]

😀@@KevinHallSurfing

[@carmenalegre2096]

Great. Excellent explained. Thank you

[@LizChadertonStudio]

glad it was helpful

[@rebekahaurie6252]

Super interesting! Thanks so much!😊🌟💜

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@tamouse]

Loved this! I knew what they were called, but never knew how they were used, so big win today. Thanks awfully for this video ❤️

[@LizChadertonStudio]

😊Glad you enjoyed!

[@miyutakahada5691]

Thank you for such a useful and informative video! I had one for years I purchased in a lot from an artist and have never figured out what it was for or what it was called. It was fortunate KZbin recommended me your video. I am excited to use it in the future now I know what I can do with it, especially with masking fluid as I have always ruined my brushes and have not been able to get the precision that I have wanted.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

You are so welcome!

[@jackylegge6039]

As I once was a Tracer these are ruling pen with we used for drawing straight line on the linen or film Mapping pens have very small nibs and I used these when printing on the linen or the maps

[@LizChadertonStudio]

thanks for the info!

[@deborahthompson3847]

Great information. Thank you.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@robschamberger1]

This helped A LOT. Thank you!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Glad it helped!

[@martimalaspina6385]

Wonderfully informative! Thanks Liz.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

You are so welcome!

[@BrazenSpirituality]

Mystery solved. Thank you so much. 🎨💕

[@LizChadertonStudio]

so glad it helped!

[@fanatlarge]

Thank you, very useful video! I had seen this thingie, but had no idea how it was used, or even what it was called. And I have struggled using masking fluid. About to order the fluid and a ruling pen. 😄

[@LizChadertonStudio]

good luck!

[@gertietheduck]

Oooh... I have had a couple for ages to use with ink, but I'd never thought to use them for masking fluid!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

they are very handy!

[@pathayes6084]

I love my ruling pen and have used it for years for masking fluid and paint. You can use a dip pen with watercolor if you load the nib with a paintbrush and paint. You can make some beautiful fine lines as well., Thanks for sharing the tip with a ruler. I wondered why I sometimes get a funky line. I will use my ruler with a cork backing in the future. Thanks for sharing!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

My glass dip pen is lovely loaded with watercolour. It's so interesting to find new ways of using tools isn't it?

[@pathayes6084]

@@LizChadertonStudio Yes, I love my glass pen as well.

[@helengill5481]

Wow I just came across ya painting I'm deffo guna give it a go as a learner and follow you from now on :)

[@LizChadertonStudio]

thank you!

[@dianasaur2131]

Love your Robin

[@LizChadertonStudio]

thank you!

[@violinzeta]

You are hands down the KZbinr I click on for anything watercolor related that I want to demystify! 👏👏👏 Great job yet again! Question: Have you ever used a camera lucida for drawing/tracing and if so, do you have any tips? I've been using the Camera Lucida iphone app by Peter Moeykens with a cheap Osmo attachment on my ipad. Peter continues to put a lot of love into it for like 12 years or something! I like the app/Osmo combo over a traditional one because I can sit normally instead of standing hunched directly over my writing surface.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

thank you. That’s a very kind thing to say. To be honest I downloaded camera Lucida about 5 years ago and never used it. I love drawing freehand. If I need a drawing aid, particularly for portraits, I tend to use a light pad. So sorry, no tips from me.

Thanks so much for this video. 🥰

[@LizChadertonStudio]

No problem 😊

[@abby-fichtner]

Thank you! I had no idea you could use this for ink and watercolor, and - to be honest - I think when I’ve tried it with masking fluid in the past I wasn’t being nearly so careful about it so rather gave up on it for that. Now all new stuff to try. Thanks!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@fionafarren8084]

Well thank you that was a revelation, I get it, at last 😆

[@LizChadertonStudio]

yay!

[@christinedrake1645]

excellent

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Thanks!

[@maryucci4905]

Thank you❤️

[@LizChadertonStudio]

You’re welcome 😊

[@BenjWarrant]

Uhhh... with those standard wooden rulers, if you want to avoid ink seepage, you don't need to tape coins to the bottom!! Just turn it upside down!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

I know now!! When I made the film I didn't realise. But it does hold true for plastic flat rulers of course

[@kathyhall668]

I have one, but still have a hell of a time using it

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Sorry to hear that. Might it be that the tip needs filing? I’ve never done it, but if it is a cheaper pen then you could file the tip to make it more refined.

[@joycesnodgrass7068]

WOW...thanks!!!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

You're welcome!

[@BrennaCorbit]

What brand of ruling pen do you recommend? Thank you for demonstrating the pen. I want to buy one for applying masking fluid.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

gosh, I don’t think they have ‘brands’ as such. I would just get something affordable for masking. If you were doing technical drawing a more precision instrument would be good.

[@BrennaCorbit]

Thank you@@LizChadertonStudio

[@fayeowen2308]

I understand for masking fluid, but why not just use a pigment pen for straight lines ? Love your videos, I've learned a lot.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

you are right, pigment pens have largely taken over, a ruling pen predated their invention by a long way. Now some people simply enjoy retro tools. some want to avoid disposable pens. personal choice….

[@fionafarren8084]

@@LizChadertonStudiosometimes the ink has an intensity that really shows

[@LizChadertonStudio]

@@fionafarren8084 another great reason!

[@dotbluer9041]

Hi Liz, great video - I love the look of the masking fluid before it was even removed! Is there anywhere I could ask a question about a certain type of brush/pen that I cant seem to find? thanks in advance

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Yes of course! just email me [e-mail]. I cannot promise I will know the answer…

[@dotbluer9041]

@@LizChadertonStudio aw thanks a bunch Liz!

[@hovawart16]

Oh, mercy, I was given these years ago with some art supplies and I assumed there was "something missing" because I didn't recognize what they could do.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

indeed! they do look odd 😊

[@annmayer8251]

Is there a solvent for masking fluid?

[@LizChadertonStudio]

not that I'm aware of. it can be thinned with water but once dry, it's dry.

[@artmanstudios7037]

I think this is something you leave at the last case scenario I mean it seems to make painting more complicated than it needs to be you got to like measure everything you got to clean you got to turn it sideways it's just way too much and from the looks of it it doesn't It looks like it just works for a brief moment at a time so you're probably going to take a very long time inking something with this or painting.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Agreed. I generally try and avoid using masking fluid, but sometimes you just have to…

[@Allyballybean]

School rulers usually have a side for ink. You just turn them upside down.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

yes! I was never taught that at school!

[@lynnenicoletti678]

Ah, now I know why my pen doesn’t work… I’m the problem, not the pen! Thanks, Liz.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Hope it behaves itself now 😊

[@mizzprettyhuston]

Wouldn't it be simpler to use fine liner pens? 🤔

[@LizChadertonStudio]

yes, this is a precursor I guess. Some people like sustainable and vintage and the mark is different

[@hovawart16]

@@LizChadertonStudio Plus, the color selection is virtually infinite...

[@ladyinblack3398]

Why not just use a dip pen?

[@LizChadertonStudio]

because you can adjust the width of the line, and it ‘s designed to give a very consistent width. Of course you can use a dip pen if you prefer, but on the whole they give a less precise mark. it all depends on the outcome you are after.

[@keithroy9217]

Why use coins? That’s why the traditional school ruler has one curved side. That’s how I was taught at school.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

if you have one which works for you, that’s great. This is for people who don’t! it is an alternative to a cork backed ruler.

[@HollywoodColt]

5 lbs of what?

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Pound = £ = the British currency!

[@HollywoodColt]

@@LizChadertonStudio I know I was being silly

[@LizChadertonStudio]

@@HollywoodColt phew! You’d be amazed at some questions and comments!

[@franciscogomes4416]

Not good selection of colors. 😢

[@LizChadertonStudio]

What would you have chosen?

[@101curlywurly]

Flipping eck, what a faff. Just use a pen hahhaahah or an embossing tool.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Use what makes you happy, for sure!