Pen & Ink! Where do I Start?

If you've ever thought about learning pen and ink but don't know where to start. This is the video for you.
My Review of Alphonso's Books - • Pen & Ink Book Review ...
Alphonso Dunn's KZbin Channel - / alphonsodunn
My Line and Wash Playlist - • Line and Wash
#inktober
#inktober2022
(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks for looking.)
My Amazon Store of Favorite Products:
www.amazon.com/shop/mindofwat...
Pens also available as singles
Sakura Pigma Micron Set - amzn.to/3T38vK3
Staedlter Pigment Liner Set - amzn.to/3EJx3Ue
Copic Multiliner Set - amzn.to/3CxhE6B
Ohto Graphic Liner Set - amzn.to/3SZyPoi
Uni Pin Drawing Pen Set - amzn.to/3yI3D53
Faber Castell Pitt Pen Set - amzn.to/3EJ1DwU
Canson 9"x12" Sketchbook - amzn.to/3g8eMFE
Stillman & Birn Zeta 6"x8" Sketchbook - amzn.to/3VwGEmY
Kuretake Zig White Ink 30 (permanent) - amzn.to/3yJXs09
Copic Opaque White - amzn.to/3T5oUOa
(Copic is mentioned as permanent in the video but it's water soluble)
Amsterdam White Ink (permanent ) - amzn.to/3CZCBsg
Pen & Ink Drawing A Simple Guide (Alphonso Dunn) - amzn.to/3rVdRLg
Pen & Ink Drawing Workbook (Alphonso Dunn) - amzn.to/3yH3yyn
Treasury of American Pen & Ink Illustration - amzn.to/3EFnLZj
Creating Textures in Pen & Ink with Watercolor (Claudia Nice) - amzn.to/3D00M9Y
••••••••••••• Other Supplies ••••••••••••••
Lebenzon Brushes - lebenzon-paintbrushes.com
(use code MIND at check out for a discount)
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[@sallywright5503]

I just wanted to say that although I don’t always comment I watch all your videos and I have yet to see one that I didn’t learn something from, including this one. I so appreciate them and the generosity from you in sharing your knowledge and talent. Thank you!

[@wileycom]

Thank you! Thank Thank you! I’m diving in! Ink and Watercolor go together like cookies and milk!! I’m a beginner but on the Path!! 😘

[@Pauly365]

Its nice to see a channel that isnt just a sketchbook flex.

[@TerriChannel]

Wow, Steve! Your line drawings are phenomenal!! I’ve been doing some line and wash work for about a year - mostly urban sketching through Liz Steel’s courses. I have Alphonso Dunn’s books on my shelf - maybe it’s time for me to get those out again. Thank you for sharing your work and these resources.

[@allmyinterests5139]

Wow! You really draw/paint beautiful art! Very impressed! Thanks for the tips!

[@lindabeattie8228]

This was so helpful...! Thank you

[@amexjam55]

I can't thank you enough for this excellent pen and ink quick guide. I love your art work.

[@davebryan1890]

Beautiful, absolutely beautiful, this has become one of my main go to art channels, keep doing what you do Steve- thank you

[@ferdi5407]

Thank you for all your MoW videos. Made huge difference to my watercolors. Thank you SO much for recommending Alphonso Dunn. He totally changed my 'eye' and my drawing skills. Awesome teacher!!

[@elizabethevans702]

Great video….I ALWAYS learn something from your channel. You were one of the first I subscribed to and you never disappoint. Thank you!!

[@tarajones-legros3661]

Just found you!! So happy! This video was very helpful to me. I’m a beginner and will check out these books and more of your videos. I really appreciate your calm delivery of the information and you seem very considerate of beginners. Thank you!

[@TerryMcGearyScotland]

I’ll look Alphonso up!Thanks. You’re very good at teaching and doing. Appreciated.

[@DiRidpath]

Great advice, and thanks for the book recommendations. Always love your videos.

[@maryanharrell561]

I don't know how I missed this video at the beginning of the month. Here it is the 20th, and we are 2/3 of the way through the month. This is my fifth year doing Inktober. I have had a hard time this year, but managed to keep up, though my drawings are poor. But you have inspired me to find my Dunn books and get them out and do some practice on the basics, so maybe I will finish the month better than I started it. I never watch your video without getting inspiration. I cannot tell you how many people I have introduced to Steve Mitchell! You know I am such a fan. You are my teacher.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thanks so much Maryan!

[@oliferous]

I haven't seen your ink drawings in a minute and you're such an exceptionally talented WC artist I forget how amazing you are in other media!! I LOVE your ink n' wash art, please show us more! Maybe even a sketchbook tour sometime? Thanks as always man, you're one of my main inspirations and you keep me going through my walls!! Thank You!!

[@sallgoodman2323]

It's such an immediate and dynamic medium that blends my love of both details.and watercolors

[@lotusphere6]

Awesome thanks for sharing for inktober. I’m always excited for your content 😊

[@recoveringsoul755]

I just love your work with trees. I've found if I try to draw from imagination it looks like a crude thing some child did. So I need to use a reference to get anything i like

[@maggiedoor6093]

Take lots of photos on a walk, it helps. I've even taken photos from paused images on movies etc .

[@MichaelRpdx]

From frame zero, thank you for the intro to pen & ink. And I have Dunn's books ordered.

[@sacrebleu1371]

It's April now, not Inktober, but I am a late bloomer. Time to see what this is all about. Have pens and good paper to play with. Thanks for the 'where to start'. 🤗

[@SheilaLandry]

I have tried to do 'some' of the Inktober prompts. I love pen and ink. And watercolor too, of course. I have the Claudia Nice book and it is excellent. I also really like the Faber-Castell pens. You are correct in that it is easy to get overwhelmed with complex designs. Starting small really seemed to help me get over the 'blank page syndrom.' Thank you for the nice overview.

[@Andidejager.]

My whole life I had a DEEP dislike of fineliners (like pigma microns etc) because they would always just fray and be unusable after one use due to my heavy hand… also I have pointillism trauma… but then I discovered that there is a plastic nib pigma micron! So I bought one to see if it would hold up and now I LOVE lining with it! That thing is indestructible🤩 and there’s a bonus that you can get a tiny bit of line variation with it!🥳 so for anyone who gets frustrated by fineliners breaking too quickly, I highly recommend the plastic nib pigma micron 👍❤️

[@rgrdesigns]

Thanks Steve. I am trying to get back into using my pens. I feel overwhelmed knowing where to start. I like you idea of picking out portions of master works. God bless you.

[@renee1292]

As always, this video was very helpful. I'm not a total beginner but still have lots to learn and practice. Thank you for helping budding artists focus their learning.

[@flickaJay]

"helping budding artists focus their learning" ... That's a great summation of his videos! I heartily agree!

[@1fredricka]

good info and perfect timing! Thank You!!

[@tedischmold4045]

Awesome!! Thank you

[@maryk1668]

You are my go to for art supplies advise!

[@jennygilpin7725]

Thank you so much really enjoy your videos,so informative about about ink watercolour pencil etc. Thank you

[@judihopewell2499]

I so agree always something to learn and pass on to my students

[@shawanalulu]

Thanks for the guidance on best pens to use. I've ordered a set of pigma micron fineliners! 😊

[@loreta261]

Thanks so much for this video. It has been really helpful

[@annemorris4332]

Thank you so very much..very helpful

[@sjohnson6607]

Agree.....Alphonso Dunn's books are very practical, step by step. I heard about him from your 2018 review video and it was a very good purchase as I still refer to the books when I need to refresh my pen/ink skills.

[@CherylWickham]

Thank you. This was very helpful!

[@pamgrover9910]

So interesting,can’t wait to give it ago,thanks

[@InfinitaGioiaPatCHesall]

Very thank you also for all suggested books👍😊

[@DeniseBrooks1955]

Thank you Steve!

[@azalea1404]

Hi Steve! Thanks for this excellent pen review. I agree with you in mostly all of your assessments. Although I generally appreciate Faber Castell's art supplies, I have encountered several times that their black pens / liners "bleed" or dissolve when watercolour is applied to them, so appearently they are not 100% waterproof. However, the Microns are 100% waterproof, so they are my all time favorites. Copics are great too, but I find they tend to dry out way faster than the Microns.

[@paulineshelley4421]

🙌🏻 thank you so much! It’s the very video I’ve been hoping for as I’ve ‘dabbled’ in pen & ink recently and would like to know more. I’ve actually bought the same set of micron pens too😅.

[@MrToryhere]

Thanks, Steve, for such a great explanatory video. Regards, from Australia

[@chantelmcskimming6633]

Thank you!

[@jehovahuponyou]

GOOD ADVICE - ONE CAN TAKE TWO MICRON FINELINERS (05-0.45mm AND 005-0.20mm0 AND MAKE A LOT OF BEAUTIFUL PEN AND INK DRAWINGS!!!!!!! *GOOD VIDEO!!!!!!!*

[@ralphherrick596]

Learning every day

[@williadw1955]

Great ink video Steve. I also use Uniball Micro pens as a cheaper alternative as they are also waterproof and dry almost instantly.

[@vikkihawkins186]

Thank you😊

[@karenturner-cf7vq]

This was interesting. And a good guide for pen and ink.

[@bonnieg4076]

I love the "ink and wash" technique, but need a lot more help with this subject. Your drawing skills are so amazing, I will have to look up your precious videos. Thanks again, Steve.

[@ralphcrosby9622]

Thank you for this content

[@craftergin]

I love those liners. I primarily use the Sakura Pigma Microns, but I have a couple of sets of generic brands. I only use the generics AFTER I'm finished with the watercolor portion. I don't trust that the generics are as permanent. Thanks for the book recommendations. I already have Alfonso's books, but the others look great. They are in my Amazon cart ready to go next time I order. I've been participating in Inktober and posting on Facebook. I've been employing actual artist techniques and MAN does it make a difference. I am learning not to stop a drawing too soon. Same with watercolor. I get richer paintings and drawings if I just keep going. Thanks again, Steve!

[@uiebwuiowebuiopwebfoipbewfoip]

wow, your drawings are amazing

[@GradyGillis]

Great and timely video. Health issues kept me from doing much of anything for all of this year, up until late September. I've used many techniques I've seen you do, in experimenting with various ways to enjoy myself now that I'm fully retired. I had not heard of Alphonso Dunn before today (missed your video on him), but I have the Claudia Nice book you mentioned and three others from her. Her textured landscapes and weathered buildings books have been very helpful.

[@flickaJay]

Does anyone know of a pen and ink with pastel artist that does mostly, if not all, portrait or animal work? I've been in a slump for over a year now and only in the last two weeks have I even watched an art video. I even did a few animal drawings (pencil). My main interest has been pencil and sometimes pen if that's all that was available, since I was 12. This began to leave me somewhat bored so I started using pastels for my portraits to liven them up. Those Alphonso Dunn books have been on my wish list for a few years and now I think I'll get them with the Claudia Nice book. Thanks for showing them. My disire has been to do the type of art shown in Claudias' book with any color that's transparent. I do have a question, how did she do that highlight on the sppon on the cover of ther book? Is it the thing you called 'lifting' in your unboxing of the Da vinci Embrace Opacity video? Because you do quite a few different media, I have subscribed. That's not something I do often. There is a lot on your channel I can learn.

[@zenandink3531]

Great sketches-inspiring 😮😊

[@carollegros8671]

In Canada, I always buy Staedler pens and graphic pencils. They are the best. Thanks for demo as I am just starting with pen and watercolor

[@carinwiseman4309]

Thank you.

[@pjlewisful]

2nd time watching this one / 2nd time enjoying

[@MusingsFromTheDen]

Pigma Micron, Steadtler and Faber-Castell are my main fine liners, but I tend to favour the Micron and Steadtler most often. 😊

[@DrawwithKate90]

So fantastic drawing! 👏😊

[@wendykleeb2071]

I love trees, but mine look so phony. I need to learn how to look. Love watching you.

[@BushcraftEurope]

I just ordered Fumy Safari and I thought I probably have dozen of liners, Steadtler, Sakuras and ones I forgor, black ones popular ones, Uniball yeah, and though hey when I ran trough Uniballs I will get Fumy. As I need to practice more and also I don't have to spend a lot now on waterproof ink. I got lazy in doing sketches but just buying stuff. Will start from a start like back in the days. Drawing and sketching every day. Got art book and start from a start. I am really talented but lazy about learning from start. My academic artist friends envy me how much I undrrstand and do with no studying so will start my pratice now. Less KZbin and more work. Also I just cancelled Safari 😂 tnx man, really motivated me. Will get a book or two you reccomended. Happy New Year

[@MsBonsai2010]

I was wondering whn you'd get around to an Inktober video ❤ love your channel Steve

[@peldridge2627]

Beginner here. I've always felt my watercolor paintings were not quite finished unless I inked over them. Then I like my paintings but always feel like they should stand on their own without going over it with a pen. Now, thanks to you, I realize what I'm doing is okay. I took painting up during the pandemic as a way to use my mother's paint supplies and a way to express what I was feeling, so I've only learned through books or KZbin tutorials like yours. You have been such a help to me in many ways. Thanks for you friendly, gentle, kind presentations. Fabulous!

[@ericlechat719]

Great video, thanks for sharing. I suggest that people use a fountain pen, and just refill the same cartridge as required using a blunt syringe. I recommend the Pilot Kakuno (F Nib). Saves on plastic waste 💪💪

[@catherinelevison3310]

I did every page of Alphonso’s book last winter upon your recommendation. The practice in there is great. Thank you. Possible topic for you: Help for the person who has passed the beginner and intermediate stage and is ready for advanced watercolor teaching but is still on a limited budget in regard to lessons. Thanks again.

[@woutsebastiaan]

I love line and wash ❤ Uni and steadler are my favorite brands for sure. I know people love the microns but I found the nibs very very fragile, especially on watercolor paper with some more tooth. Uni and steadler last much longer.

[@kristischeele2939]

Love Claudia Nice!!

[@Kuemmel234]

I would hate if you were to do that to more mediums. That'd be really expensive if you catch my drift. Awesome video, thanks a lot! I always wanted to get into pen&ink and just found an excuse to get a few pens and some inspiration.

[@deborahbarbaccia6813]

Great information Steve!! Thanks soooo much!! I have practiced with Alphonse Dunn often, and plan on getting his books.☺️☺️

[@Yimengh]

Thanks!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Oh thank you so much. I missed this before. And thanks for watching.

[@Yimengh]

I’ve enjoyed watching many of your videos and learned a lot. Just thought it’s time to show a little appreciation🎉

[@theartisticactuary]

I've just started getting into line and wash this year. My big tip would be to stay away from hot pressed watercolour paper. I thought the smooth surface would be kinder to my pens. But I've hated adding watercolour on top of the paints. It just doesn't soak in or blend or anything like that. It does none of the things that attract artists to watercolour. I'll be switching to cold pressed next year. I do have one weird habit with my pen and inks. First, m6 style is a bit more like Ian Fennelly's or Liz Chaderton's: I don't accurately colour in shapes the way you do. I just throw on the paint and don't worry about going over the edges. And I don't worry about getting accurate colours either. Which brings me to my weird habit…. I get the computer to pick out three random colours to use for each painting. I have to put in some restrictions: only one blue, red, etc and certain combinations (eg yellow, green blue, with no red anywhere) are not allowed. When it works it works, when it doesn't it doesn't! It's helping me get through a set of 24 halfpans that I never use (the secondaries in particular).

[@BigDomski]

I have that book, Alphonso is the person who got me into pen and ink in the first place 😆 I like that you also love the books

[@imjelo]

I have both books by Alphonso. It is a great books.

[@northernbully]

I didn't find them all that great. I don't understand the hype about that book

[@joyfulldj]

I prefer micron over steadler. We have a vast supply of steadler pens in the eu but I had a few in new that were dry and had that happen a few times, so qualitywise; micron it is. Im still having to test my fountainpen but I keep forget to order archival ink lol not in my system.

[@AbraCassandraCrafts]

My inktober was ruined by my stupid migraines lol I did day ONE Gargoyle...Next day BOOM migraines, day 3 BOOM migraine all up til day 7 and then I gave up. I wanted to do everyday. Oh well I'll catch it next year.

[@peaches5712]

Alfonso’s books are amazing! I highly recommend his books too!

[@TerryMcGearyScotland]

Have you come across the work of Mhairi Hedderwick? I hope the spelling is right. She has illustrated books of her own of others. I love her ink and subtle wash style covering hills, ports, seascape and more.

[@samanthathompson9812]

I've had new microns dry up and become unusable just sitting in a drawer tightly capped.

[@colleen7532]

Gorgeous! So appreciate you sharing your talent. Steve, would you consider doing something in creative Bible journaling to share on your channel? Watercolor is a popular medium for this type of artistic endeavor.

[@mindofwatercolor]

I've seen it done but not something I do or am familiar with doing so probably not something I'm best at demonstrating.

[@billyboicatfish]

I love to doodle with pens and have been thinking of going in deeper, so my question would be what kind of water color you would recommend when using liners.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Any kind should work fine.

[@ArtbyCannell]

Love your art!

[@basta.dotto_]

Thank you, Steve. Out of the liners you mentioned in this video, which one would you say is the blackest black, please?

[@mindofwatercolor]

Those all are about the same. I've not done any extensive testing though.

[@CC-ho5lw]

What size is your Zeta book please? Your sketchbook work is sooo beautiful. Are you drawing from reference photos sometimes?

[@mindofwatercolor]

products are listed in the description.

[@CC-ho5lw]

My apologies. I missed that.

[@mindofwatercolor]

@@CC-ho5lw yes usually use references. Thanks!

[@sohrabtajadin3402]

I love stippling. Which pen is best? Dip pen, Copic or Rotring?

[@mindofwatercolor]

I like liner pens for stippling. Many brands available. Copics used here.

[@LegBuilder]

micron has a 003

[@marielstarr313]

Does anyone know where to learn to draw in the engraving/etching style?

[@babycakes1949]

Thanks for the info Steve. I like to paint fairly large and I buy my paper by the sheet (140# CP). Do you have any paper recommendations for someone like me?

[@mindofwatercolor]

Several if you're talking about watercolor paper. My favorite is Arches but there is a list of several good brands in the description of this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHamYWCGh9KqZ5I

[@cataylor4109]

Steve, love your Channel…. But today I want to thank you for the review of Alphonso Dunn’s book! You can’t fix a bad drawing with paint, right? ( well maybe YOU can…) anyhow I am enjoying Alphonso’s KZbin Tutorials, and don’t worry, I will always return to your channel! Thank you!

[@jeremyeicke3682]

I got Alohonso's books in the mail today. Wish me lunch!

[@judyberg3816]

Do you plan to do inktober for 2023

[@mindofwatercolor]

I will probably do something for it. I don't usually do all the prompts.

[@judyberg3816]

I'll look forward to see what you do.

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

Wow I have got Claudia Nice’s book & it’s truly been a huge help for me to do line & wash painting/sketching. I will definitely check out the other books 📚 mentioned. Thanks for explaining the various types of liner pens. This is my second year of doing Inktober. I got started with it after watching one of your videos last year about it. Thanks for sharing this & have a great weekend!

[@katepanthera7265]

All of Claudia Nice's books are excellent. She's almost supernaturally talented.