3 Tips to Create Textures with Pen and Ink | Beginner Level

In this video, we look at how to plan and shade textures, fearlessly. With these 3 tips, you’ll be able to better self-assess for progress with your pen and ink drawings, and gain confidence that you’re working on the right things from the beginning.

🎬 WATCH NEXT ↓↓↓

// DISCLOSURE: Some of the links below are affiliate links. I earn a small reward or commission when you use those links on qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

🎓 RESOURCES ↓↓↓
Alphonso Dunn’s Balls Exercise (video):
Dynamic black and white illustrations by Leslie Cabarga (book)

🎨TOOLS and SUPPLIES from this video ↓↓↓

🎥 How I made this video ↓↓↓
I filmed everything with my iPhone 14 Pro Max
Editing and design: Capcut desktop App, Canva Pro desktop App, iMac

Artlist License Number - PE1wY4

⏰ TIMING
00:17 – What are textures and how they’re important for pen and ink
00:31 – Why plan textures?
01:01 – Tip 1: Self-assess by comparing “apples to apples”
03:21 – Tip 2: How to plan to reach your standards
04:40 – Get this free template from the Longstride Illustration Blog
05:30 – Tip 3: Create samples to test texture possibilities
07:53 – Review of what we’ve accomplished
08:45 – Fearless Textures Game

[inktrooper.]

Yes! This is a really valuable content. We artists are awfully often are disorganized in the practice of our craft because we have a romanticized idea of art and think that 'you have to let the creative energy flow'. Many times we sit and draw without a goal beyond 'drawing a piece' or without any structure about the process and we end up with completely finished pieces that do not satisfy us in the long run because although we did our best to our capabilities we know they could have been better. Meaning, we know that we need to improve in certain areas, be more coherent with the mark makings, etc. but we really don't know how to achieve that improvement. And of course the books are there to learn, but it's a thousand times easier to find motivation and learn good practices in content well researched, well presented and well explained like this. Thank you.

[iDanitho]

Thanks for all the tips and tricks you're providing, I'm learning a lot. Recently picked up inking. It's difficult but very very fun

[josephgiunta]

Valuable tips here. You're an excellent artist and teacher.

[anahata]

Really great content. You're a very organized and clear teacher.

[rodrod]

I was just thinking about texture while looking at my past drawings while preparing for a new drawing - a drawing of a picture of swans from a recent trip. I think planning my inking is going to be a challenge for me with birds that are mostly white. But, I'm going to try and the preparation process is very satisfying. A teacher will appear when we are ready. Thank you for your video and materials in your blog.

[eb]

Oh wow. I think youtube wanted to give me a birthday gift and brought me this video today😊. I have been looking for a video like this with no luck until today. Thank you very much. This information is great❤

[k.gebhard]

Huiiii - just went in! What great advices! Thank you so much!

[glenda]

The quality of your videos is admirable. I wish I had your patience with this medium.

[rachelturgeon]

I LOVE your channel and your tips and exercises. Thank you.

[jbkhan]

Great advice! I'll try this, thank you!

[nelsinki]

Thanks a lot for your tips about textures, also for the recomendations for excercises. ^^

[nicolettenonya]

I’m so glad I found your website and channel! I’m a total noob doing an ink challenge and a little in over my head. Your inking grasses tutorial was super helpful too! I’m still struggling with inking a concrete texture; it is in a section with iron fencing and grasses as well. I’ve tried a few mark making thumbnails as well as stippling, but still not super satisfied with the results. The concrete varies in tone due to lighting and also a bit in texture due to some crustose lichens (I think). Haha I’m probably overthinking it! But anyway, curious if anyone has suggestions on inking foreground concrete? Thanks!

[artscience]

Great video. I’ve benefited a lot from Alphonso Dunn’s book and workbook. Could you or have you already done an explanation of how to avoid blobs of ink when using dip pens? Very exasperating when it happens. Thanks!

[Onu-ez]

Hi, what about your opinion about canson xl bristol? Because strathmore and w&n bristols are little pricey in my country also bienfang is unavailable. I very beginner on dip pen btw..

[KevinBryden]

I love your videos. I've bought the Speedball sketching set and I don't get the flow that you do with any of the nibs and I've cleaned them as you recommend. I'm using Moonpalace ink. Is there a way to increase flow? Thanks.

[mariechevalier]

Hi Chloe, it is a little bit out of context from this video, I’m an art teacher and I would like to do an initiation to ink drawing. But I am struggling about the material: should I buy a little bottle of ink for each student? Or do you have better advise for practical containers (if I have a big bottle of ink and I want to split it)…I can’t work my brain around it 😂thank you so much!

[amelinademonchy]

Bonjour,
Tous mes vœux 2024.
Karine.