{"id":9844,"date":"2020-04-13T09:02:07","date_gmt":"2020-04-13T13:02:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/blog\/?p=9844"},"modified":"2020-04-13T09:02:07","modified_gmt":"2020-04-13T13:02:07","slug":"brush-pen-techniques-how-to-draw-a-black-swan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/blog\/brush-pen-techniques-how-to-draw-a-black-swan","title":{"rendered":"Brush Pen Techniques: How to Draw a Black Swan"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"How<\/div>\n
\nIn this pen and ink lesson<\/a>, we\u2019ll draw a black swan with brush pens. This gracious bird is a symbol of beauty, mystery, and elegance. Swans have been an inspiration for artists throughout history with good reason.<\/p>\n

Before we dive into the drawing, did you know that these birds have their own constellation? Cygnus (the Latin word for \u201cswan\u201d<\/em>) is a brightly visible constellation lying on the plane of the Milky Way. In Greek mythology, it represents Orpheus, who was transformed into a swan after death.<\/p>\n

This project features both an extraordinary subject and a unique set of drawing supplies. Drawing the bird\u2019s glossy plumage may be a challenge, but we\u2019ll find an effective way to solve this puzzle.<\/p>\n

Drawing Supplies For Drawing the Swan<\/h2>\n

The main art tool we’ll use for this project is a brush pen. There’s no need to dip its tip into ink to make marks making this characteristic extremely convenient for artists that like drawing on the move, outside of the studio.<\/p>\n

Also, a brush pen allows for creating a variety of marks. The width of a line can be changed on the fly by pressing harder, resulting in a wider line.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ll be using two brush pens that contain black ink. The first one is Faber-Castell PITT artist pen<\/strong>, and the second is Copic Multiliner BS<\/strong>. (BS means Brush Small.) However, the tips of these pens are relatively close in size.<\/p>\n

With the 0.1 black liner<\/strong>, we\u2019ll create the finest details.<\/p>\n

The final touches will be made with a Faber-Castell Grip finepen 0.4<\/strong> of red color<\/strong>. This hue is closer to orange rather than to violet.<\/p>\n

\"Brush<\/p>\n

The size of the paper is A4. I\u2019m using ordinary thick drawing paper and it has a smooth surface with no visible texture.<\/p>\n

Why use two brush pens of approximately equal size? The difference lies in the degree of wear and tear. The Faber-Castell brush pen is brand new and I\u2019ve never used it before. On the contrary, my Copic Multiliner has gone through a great number of art projects \u2013 no wonder that its tip is considerably worn out!<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s compare the tips of the brush pens.<\/p>\n

\"Ink<\/p>\n

To simplify the explanations, I\u2019ll be referring to these brush pens as the old<\/strong> (or an older) and the new<\/strong> (newer) one.<\/p>\n

I prefer using the worn-out brush pen to draw various textural marks. They may have a rough or dry look. Even though art supplies may have reached their optimal period of life doesn’t mean they can’t be used in creative ways.<\/p>\n

Also, the tip of the used brush pen has become softer, so I have no fear of pressing harder while drawing. This pliability ensures a smooth transition from thin to thick line quality<\/a>. As you can see in the image below, I\u2019m still able to make tiny, thin marks.<\/p>\n

The newer brush pen is great for adding the finer details. If you\u2019re barely touching the paper with the brush pen\u2019s tip, you\u2019ll create some delicate marks.<\/p>\n

The tip of the newer tool is still fresh, firm, and springy. That\u2019s why I avoid pressing too hard. For that reason, the marks made with this brush pen demonstrate a smaller variance of width.<\/p>\n

\"Marks<\/p>\n

It\u2019s always a great idea to try out your supplies beforehand. Every brush pen has a specific set of features: its size, softness, elasticity, and the character of marks. Some brush pens produce wet, juicy strokes. Others may give quite a different impression.<\/p><\/div>\n

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The better you know the possibilities and limitations of a particular tool, the easier it is to get the desired result.<\/p>\n

I recommend creating all kinds of marks on a spare piece of paper. Feel free to experiment with hatching, cross hatching, or stippling. Invent some patterns or textures that may be applied in your future projects.<\/p>\n

See also:<\/strong> Pen and Ink Drawing Techniques<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Experimenting<\/p>\n

Drawing a Swan with a Graphite Pencil<\/h2>\n

First, we should decide on the pose of our bird. It may be rather dynamic or static, depending on your idea. What kind of emotion or mood are you going to convey with your artwork? The good news is that swans look majestic in any pose and in all settings.<\/p>\n

I sketch a couple of small miniatures that help me to make a decision regarding the composition<\/a> and pose. Today I\u2019m going for a dynamic pose. My swan is stretching its beautiful wings before the flight.<\/p>\n

\"Practice<\/p>\n

With the pose and composition determined, we can create the graphite pencil underdrawing on the final surface. I start by outlining some simple shapes that indicate the position of the head and body. A long curved line shows the direction of the swan\u2019s neck.<\/p>\n

Then I add a rough shape for the wing. For now, we\u2019ll draw only the one that is closer to the viewer. The second wing will be added in the next step.<\/p>\n

\"Drawing<\/p>\n

Next, I refine the sketch by adding the details and adjusting the contour lines. I mark the rows of shorter feathers. Then I draw the longer quills that are located near the wing\u2019s edge.<\/p>\n

After the first wing is complete, I add the second one that is hidden behind. Both wings have a similar silhouette.<\/p>\n

I also mark the waves and the swan’s reflection on the water.<\/p>\n

\"Finished<\/p>\n

How to Draw a Black Swan with Brush Pens and an Ink Liner<\/h2>\n

I start the ink applications with the older brush pen<\/strong>. I mark the contours of the neck and body by making a series of brief touches at medium pressure. The plumage of a real swan is a texture that is far from being even or uniform. Feathers of various lengths create an interesting relief.<\/p>\n

The marks are very close together near the edges of the figure. I recommend avoiding any solid lines here \u2013 at least, at this stage. A swan with a continuous or wide contour line may seem unnatural.<\/p>\n

The marks made with this brush pen have a rough and spontaneous look.<\/p>\n

The light is diffused, originating somewhere behind the swan. I intensify the darker areas and the contours where appropriate, including the feathers of the farther wing.<\/p>\n

The swan\u2019s back remains light. I\u2019m barely touching the paper in the area of the bird\u2019s back.<\/p>\n

\"Adding<\/p>\n

In the image below, you\u2019ll find the samples of marks that I\u2019ve used.<\/p>\n

\"Samples<\/p>\n

Now it\u2019s time to add marks with the newer brush pen<\/strong>. I\u2019m going to add some more accurate and precise lines with this pen. The goal is to complete the main contours, including those found on the beak and feathers.<\/p>\n

The marks are following with the form of our object. I\u2019m working mostly with the thinnest part of the pen’s tip.<\/p>\n

The bird has black feathers, but it doesn\u2019t mean that we should create a solid black application. Tiny spots of white paper are acceptable and even desired. They will help us to convey the glossiness of the plumage. Remember, contrast is important in creating the illusion of texture.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll find the samples of strokes in the corner of the image.<\/p>\n

\"Adding<\/p>\n

With the 0.1 ink liner<\/strong>, I cover the swan with a layer of hatching. The lines that I use on the head, neck, and body areas may be slightly curved to accent the relief. Following the cross contour lines of an object is a great way to give your drawing more volume.<\/p>\n

See also:<\/strong> Cross Contour Lines<\/a><\/p>\n

The long quills on the wing closer to the viewer require straight lines.<\/p>\n

On the wing behind the swan, cross hatching is used.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Another goal of this step is to reduce the amount of paper that is still showing through. The form of the swan starts to make sense as we develop the range of value<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Adding<\/p>\n

At this point, I can\u2019t say that the swan is complete, but let\u2019s leave it for now and work on the environment.<\/p>\n

With a 0.1 liner<\/strong>, I add groups of horizontal hatches to the area below and near the swan. These lines are slightly curved. The alternation of lighter and darker areas creates the illusion of the water’s surface and the swan\u2019s reflection on it. As the water is moving, the reflection becomes distorted and blurred.<\/p>\n

I darken the area below the swan with additional layers of cross hatching.<\/p>\n

I won\u2019t elaborate on the water too much because it may distract the viewer\u2019s attention from the subject. Just a hint at the waves and the swan\u2019s reflection makes our drawing more believable and complete.<\/p>\n

\"Drawing<\/p>\n

Now, let\u2019s get back to the swan. With a 0.1 liner<\/strong> again, I add more hatches to mute the areas that still seem too light. I also darken the shadows, especially on the wing.<\/p>\n

As the feathering is black, we should make the ink covering dark, while leaving some white specks. Those untouched areas create the illusion of a shiny surface in accordance with the direction of light.<\/p>\n

\"Brush<\/p>\n

The drawing is complete, but I have an idea of how to enhance it. Let’s add a hint of color.<\/p>\n

I use a red pen<\/strong> to add some dots to the bird\u2019s beak, mostly on its lower part where we see shadow. This inclusion of color is subtle, yet it makes a difference and adds some interest.<\/p>\n

\"Adding<\/p>\n

Drawing a Swan with Brush Pens – Conclusion<\/h2>\n

Congratulations \u2013 we\u2019ve created a beautiful drawing!<\/p>\n

I hope that you\u2019ve enjoyed working with brush pens and playing with color. Thanks for being with me on this journey!<\/p>\n

I wish you much inspiration on your way of mastering brush pen techniques and experimenting with various art supplies. Have fun!<\/p><\/div>\n

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