Diversify Drawing Tools

 

Isn't variety the spice of life that gives all its flavor? Drawing doesn't have to be all about pencils. Any tool that makes marks is possible for drawing in such a way that is unique to express shapes, colors, and textures. Remember, even the simplest tools can produce complex and interesting results, empowering you to create masterpieces.

'Freedom Parade': Drawing in Sketchbook

Drawing Tools in order of the photo above:

Blue Click Inc pen,

Graphite 3B Prang, 

Pink Transfer Pencil, 

Red Vogart Pencil Crayon,  

Blue 13 Prang Pencil Crayon, 

Gold Metallic Sharpie Permanent Marker, 

Black Sharpie Pen, 

Black Chisel Tip Liqui-Mark Permanent Marker.

'Freedom Parade': Abstract Drawing 9" x 12" sketchbook

'Freedom Parade' was created with 8 types of mark-making tools. You may have heard of a limited palette when painting to create a cohesive image using a similar mix of colors throughout the painting. The same theory can be applied to drawing using a variety of mark-making tools. Still, only a few choices are explored to see how far they can express the drawing in a creative and interesting composition.

'Love 2 Be There': Collage Drawing in Sketchbook

Drawing Tools in order of the above photo:

Blue 13 Prang Pencil Crayon,

Pink Transfer Pencil, 

Black Sharpie extra-fine point,

Gold Metallic Sharpie Permanent Marker, 

Exacto Blade cutter,

Orange Sharpie Highlighter,

Pink Sharpie Highlighter,

Scotch Quick-Drying Glue,

Flower Order Catalog.

'Love 2 Be There': Abstract Collage Drawing in 9"x 12" Sketchbook

.

'Love 2 Be There' was first started with one page in the sketchbook, with spontaneous drawing marks randomly covered all over with the intention to cut the page into shapes, mixing in with cut-out flowers from a magazine, to be glued to a fresh sketchbook page for an abstract collage drawing.

'Matisse's Odalisque 1922': 

Sparkle Pen Drawing in Sketchbook

Drawing Tools in order of the above photo:

Sparkle Pen Kit from Staples,

Yellow Ochre 383 Pencil Crayon Faber-Castell,

Red Vogart Pencil Crayon.

'Matisse's Odalisque' is my version of a 1922 painting. Henry Matisse (1869-1954) never stopped pushing the boundaries of what art can be. Despite the negative rants from his peers and even a loss in his income, he persevered, constantly experimenting with a variety of methods and materials throughout his life. He gives me permission to just go for it. In a sketchbook, I can experiment with ideas, and those ideas spark creative possibilities.

'Matisse's Odalisque 1922':  9"x 12" Sketchbook

One of my long-time favorite subjects for drawing and painting is the 'NUDE'. I find the human form to be a fascinating and challenging subject, and I often revisit my life drawings to create new compositions.  Stored away in large plastic containers are rolled-up life drawings that occasionally come back to life in a new composition. Read more about the muse of drawing from professional nudes & see my life drawings here...

'Stroll the Garden Gallery': Abstract Drawing in Sketchbook

Drawing Tools in order of the above photo:

Black EnerGel 0,7mm ball metal point,

White Uni-Ball Signo Broad,

Yellow Ochre 383 Faber-Castell Pencil Crayon,

Pink Transfer Pencil,

Red Vogart Pencil Crayon,

Blue 13 Prang Pencil Crayon,

Royal Blue 560 Berol Canadiana Pencil Crayon,

Bronze Metallic Sharpie Permanent Marker,

Gold Metallic Sharpie Permanent Marker.

'Stroll the Garden Gallery': Abstract Drawing in 9"x 12" Sketchbook.

Sometimes a drawing says it wants to go into a painting, and this is one of the drawings that is begging me to GO BIG. It would be fun to paint... on the to-do list it goes.

Close-up Detail of 'Stroll the Garden Gallery'

'Stroll the Garden Gallery' offered a fascinating surprise with the Pink Transfer pencil on the paper, as it was activated by the White Uni-Ball Signo broad pen when making stippling marks on top, which created a pinkish hue. The white pen also gave a slight thickness to the marks. I think this white pen might do the same kind of activation as watercolor pencils. My Pink Transfer pencil is typically used for marking fabric in sewing, but it now resides in the old coffee tin, where I store all the other rescue pens and pencils I find while walking through parking lots and streets, especially around schools.

'Struggle for Simplicity': Abstract Drawing in Sketchbook

Drawing Tools in order of the above photo:

Black Sharpie Permanent Marker running out of ink for the grey shade,

Gold Metallic Sharpie Permanent Marker,

Bronze Metallic Sharpie Permanent Marker,

Silver Metallic Sharpie Permanent Marker,

HB Pencil,

Red Vogart Pencil Crayon.

Struggle For Simplicity: Abstract Drawing in Sketchbook 9" X 12"

'Struggle for Simplicity ' is always a nagging theme in my life. I believe in the wisdom of 'keep-it-simple-stupid', also known as K.I.S.S. This advice is applicable whether one is an artist or just trying to enjoy life with what one has access to. In my art, I often find myself striving for simplicity, trying to convey complex ideas or emotions with the fewest possible elements. 

It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child. – Pablo Picasso. Embrace your inner child and the carefree spirit of artistic exploration. Let go of inhibitions and create art that truly reflects your unique perspective.

Look around the house for a collection of possible mark-making tools that you usually don't use and take them out for a creative spin in your sketchbook! Embrace the joy of experimentation and let your creativity run wild.

Minaz