Draw With Confidence
This hard-line drawing shows fluidity, conviction and confidence. The artist betrays no fear of making mistakes.
Line drawings are primarily contour drawings. Here, contour refers to edges, either exterior edges or interior edges (such as those around belts, collars, eyes and other features). Hard-line drawings may be precise and formal, or fluid and casual. Pen lines may be thick or thin. Brush, stick or quill lines may vary from thick to thin as well.
Using line exclusively to create a drawing may seem limiting, but if employed creatively, you can achieve a variety of interesting and charming effects. With practice, your line-drawing ability will develop and become a very satisfying method for creating details.
Draw With Confidence
This hard-line drawing shows fluidity, conviction and confidence. The artist betrays no fear of making mistakes.
The Girl in the Hat
Fine-line marker on bristol board
14" × 9" (36cm × 23cm)
Creating Detail With Line
This pen sketch relies upon line to delineate the features and characteristics of the foliage-covered house.
South Carolina House
Fine-line technical pen on vellum
9" × 12" (23cm × 30cm)
Hold Your Pen Properly for a Better Drawing
It is important to draw in a free and comfortable fashion. Do not grip your pen tightly, using only your wrist. Instead, keep your arm involved in your drawing. Don’t draw as if you are writing; this will result in a stiff drawing devoid of feeling.