Pen Sketches - Expression Work

What can a pen do? What kinds of lines can it make? What kinds of pressure does it take to make different types of lines? How can lines make dimension, form or illusion? How can lines give a sense of texture? How can line work show light and shadow? How does the use of lines convey expression?

These are some of the questions I think of when looking at the two pieces below -- done today, In addition to pen, there is a bit of pencil shading that has been added to both, colored pencil used on the pupils in the left image, and white Posca Pen used to highlight the eyes in both drawings. Both pieces were done with a Muji (brand name) pen. It is my favorite because of the very small nib that I love drawing with!

Both of these pieces were drawn with the intention of capturing and conveying expression. The one on the left is intended to convey kindness while the one on the right is intended to convey exuberance and fun.

If you do pen sketches, how do you use lines to express the subject matter you're working with?

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Cay Denise

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