Comparison of Seven Different Pen Types for Drawing

Introduction

• Presenter: Mark, artist and art professor
• Purpose: Compare seven pen types commonly used in pen and ink drawing, discussing properties, advantages, and disadvantages of each.

Pen Types

1. Felt Tip Liner

   • Example: Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pen
   • Features: Soft fiber tip, sizes from 0.15 mm to 5 mm, waterproof and lightfast black ink.
   • Advantages:
     • Consistent line performance in multiple directions and speeds.
     • Reliable, easy to use, and no maintenance required.
     • Good for sketching outdoors due to portability and cost.
   • Disadvantages:
     • Limited ink color range compared to fountain and dip pens.
     • No line thickness variation; less spontaneous.

2. Gel Pen

   • Example: Pentel Arts Hybrid Technica
   • Features: Fluid ink for smoother lines, available in multiple widths (2 mm to 8 mm).
   • Advantages:
     • Clean lines, seals tightly, works well on thin papers.
     • Easier pressurization control compared to felt tip liners.
   • Disadvantages:
     • Limited line variation, minor speckling issue at the start of lines.

3. Felt Tip Brush Pen

   • Example: Zebra Sensations Brush Pen
   • Features: Short, sharp tip for fine lines, disposable with waterproof ink.
   • Advantages:
     • Good line variation, easy to control.
     • Dry writing, quick-drying which avoids smearing.
   • Disadvantages:
     • Scratchy feedback, less fluid than traditional brush pens.

4. Technical Pen

   • Example: Isograph by Rohering
   • Features: Metal tip, refillable, consistent line width for precise work.
   • Advantages:
     • Sharp lines, waterproof ink, best for stippling.
     • Variety of sizes available.
   • Disadvantages:
     • Requires specific holding angle; lacks line variation.

5. Ballpoint Pen

   • Example: Bic Crystal
   • Features: Viscous ink, available in multiple colors, waterproof.
   • Advantages:
     • Good line variation, smooth feedback, versatile on different papers.
     • Pleasant to control, responsive to pressure.
   • Disadvantages:
     • Ink lightfastness and permanence are questionable; can smear.

6. Dip Pen

   • Features: Variety of nibs for different styles, can be messy and require maintenance.
   • Advantages:
     • Significant line variation, highly customizable.
     • Wide range of inks available; compatible with watercolors.
   • Disadvantages:
     • Not portable, can be messy, requires practice to master.

7. Fountain Pen

   • Example: Twisbe Eco
   • Features: Range of prices and customizability, can be fussy.
   • Advantages:
     • Great variety; comfortable ergonomics; can be tuned for preference.
     • Wide range of ink availability.
   • Disadvantages:
     • Requires maintenance, can be expensive, and has performance issues.

Conclusions

• No clear winner among pen types; choice depends on personal comfort and drawing style.
• Important considerations: line variation, ink choices, and customizability.
• Emphasis on experimentation with different pen types to find the best fit for personal drawing preferences.
• Encourage continuous practice with various materials to enhance skill and adaptability in drawing.