Pen And Ink Drawing Techniques *easy! (plus Winners!)

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Getting Started: Pen and Ink Drawing Techniques *easy!

by Sandy Allnock | Oct 10, 2021 | Fine Art & Sketching | 19 comments

Since it’s Inktober as I’m writing this….it’s maybe time to address how easy pen and ink drawing can be! The project today doesn’t require any fancy drawing skills or equipment – just a pen (even a ballpoint or sharpie!) that you already have, and a piece of paper!

Video: Pen & Ink Drawing Techniques

Watch the video below or click HERE to see it on YT.

The 9 (36!) techniques chart

From 8 basic techniques, applied in four ways each, I made a chart full of great ideas for textures for drawings. I use these basic 9/variations of them, on a lot of my drawings, so they’re tried and true loves.

Download the chart for FREE

Get my chart along with a blank practice sheet from my teaching site by clicking HERE.

I turned my drawing into a slimline Christmas card, but you can also make it a frame-able size and give it as a Christmas gift – how nice would that be?

Sample drawings

Can you see different techniques used in these sketches?

Some product may be provided by manufacturers for review and use. Compensated affiliate links are here at no cost to you. I appreciate your support of my work with your purchases! Full affiliate and product disclosure | My trusted partners in art

TWSBI Eco Fountain Pen
Hahnemule Lettering Pads

19 Comments

Ellie on June 18, 2025 at 12:40 pm
Hey Sandy. I am new to pen and ink drawing and came across your video. What is the best type of paper to use for pen and ink drawings if I am looking for something high-quality / professional?
Reply
- Sandy Allnock on June 18, 2025 at 3:44 pm
  Hi Ellie! Some of my favorites that don’t bleed would be Hahnemule’s Lettering pads ( https://amzn.to/4efeJk5 ) which are a thin paper, or if you want something really professional get some good quality smooth illustration board. Hope that helps!
  Reply
Helen Budzik on April 5, 2025 at 4:36 pm
What a useful video! I’ve done Zentangle so I appreciated your samples of how to use what you demonstrated in your series of 9. I’ll be trying some of these in my daily sketch. Thanks!
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George Welch on March 22, 2025 at 3:37 am
Hi Sandy,

Saw some of your YouTube videos which linked here. I did pen+ink many years ago and your and other videos have rekindled my interest. I used to do mostly pointillism with a stippling technique.

Your Techniques Chart brings up a question I’ve always had – how do you decide which technique to use in a particular section of a drawing?

Appreciate your thoughts.

George
Reply
- Sandy Allnock on March 22, 2025 at 7:20 am
  Good question! Often it’s just what I feel like for a particular drawing. Or its a technique that has a similar texture to what I’m drawing. But I don’t use them all together very often because that makes a drawing look pretty messy to me.
  Reply
  - George on March 22, 2025 at 12:46 pm
    Thanks Sandy – I really appreciate it.
    Reply
Ginny on October 25, 2024 at 12:31 pm
I’ve loved finding your blog and you tube videos. So inspiring. I am a CZT and you mention you’re doing inktober but I can find it!
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- Sandy Allnock on October 25, 2024 at 12:50 pm
  So glad you’re liking what you see! I’ve been posting them on my daily sketches page here: https://sandyallnockfineart.com/sketches/
  Reply
Deb on April 30, 2024 at 12:17 pm
Ooooh, I’ve never considered the scribble texture for coloring in pieces of art! Thanks so much for these amazing ideas and examples! ❤️
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Helena Maria on January 19, 2023 at 5:15 am
Your drawings are lovely. Do you draw them first in pencil or just start right off with the pen?
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- Sandy Allnock on January 19, 2023 at 7:52 am
  Sometimes I sketch some layout elements or something that needs to be in proper perspective, other times I just go for it 🙂
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Pat J on November 15, 2021 at 3:59 pm
Thanks for sharing this tutorial. I love the black and red card, so I did a version of your pen and ink techniques in my art journal to practice. Then made a mini slimline card similar to yours. I love the modern, yet handcrafted look. Many thanks!!
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- Sandy Allnock on November 15, 2021 at 5:29 pm
  Awesome!
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Linnea Sundstrom on October 11, 2021 at 10:00 am
This looks like a great exercise in clearing the mind, relaxing – LUV it! Thanks Sandy!!
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Gab on October 10, 2021 at 7:57 pm
Congrats to the lucky winners.

There is something magical about these seemingly simple pen strokes!
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Deborah Cooper on October 10, 2021 at 9:04 am
Congratulations to the winners!

I love the technique!
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Nina on October 10, 2021 at 6:56 am
Wow! Those do seem like easy ways to add so much texture! I’ll have to give it a try. I’m sorry about the giveaways. Another blogger I follow (non-crafting) gave up on them because of poor response. Thanks for all you do, Sandy!
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Dee Earnshaw on October 10, 2021 at 6:47 am
awesome technique – YOU have so much patience, Sandy 🙂 Congrats to the lucky winners:)
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Terry Nasca on October 10, 2021 at 6:29 am
You are so talented and creative!
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