Course Offerings

Explore the timeless beauty of black-and-white art through the expressive medium of pen and ink. In a supportive and relaxing environment, students will learn foundational techniques such as line work, shading, stippling and crosshatching. With expert guidance, you build skills step by step, whether you're picking up a pen for the first time or looking to refresh your artistic practice. Discover how simple tools can create striking, detailed images as your confidence and creativity grow.

Course Objectives

By the end of class, students will be able to identify, describe and handle basic tools and materials used in pen and ink drawing.

By the end of class, students will be able to apply a variety of techniques to plan and execute a complete pen-and-ink drawing.

Outline of Instruction

Introduction to Pen and Ink Drawing
Overview of pen and ink as an artform
Types of pens: dip pens, technical pens, brush pens
Paper types and their effects on ink
Basic care and handling of tools
Warm-up exercises: simple lines, curves and shapes

Basic Techniques - Line and Contour
Line quality: thick vs. thin, light vs. heavy
Contour drawing: blind contour, continuous line
Cross-contour lines for form
Gesture drawing with pen
Hatching and cross-hatching basics
Transfer an image in preparation for first composition

Basic Techniques - Texture and Shading
Hatching, cross-hatching, stippling and scribbling
Creating value scales with each technique
Simulating textures: wood, metal, fabric, stone
Light source and shadow basics

Composition and Negative Space
Elements of composition: balance, focal point, movement
Framing and cropping
Using negative space to define form
Thumbnail sketches and planning a drawing
Combining techniques in a finished piece

Contact Hours

16

CEUs

No

Industry Standard, State or National Certification

Certification

None

Website

None

Certification Learning Outcomes/Requirements

CE or CU Articulation

No

Prerequisites

N/A

Learning Supplies Needed

2 15" x 20" sheets of Hot Press Illustration Board (If possible, have them cut into 8" x 10" sheets.)
1 set of 3 micron pens: (1) 01 (2) 03 (3) 05
Pencil, soft lead either 2b or 3b, and 1 6H pencil (hard lead)
1 kneaded eraser
Small to medium-sized clear plastic triangle (useful but not required)
French curves assortment (circle or ellipse are useful but not required)
Roll of regular or blue masking tape
A small desk lamp (battery or plug-in) is ideal
Small 8" x 10" pad of tracing paper

Clinical Site/Special Facilities

N/A

Requirements for Successful Completion

80% attendance

Accreditation/Special Approval Requirements

N/A

Intended Audience

This class is designed for beginners but is also a good review for those with more experience.

Specific Industry or Business Support Needs

N/A

Wake County Need for Industry Positions

N/A

Industry or Job Titles Related to Training Outcomes for Employment

Related Courses

Course Contact Information

Community & Career Education Staff
919-532-5700
[email protected]