In this article I share about drawing shell illustrations using dip pens with permanent inks and coloring them with a special Old Holland watercolor palette that I curated.
In the video tutorial below, I demonstrate my favorite permanent ink brands as well as go into depth regarding the color choices made of the Old Holland paints.
Illustrative painting is one of my favorite creative activities and I hope you’ll try some of the tips and tricks shared in the class video.
“Orange Lion’s Paw Scallop” ink illustration and watercolor painting on watercolor paper by Tristina Dietz Elmes. At the time of writing, this original art piece is available on my Etsy Shop HERE.
Some of the things you will learn from this workshop include:
my favorite dip pen handles and nibs;
my favorite permanent inks for illustration;
how to draw by observing real shells;
tips on how to interpret what you see and converting that into a drawing;
special ink pots from Goulet Pen Co. and holder to use for dip pens;
how I curated my own Old Holland Watercolor palette;
my favorite combination of watercolors to make shadows;
and more…
“Sea Shell Collection” ink illustration and watercolor painting on watercolor paper by Tristina Dietz Elmes. At the time of writing, this original art piece is available on my Etsy Shop HERE.
Dip Pen, Ink and Shell Painting Workshop Video Replay
Below is the full video workshop of my Live painting session. The paints, surfaces and accessories used in the video are listed afterwards in this article. Enjoy! 🎨
Here are the video timeline sections if you want to jump to a particular part of the live session:
0:00:00 - Intro To Sea Shell Illustration
Also, here are the programs I mentioned during the show to edit my illustration photos:
https://www.canva.com/
https://www.photopea.com/
Feel free to ask me any follow-up questions in the comments below. Thanks for watching! 😍
Sea Shells Reference Photos
Below is a shell reference photo for you to use for this painting workshop.
Supplies List for Dip Pen & Watercolor Shell Painting Workshop
The colors I chose for my Old Holland Watercolors palette are: Burnt Sienna, S. Yellow Lemon, Indian Yellow Orange, Golden Barok Red, S. Rose Deep, Magenta, S. Red Deep, Hooker's Green Deep, Cinnabar Green Deep, S. Green Deep, Cobalt Blue Turquoise Light, S. Blue, French Ultramarine, Light Indigo
Here are links to the supplies list for the paints, permanent ink, pens and accessories shown during the video. As a Blick Affiliate and Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases for links below that lead to Amazon and Blick Art Materials.
Speedball Dip Pen and Nibs 7-Piece Set Starter Kit - https://amzn.to/4ofDtPz
Speedball Dip Pen Nibs 10-Piece Assorted Kit - https://amzn.to/4upJFWK
General Pencil Pen Nib Holder with Cork Top - https://amzn.to/4xh6UEM
Tachikawa Pen Nib Holder Wood Set of 5 - https://amzn.to/4xh19XE
Glass Dip Pen Handmade (my favorite top style) - https://amzn.to/4uY3BAQ
Richeson Bamboo Reed Dip Pens on Blick - https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-101492004-12117697?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dickblick.com%2Fproducts%2Fricheson-bamboo-reed-pens%2F
Sakura Micron Pens Permanent Ink Black Set of 8 - https://amzn.to/4eKBXCa
Pentel Pocket Brush Pen Black with 2 Permanent Ink Cartridges - https://amzn.to/4nId0Kg
Pentel Pocket Brush Pen Sepia with 2 Permanent Ink Cartridges - https://amzn.to/4dwlRtA
Pentel Pocket Brush Pen Grey with 2 Permanent Ink Cartridges - https://amzn.to/3PKA7ao
Pentel Pocket Brush Pen Sanguine with 2 Ink Cartridges on Staples - https://www.staples.com/pentel-arts-refillable-pocket-brush-pen-sanguine-ptagfkp3bpsg/product_24610897
Rohrer & Klingner Sketch Ink Lotte Black 50ml Bottle - https://amzn.to/49Ivi8n
Rohrer & Klingner Sketch Ink Set of 3 50ml Bottles - https://amzn.to/3Sr8pjO
Rohrer & Klingner Sketch Ink Individual Bottles on Jacksons: https://www.jacksonsart.com/en-us/rohrer-klinnger-sketchink-50ml
Pebeo India Ink Black 45ml Bottle - https://amzn.to/4oi9kz4
Pebeo India Ink Black 250ml Bottle - https://amzn.to/3PN7QQH
Dr PH Martin's Bombay India Ink 1/2 oz Bottles Set of 12 #2 - https://amzn.to/4uTEm2D
Goulet Pen Company Screw-off Top Empty Ink Sample Bottles Set of 10 - https://www.gouletpens.com/products/goulet-empty-ink-sample-vials
Ranger Inkssentials Mini Mister Organizer 12 slots (discontinued) - https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=mini+mister+organizer&_sacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2332490.m570.l1313
Old Holland Watercolor 6mm Tubes on Blick - https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-101492004-12117697?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dickblick.com%2Fproducts%2Fold-holland-classic-artist-watercolors%2F
Kristy Rice Empty Watercolor Travel Palette - https://amzn.to/4uSjsB3
Canson XL Watercolor Paper 140lb 9x12in 30 Sheets - https://amzn.to/4eqLcqB
Fluid Watercolor Paper 140lb 6x6in 20 Sheets - https://amzn.to/4ofNlZn
Fuumuui Sable Watercolor Brushes Set of 8 - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09SFYRMKP?ref=t_ac_view_request_product_image&campaignId=amzn1.campaign.28A5X2ZKA5OS2&linkCode=tr1&tag=dietzart-20&linkId=amzn1.campaign.28A5X2ZKA5OS2_1780290752116
Princeton Velvetouch Willow's Blender Brush 3/8" - https://amzn.to/437wrm9
Mofa Turquoise Hot Air Tool 300W - https://amzn.to/4kAae8a
Faber Castell Clic-N-Go Collapsible Water Cup Turquoise - https://amzn.to/42tTZRN
My Recommended Cloth-Like Viva Paper Towels 3 Double Rolls - https://amzn.to/3EPZhOW
🎨🎨🎨
Note that most of the list of supplies above can be found on the Blick Art Materials website and shipping is generally free for orders of $79 or more. Check them out here:
https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-101492004-12117697?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dickblick.com%2F
************************************If you would like to see other paints, mediums and art supplies that I recommend, click below to go to the Supply Links page on my website:
https://www.dietzart.gallery/supply-links
Or, check out art supply recommendations on my Amazon Storefront. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
https://www.amazon.com/shop/tristinadietzelmes
FREE Live Art Lessons Sunday Afternoons
SUNDAY afternoons I teach a FREE ART LESSON simulcast on YouTube Live and on the WhatNot auction platform followed by a giveaway and sale of my handmade artworks, gift items and some art supplies on WhatNot. You can follow the QR code appearing in the YouTube video or follow the Invite link in the video description to join me on WhatNot for some great Live Auction Art & Gifts deals.
If you're new to Whatnot, sign up with the following link and get $15 in Whatnot credit to use to shop on the platform:
https://www.whatnot.com/invite/tristi...
I hope you'll join me and the thriving Artisan community over on WhatNot soon!
“Peony Friends” acrylic gouache on agave renewable watercolor paper by Tristina Dietz Elmes. At the time of writing, this original art piece is available on my Etsy Shop HERE.
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Happy Arting! 🎉