In this article I share about sketching and illustration techniques using my favorite permanent ink pens and fountain pens with both dye and pigment inks.
In the video tutorial below, I demonstrate my favorite ink brands and introduce Derwent Inktense paint in pans.
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.
“Fred the Octopus” ink and Inktense illustration on Crescent Drawing Panel 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 grab and go permanent ink pens;
my favorite permanent pigment inks for illustration;
a new discovery of beautiful dye based inks made in Tampa, Florida;
the differences between pigment and dye based inks;
introduce some of my favorite fountain pens;
how to apply and fill an ink converter for a fountain pen;
introduce different papers and panels ideal for illustrations;
how to use water and watercolors with ink illustrations;
and more…
Practice ink illustrations on Bristol paper by Tristina Dietz Elmes from the book introduced during the workshop.
Sketchy Pen Illustrations Workshop Video Replay
Below is the full video workshop of my Live painting session. The inks, pens, 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 Supplies for Pen & Ink Sketch Illustrations
Here is the website where I found the royalty free octopus images for the workshop:
https://unsplash.com/
Here is the website for Atlas Stationers in Chicago that carry lots of fountain pens and inks:
https://www.atlasstationers.com/
Feel free to ask me any follow-up questions in the comments below. Thanks for watching! 😍
Supplies List for Sketchy Pen Illustrations Workshop
Here are links to the supplies list for the 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.
- Book: 15 Minute Art: Pen & Ink by Anna Tromop, Paperback, 2025 - https://amzn.to/4hKQTSq
📗📘📙Micron Pen Sets on Amazon - https://amzn.to/4gaMBCE
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
Sailor Fude de Mannen Fountain Pen 55 Degree Angle - https://amzn.to/4xbYiPq
Sailor Tuzu Glassy Fountain Pen on Atlas Stationers - https://www.atlasstationers.com/products/sailor-tuzu-glassy-fountain-pen-crystal-white-limited-edition
Sailor Ink Converter - https://amzn.to/4xRxxzI
Derwent Inktense Pan Set of 12 No 2 and Others - https://amzn.to/4xZgHPx
Artify 6-Brush Travel Set - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GHJ3SKGT?ref=t_ac_view_request_product_image&campaignId=amzn1.campaign.2T3QVBBOTFIWC&linkCode=tr1&tag=dietzart-20&linkId=amzn1.campaign.2T3QVBBOTFIWC_1787537922988
Canson XL Bristol Paper 9x12in 25 Sheets - https://amzn.to/4gO3qU7
Winsor & Newton Watercolor Spiral Bound Pad 100% Cotton 140lb 5x7in 15 Sheets - https://amzn.to/3Sqseby
CuppaClip Watercolor Lay-Flat Travel Journal Book 5.8x3.7in - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKH5WPYD?ref=t_ac_view_request_product_image&campaignId=amzn1.campaign.2JFDJHBD957E1&linkCode=tr1&tag=dietzart-20&linkId=amzn1.campaign.2JFDJHBD957E1_1787538218485
CuppaClip Accordion Watercolor Sketchbook - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GYDQ71RL?ref=t_ac_view_request_product_image&campaignId=amzn1.campaign.2F71E9F9X91UX&linkCode=tr1&tag=dietzart-20&linkId=amzn1.campaign.2F71E9F9X91UX_1787538320203
Crescent Art & Illustration Drawing Boards 8x10in Set of 3 - https://amzn.to/4hM1iNJ
Da Vinci Aqua Pro Panel Various Sizes - https://amzn.to/4yiD1nB
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!
Ink illustration practice on Bristol paper by Tristina Dietz Elmes.
Where to Find My Links
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Check out my exclusive art auctions and purchase my artworks on eBay here: 🎨
https://www.ebay.com/str/tristinadietzartst
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https://ko-fi.com/tristinadietzart
Happy Arting! 🎉