Online Course: Birds in Ballpoint on Antique Paper

FOR SKETCHBOOK REVIVAL BINGE FEST: PUT THIS COURSE IN YOUR CART. AT CHECKOUT, YOU WILL BE ASKED FOR THE COUPON CODE AND YOUR COST WILL DROP TO $0.00. YOU WILL RECEIVE THE COURSE LINK AND PASSWORDS VIA EMAIL WITHIN 24 HOURS.

Artists around the world are discovering this unexpectedly beautiful drawing tool: a simple disposable ballpoint pen can create rich textures and soft, subtle shading with a look that resembles vintage illustration.

In this mini course, we'll learn ballpoint drawing basics (including how to tint your work with colored pencil) and then polish those skills with short practice exercises. The practice lesson includes a session on drawing leaves and bark, so your birds will have places to perch!

Next, with step-by-step guidance, we'll create three finished bird drawings on antique paper backgrounds. I will provide a collection of high-resolution scans of antique papers and letters so you can print your favorites directly from the course website.

This course is hosted on a private, password-protected site and your access will never expire. No extra art supplies required! Here is your tiny supply list:

1. Any BIC plain stick pen (no clicker, just a cheap plastic disposable) will work well. There are lots of different handle styles (BIC Crystal is clear for example) but the ink and tip are the same. BLACK ink.

2. A click pen. Any inexpensive ballpoint with a clicker button that retracts the point. Many of mine are free pens handed out by businesses. BLACK ink.

3. 2B drawing pencil

4. Kneaded eraser

5. Several sheets of plain white copy paper

6. 4 sheets of white cardstock

7. A small set of colored pencils, any brand. I use Prismacolors in the videos. Be sure you have the following colors: a primary blue (such as True Blue in Prismacolor), a rusty reddish brown (Burnt Sienna, Sienna Brown, Terra Cotta, etc.) and white. The other colors can be any shade.

8. You will need access to a printer, to print the antique backgrounds on your cardstock.