Two minute ink sketches | art to reduce anxiety, by Jillee Arts on YouTube. 55 min 36 s.
- Video length
- 55 min 36 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Pick one simple object for your first sketch, such as a flower pot, chair or teacup. Keep the shape basic so you can finish in about two minutes.
Look at your reference and sketch the main outline lightly in pencil. Mark the widest points and the base before adding any detail.
Go over the pencil lines with your fountain pen using loose, confident strokes. Do not trace slowly, and leave small gaps where lines meet.
Add a few details like the rim of the pot or the legs of the chair. Keep them minimal so the sketch stays quick and light.
Repeat the same process with a second object, such as a table or umbrella. Start a new sketch rather than fixing the first one.
Work through a few more subjects like a small plant, a barrel of flowers or a water bottle. Each one should take only a couple of minutes.
Let the ink dry fully before painting. Waterproof ink will not smudge, but wet ink will bleed into the wash.
Mix a light wash and paint over the sketch in one or two layers. Leave white paper showing for highlights and let each layer dry.
Tips and common mistakes
Use waterproof ink like Platinum Carbon so the wash does not lift or smear your lines.
Keep sketches small and timed to two minutes so you do not overwork them.
Leave gaps in the ink outline to suggest light and keep the drawing loose.
Test your paper with a wet brush first, since thin sketchbook paper can buckle.
Questions
Do I need a fountain pen for ink sketches?
No. Any pen with waterproof ink works, including a fineliner or dip pen. A fountain pen just gives more varied line width.
Can I skip the watercolor wash?
Yes. The ink sketch works on its own, and the wash is an optional second stage once the ink is dry.
How do I stop the ink from smudging when I paint?
Use waterproof ink and let it dry completely before adding water. Test a scrap of paper first if you are unsure about your ink.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
