Ballpoint pens are fun to use, but blending them can be intimidating. They do not act like other popular mediums, so common methods of smudging or using solvents won’t work. Instead, you need to follow these basic steps to achieve that expert ballpoint blend.
This should get you started, and some basic tips can help if you are still having issues. Keep reading so you can become a master blender in no time.
Understand Basic Hatching Techniques
Ballpoint pens blend best when you use hatching. By layering strokes, you can add depth, but layering strokes of different colors blends the colors, similar to how a printer functions. By understanding how basic hatching techniques work you can learn how to blend both value and colors, all without relying on pigments fraternizing.
Hatching
Hatching is the basic technique that you see used in sketching. It involves drawing short, parallel strokes to construct the tone of the area. With hatching, it is important to understand that the space between the lines is what defines the level of darkness. You do not need to be perfect at distancing lines, but maintaining a general distance should help you reach your desired depth. Work on transitioning between different tones in one color before throwing other colors into the mix. Creating a shading scale is a fantastic way to do this.
Cross-Hatching
Cross-hatching functions the same way, but you also have lines that intersect with your initial lines. This creates much more depth. Utilize cross-hatching in areas of shadow or to increase the contrast between two shades.
Learn more about cross-hatching HERE.
Contour Shading
Contour shading is hatching that is used along a curve. Instead of using straight or diagonal lines, you will usually use curved lines, but any can be used to blend and shade. Make sure the lines do the work of directing the flow. Try to create the path that liquid would follow if it were poured on the object.
Cross-Contour Shading
When you need to add more depth to contour shading you go in and cross the existing lines. These can overlap, and they can increase the presence of shadows along a curved edge. Cross-contour shading takes no more effort than cross-hatching, though it is a great idea to test it out in sketches before assuming you have it covered.
Sketch or Attempt Blends with Pencil First
Starting with a pencil sketch gives you more room to refine your work. A pencil is easy to cover up, and you can also erase it much more easily than a pen. If you make a mistake it is less permanent. A pencil is also a great way to test out any color blends you intend to make using a pen, especially if you are more familiar with this medium. You should always follow up with a pen, but working with something familiar can overcome any creative blocks you might run into. It is easier to dissect color blends in pencil than it is in pen, especially towards the end, so this can also be great reference material for your work.
Add in Warmer Colors First
Start with warmer, brighter colors. These are also more forgiving than most darker, cooler shades, so you can get away with more in the early stages. These colors tend to be less overwhelming, so you can hatch more together to create a base layer. Make sure you are blending as you fill in the base; it is still rarely one color or shade. Depth is not a major player at this point, but keep it in mind. If you fill up an area with too much brightness it can make it more difficult to add depth later on.
Throw in Darker, Cooler Shades
Once your base is established it is time to add in those darker, cooler shades. Work slowly to make sure you are not overwhelming a specific area with too much. Be prepared to go back and forth. It might be a good idea to practice outside of the piece, especially if you are still mastering blending. Switching colors up is normal, but after a certain point, the paper will begin to resist new strokes. If you feel the need to take a breather then step away from the work. When you come back you can look at it with new eyes and determine what needs attention.
Define Remaining Depth
Look for areas that are lacking depth. This can be easy to overlook when you are in the middle of the piece because you will want to avoid overworking shadows, but there comes a point when those shadows must be addressed. The variation between colors and shades should be enough to bring life to your image. Make sure your hatching covers as much of the space on the page as is needed, and add in extra strokes anywhere you see too much white.
Refine Details
Once you are done hatching you need to go back and make sure any details of the piece are still intact. While blending is important, keeping linework stable is what defines the piece. At the very least you should run over these lines one last time. Details usually sit on top of any shading, but it is your call to make with your work. Do enough to avoid confusion about what you are trying to accomplish.
Additional Tips
- Practice with larger pieces first. When you have more areas to work you can find more opportunities for transitioning. There is less pressure to cram in tiny hash marks.
- Try out different types of paper. Rougher paper is generally preferred for sketching while smoother paper provides a sleeker final product. What is important is that the paper helps to convey your intended message.
- Start soft and gentle. Starting with warm colors was already mentioned, but starting by brushing the pen tip on the page is just as essential. Softer strokes are easier to blend because they do not take up too much tooth and they let other colors in easier.
- Look to black and white images for reference. When in doubt, black-and-white images do a fantastic job of helping you realize value. Value is a key component of blending with ballpoint pens, so those monochromatic variations will help you zero in on any changes you need to make.
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