![]() You have to admit that a dip pen is great for abstract lines and curves! Flowy alphabets with a beautiful contrast abounded, and I wanted to know how to do that myself! This shows one of my first attempts with a dip pen, which I created in a sketchbook. At that time, it seemed to be best suited to making squiggles because it was tough to write letters with! Fast forward a few years, though, and I saw other people using these mysterious instruments to create modern calligraphy. There is no steadfast rule on how often to dip your pen into the ink…but the more you use the pen the more you’ll get an idea for when it’s time to refuel.I first picked up a dip pen in 2005. I have also heard that rubbing alcohol can be used – again, never tried it, so don’t have personal experience to say how it works or if it is good for long term use. Paper towels or baby wipes also work, but sometimes they leave strands of fabric on the pen and so you have to be careful when using them sometimes. They make nib cleaner – I have never tried it, I just dip in water and then wipe with a soft fabric rag. I find dipping the pen in warm water periodically while writing helps prevent the nib from clogging. Pressing too hard could possibly bend or damage the nib! You’ll find you don’t need to press very hard to get ink to flow from the nib. If that should happen though, don’t panic! You can often quickly blot off with a baby wipe, or wait to dry and then paint over a few times. Use care when going up/down – you’ll find you need to turn the pen making up strokes…that will help prevent the nib accidentally tearing paper.ĭon’t go all the way to the bottom of the inkwell, and be sure to let the ink drip off so it doesn’t accidentally leave huge drops of ink on your page or canvas! Going down you might press a little harder, going up you don’t need to apply as much pressure typically. There are basically downstrokes and upstrokes – each one takes a little different pen pressure.Ĭircles and Swirls take a little more practice, and you’ll find that you need to start from the top or bottom of the circle and do half at a time. While I’m sure someone out there has a “right way” to hold a dip pen – I think the more important thing is that you’re comfortable and have control – so hold it in a way that feels right to you. Make vertical lines, horizontal lines, diagonal lines – this will help you get an idea of how to comfortably hold the pen and help you start controlling it better. ![]() The first place to start is just by making lines. I try to work in little sections at a time, so I don’t accidentally put my hand or wrist into the ink. If you’re left handed, just do the opposite if you can. This helps you prevent smearing your writing or doodling. I always start at the top left of my paper and work to the right, then moving down the page or canvas…at least that’s what I try to do! Work from Top Left to Bottom Right if Right-Handed – Top Right to Bottom Left if left handed! So this will take some practice, but you kind of need to plan what direction you want to go in before the ink even touches the paper! Tips for Working With Dip Pens in Your Art Now it’s one of my go-to pens when I create, and even though my handwriting is not great and it’s a messy experience It seemed like one more thing to buy and try and I thought I would never use it again. Now, when I was first introduced to the idea of using a dip pen…I was very skeptical. This post will share some tips for how to use dip calligraphy pens and ink in your art journal. Today I thought I’d share some tips on using them and getting started so you too can try it out if you’d like! As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you make a purchase.
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