The essence of good pen and wash drawing is brevity
- the secret is knowing how much to put in and how much to leave out,
so that the viewer's own imagination comes into play.
Pen and wash is an extremely expressive and attractive
technique in which finely drawn lines and soft, fluid washes work
together in perfect harmony. The lines - produced with pencil or
pen - give structure and a lively emphasis to the drawing, while
diluted washes of ink or watercolour suggest form, movement and light.
The inherent fluidity of the pen and wash technique makes it ideal
for portraying lively, moving objects such as figures, animals and
flowers. Landscape artists, in particular, find it an invaluable
method of making rapid sketches of the fleeting effects of light,
or the movement of clouds. Some of Rembrandt's most beautiful drawings
were executed using this technique. |
