“Lennie’s Garden, Blue Hill, Me.” by Evy Okerstrom, 9″ x 12″, Watercolor, Pen & Ink, for sale, contact me if interested.

Thanks for joining me for the August Art News!  Have you ever wondered how a pen and ink plus watercolor can change a sheet of paper into a piece of art?  In July, I made a video to show the “process” of how I create a pen and ink drawing with watercolor. I wanted to share the steps with you. Note: this is a picture from my 2022 Maine trip.

Let’s start with the tools. Pens: There are a lot of different pens for drawing. I use a black water resistant style. The Uniball Eye Series and Sukura Micron pens work well.  Paper: 140 lb cold press watercolor paper with a smooth finish is good for pen and ink as well as watercolor. Watercolor: Pans or tubes work well.

Sketch with a pencil and then a pen: Use a light #2 pencil to sketch your picture. This allows you to plan out your picture. Once you have that done, use your pen to trace over the pencil lines. When the ink has dried, you can add texture and pattern by using the pen’s various marks. For example cross hatching or stippling, etc. Then when the ink is dry, erase the pencil lines.

Watercolor:  Add some color to make your picture pop! The use of color can make the black and white drawing come alive. Just make sure you are using a water resistant pen.

The Conclusion:

1. the process does not take a long time to create a picture.
2. Materials are easy to use.
3. Combine drawing with paint.
4. Lets you explore colors with paint.
5. Have fun, and keep drawing and painting!

My weekly classes at Trinity Lutheran Church continue on Wednesday afternoons, 1 pm to 4 pm. The Hub on Canal classes resume in September. Time: Thursday from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm. September class dates: 7, no class on the 14th, 21 and 28. October class dates are 5th, 12, 19, & 26. The name of the class is Sketching with Watercolor, Pen & Ink. The fee per class is $25. A supply list is available. If you have questions email me at eokerstrom22@gmail.com.

My Thought of the Day:  The Studio at Elite Feet, Nail & Hair salon in Port Orange: This is the sign on the wall. Each employee expressed how they felt about themselves!  You can feel it from the excellent service they provide.

The Studio at Elite Feet, Port Orange, FL 

To view my artwork please visit the Gallery. Visit Gallery