Learn Pitt Artist Pen® Techniques

One of the many reasons we at Faber-Castell are proud of our Pitt Artist Pen ® collection is the versatility it provides, all while delivering a high-quality result. With every line drawn in reliable and richly pigmented India ink, the result is unmatchable. Add texture, density, and more personality into your work by practicing different techniques. Whether it be hatching, compressing, or highlighting, incorporating these drawing techniques will add the perfect finishing touch to your image.

Go Beyond 66 Colors: 

As if a selection of 66 colors isn’t enough to choose from, use the compressing and mixing techniques to add further depth and variation to your artwork. The technique of compressing is best to use when looking to enrich the shade of the color you are using. You can do so by repeatedly layering lines of the same color until the color is at your desired depth. Mixing your colors is another way to expand your color selection. Pitt Artist Pens are water-based, giving you the ability to mix with other colors to create beautiful blends of bright shades. 

Modify the Medium with a Little Water: 

The Pitt Artist Pen exceeds the traditional expectations of an ink pen. The versatility allows artists to use it as if it is another medium; watercolor. Using India ink on damp paper will create a watercolor effect. Once the color has dried, it is waterproof, permanent, and recoatable. This dissolving technique allows for overlayering; the process of further layering a Pitt Artist Pen or other media over the dried watercolor to create further depth, definition and emotion.

Add Density with Hatching: 

Working with Pitt Artist Pens can go further than simply designing smooth lines. Add density and variety to your work utilizing the technique of hatching. There are three different types of hatching techniques: parallel hatching, cross-hatching, and contoured hatching. Parallel hatching consists of drawing lines close to each other at the same angle. Adding parallel hatching to your work will add an extra tone to the object being applied. Cross-hatching is quite the opposite. Apply layers of hatching at different angles. This technique will give your artwork the illusion of depth. To achieve adding shapely detail, utilize contoured hatching. Contoured hatching will highlight the character of the shape by following the outline of the object.

Create Personality with Pointillism and Highlights: 

Hatching isn’t the only way to add extra detail to your artwork. Utilize pointillism and highlighting. Pointillism is the technique of applying various dots to your work; adding personality and depth to the image. Apply a few dots to add a hint of definition to your image or add hundreds to deepen your detail. This technique can be best achieved with the 1.5mm or 2.5 mm bullet nibs.

Add an illusion of light to your artwork by adding highlights to the image. Envision where light would cast on the object you are drawing and highlight accordingly. Our unique white Pitt Artist Pen adds a realistic touch with this technique.

Artists of all genres and styles are drawn to the Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pen because of its expressive quality, permanence, and ability to be combined with many other techniques. With the right tool and the right techniques, you have the power to bring your creative visions to life. The Pitt Artist Pen is that tool.

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