Online Sketching Class Starts January 15th

I've been thinking for some time that it might be fun to do one of the online sketching courses offered by Sketch Book Skool.  http://www.sketchbookskool.com/.  Previously I had thought one could sign up any old time but it appears from their website that the next "semester" starts on January 15th and enrollment begins at 12pm EST on January 1st.  I'm planning on signing up for the "Beginning" class which seems geared to any level of experience and I especially like the work and blogs of a couple of the instructors for that one, Tommy Kane in particular.  Since winter has finally arrived, I felt this might give me some artistic inspiration and challenges without having to brave the elements until spring.  

SKETCHING ON BREAK, Linda

I'm on break now and trying to sketch everyday.  This is Ann Bolyn, while watching "The Tudors."

Sketching with Fountain Pens: Liz Steele and Goulet Pens

Sketch by Liz Steele and some of her favorite pens for sketching

Urban Sketchers correspondent, Liz Steele (Sydney, Australia) is currently doing a series on sketching with fountain pens on her blog: www.lizsteel.com/.  Her enthusiasm for sketching with pens is infectious ( I ended up buying 2 more Lamy Safari's and some new inks.)  She is not selling anything except her online sketching class called:  "Foundations" which I am guessing would be excellent for people new to urban sketching and also for those with some experience. Her series on pens started earlier this month and still has a few parts to go.  She really put alot of time into this and it is a wealth of free information. She recommends some specific pens in particular for the beginning pen sketcher.

Another place with a ton of free information on fountain pens for drawing and writing is Goulet Pens:  http://www.gouletpens.com/.  Brian, the owner, has done some great videos explaining just about anything you would want to know about fountain pens.  He keeps the videos short and it is easy to find the answer to just about any question.  Liz mentions Goulet Pens but is not in any sort of partnership with them.  Their website is easy to use and you can get a good idea of what the colors of the inks are.  They will send you small samples of the inks for a reasonable price.  I thought all their prices were reasonable and competitive.  My order from them was packaged extra carefully so nothing would break or leak in transit.  They do have some sort of partnership with Noodler's Inks but carry many other brands.  So far I have only ever used Noodler's inks but just got some "hand made" German ones from De Atramentis.  These are supposed to be "wetter" and not clog pens but I have never had a problem with Noodler's inks clogging any of my Lamy pens.

My personal favorites for sketching are Lamy Safari pens and Noodler's Lextington Grey.  It is a very dark grey and just a bit more subtle than black.  I have pretty bad arthritis in my hands but these pens are lightweight and for me the grip is very comfortable; I can write or sketch for quite awhile with a Lamy before my hand needs a break.  And they are very good value for the money.  You could pay alot more and not get a better pen.

                                                 Happy Holidays to Draw Madison!!!!!!