DRAWING WITH A BALLPOINT PEN

Unlike graphite pencils, which let you erase and redraw as you please, ballpoint pens make every line count. Drawing with a ballpoint pen is a great way for artists to put their confidence and attention to detail to the test. Although this technique requires some serious practice, it can be used to make some beautiful works of art.

From choosing your perfect ballpoint pen to ink colours and stroke techniques: read our guide to learn how to master the pen, turning this classic writing tool into a drawing essential.

Simple, bold and elegant, the Caran d'Ache ballpoint pen is much more than a writing instrument: it is an artist's tool that opens up a whole world of drawing possibilities.

Drawing with a pen requires specific techniques, but it also offers unparalleled precision. By choosing a ballpoint pen, you can really go all in on the details! Since pen ink is permanent, drawing with a ballpoint pen presents an interesting challenge, and a great opportunity to work on your meticulousness and precision.

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Although they are not specifically created for drawing, ballpoint pens are suitable for a wide range of techniques, filled with ink in a variety of colours (black, blue, green, red, purple, turquoise and more). Ballpoint pens are ideal for creating long-lasting drawings with distinctive sharp lines and a unique texture.

With ballpoint pens, you can enjoy the freedom to play with different colours, supports and line styles, switching seamlessly between different techniques: from hatching to pointillism (small dots scattered sparsely or close together), right through to subtle shading.

One of the main advantages of ballpoint pens is their practicality. No need to carry your brush case, paint set or pencil box around with you! A ballpoint pen is an extremely lightweight and easy-to-carry tool, allowing artists to draw whenever the mood strikes, no matter where they are.

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Just as your choice of paper, brushes or coloured pencils can have a huge impact on your art, ballpoint pen drawings also need the right tools for the job.

Don't just pick up a pen at random! Make sure you select a pen with a high-quality ball to ensure a constant and even flow of ink. The size of the ball will also determine the thickness of your lines. Fine tips are great for details, while wider ones are good for shading.

Swiss-made Caran d'Ache ballpoint pens are set apart by their stainless steel balls and aluminium bodies. Equipped with carefully crafted mechanisms, these ballpoint pens are both elegant and robust!

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Your pen should be your drawing companion, so you need to be compatible! Caran d'Ache offers ballpoint pens to suit every artist.

From pens with fun aesthetics to modern and refined designs, with or without custom engraving, you can choose from a wide range of styles. Why not lean into a colourful and industrial vibe with the iconic 849™ ballpoint pen? Or, if you are on the hunt for an eco-friendly option, look no further than the 825 ballpoint pen in synthetic resin. Alternatively, unleash your inner art collector with one of the precious ballpoint pens from the Ecridor, Léman and Varius ranges.
 

Once you have selected your ballpoint pen, it's time to choose the ideal paper. Opt for medium- to heavy-weight paper to prevent ink from seeping through. To draw with a ballpoint pen, we recommend choosing paper weighing between 120 and 160 GSM, which should be strong enough to handle ink without any smudging or tearing. If you want thicker paper, for dense cross-hatching or heavy ink application, opt for paper with a high weight rating (over 160 GSM).

You can choose to use smooth paper (for fine, detailed lines) or slightly textured paper (for shading effects). Try to draw with a rigid support under your paper to help keep the drawing surface stable.

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● Start by sketching lightly, without applying much pressure, using a simple black ballpoint pen.

● Draw your chosen character or design, pressing a little harder to ensure that the strokes are more visible.

● Fill in specific areas with lines for a darker result. For more intense colours, apply more pressure to the pen.

● To create shadows, fill in grey areas with gentle strokes of the ballpoint pen.

● To create a sense of dimension, add more colour to areas in the shadows. Leave the areas in the light blank.

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