Peacock pens

Yes I know, the watercolour sketching is a bit behind what I initially had in mind, but don’t worry, I am working on this a lot. The reason is that I’m currently having so much fun sketching portraits with a fountain pen. This is the way for me to keep my drawing skills sharp. Drawing portraits requires a lot of energy because you are constantly focused and coordination between eye and hand requires a lot of practice.

The reason why I use a fountain pen when the use of pencil and eraser may seem more obvious? As a real beginner, it might be advisable to practice with pencil. Mistakes can be easily erased. This is different with a fountain pen. You have to think carefully about how you sketch because mistakes are always mistakes. Let’s just say that there is little margin to correct. But I am convinced that this speeds up the learning process. And of course, practice does not make me perfect, it makes me better.

Last year I took on the challenge to draw 1000 portraits but I didn’t succeed and I have no reason to look for an excuse. I just have to accept that not everything always works out in life. But… In 2024 I have started well and I want to take on the challenge again yes!

At the time of writing this post, I already have 57 portraits on the counter. If my math calculation is correct, this means that I have to draw 2.73 portraits per day (365/1000). So actually I had to have about 50 today, so I’m doing well. From time to time I will post an overview of my sketches with a small state of affairs. If you are also working on a similar crazy challenge, let me know, it’s always nice to encourage each other. Happy fountain pen drawings!