Drawing with Just One Color! Here's What Happens

Welcome to Draw Tip Tuesday!

When you limit your tools and color palette, does it make drawing more interesting?
 Let’s find out!

In this week’s Draw Tip Tuesday, I’m using a Sailor fountain pen with a calligraphy nib and water-soluble ink. This setup, along with a water brush, can be a perfect minimal kit for drawing on location. I’m working from a reference photo with lush greens and deep shadows, which is interesting for exploring monochrome art.

By diluting the ink with a water brush, I create ink washes, focusing on values instead of colors. This approach helps train the eye to see light and dark contrasts more clearly, which simplifies the drawing process and can make your compositions stronger. I love how this method slows me down and brings me into the moment, allowing me to see and appreciate details that would otherwise go unnoticed.

Monochrome drawing can be so freeing, especially when working with challenging subjects like greens. By limiting your palette, you can improve your drawing through light, shadow, texture, and bold shapes.

Materials used in this video: 

• Sailor DeMannen fountain pen with 55° nib angle 

• Pentel Aquash Water brush 

• Handbook Journal size A5

Your assignment for the week

Create a monochrome drawing!
Focus on contrast, shading, and texture. You might just discover that your drawing becomes more interesting when you simplify your tools.

You got this.
 Happy drawing, and I’ll see you next week!

If you enjoyed this video, give it a like and subscribe to my channel for more tips. And if you want to support my work and get more inspiration, check out my Patreon page. There’s even a 7-day free trial. https://www.patreon.com/koosjekoene