Why do I draw with a Calligraphy pen?

The thing most people are surprised about my work is that I draw with a calligraphy pen.

When people see my drawings for the first time, they ask what I draw with and most presume it’s a standard ink drawing pen. To be honest it’s a fair comment, as most monochrome artists do but when you take a closer look, you’ll see the difference….

Close up of Benedict Badger & Calligraphy pens

You see, the difference is all in the nib. A traditional calligraphy pen has removable nibs that all behave in different ways depending on what you’re writing or drawing or the style you want to achieve. There are so many to choose from and I have used a few different types depending on the subject. In general, I use a very small specialist drawing nib because it achieves the super fine strokes, I need to achieve the appearance of fur and feather.

But what makes the difference, for me, between a drawing pen and a calligraphy pen is the beautiful fluidity that comes from free-flowing ink.

After you’ve loaded your pen with ink (I use a beautifully intense Japanese ink) you’re ready to see what this simple tool can do that sets it apart.

Close up of Rhiannon Wren Print

Putting pressure on the nib and pressing down onto the paper with your first stroke, the ink is released from the vent and flows out onto the page. Your movement needs to be controlled and consistent whether that be slow and fluid or short and staccato. Increase the pressure to get a thicker more intense line, reduce the pressure to get thinner more delicate lines. This means you can achieve a think and think line in one constant movement, perfect to replicate the nature of a fine hair or feather

Framed Horace Hedgehog

All my artworks are printed on subtlety textured FSC accredited paper to help accentuate and replicate the surface of the original paper I draw on. I only work with UK printers who produce the finest Giclee quality prints.

To see the Art collection, click here