Time: 1 hour, four sessions, over several weeks.
Program Type: Arts and Crafts
Ages: 11 and up
Despite the many advances in printing technology, the technique of pen and ink is still embraced by a majority of fine and commercial artists. There are many differences between creating a masterpiece for a museum and whipping out a cartoon on deadline, but both of these activities have even more similarities and origins.
Pen and Ink Basics is a four session class that will take you through the basics of inking technique using modern tools, including several different pens and the brush pen. Have no fear, no inkwells to spill here.
No experience required. If you can write your name, you can take this class. Even if you can’t spell your name correctly. 
During the class, you will find out if your more the “artistic” type of inker, or the “craftsperson” type of inker.
Part One: Getting Familiar with inking pens. You will get a brief introduction to your pens, paper, etc. and then do a series of exercises that will allow you to experiment with different techniques, to find the ones you like best. No all ink work is cartooning or commercial. Some of the finest art has been created with ink. Students will be shown the differences and similarities between commercial and fine art inking via example. At this point, each student will be introduced to several choices for their final project.
Part Two: Now that you’ve had some time to practice, everyone will work on a small project that will allow them to get a better feel for the pens, and experiment with different techniques. Discussion of “how to” continues, with subjects, such as “how do I cover a mistake” and “how to get the most out of your experience”.
Part Three: The final project. This week, students will start on their final project, which, when completed, will showcase their technique in a completed drawing. Some homework will be required to finish the project, but the instructor will be available (via email or phone) to answer questions.
Part Four: Projects are completed. Now what? We’ll cover the basics of DIY matting and framing, putting your artwork online, and other tips to continue your experience in pen and ink.
Each student will receive a set of pens, a pad of bristol illustration paper, and other inking tools that they can keep for use on their own projects. There is an equipment fee of 20 dollars, which will be well spent on supplies. The instructor is nothing if not frugal, which you will also learn during the class.
Artist Mike Leuszler (caricaturist, cartoonist, illustrator, and fine artist) will conduct the class. See MikeTheArtGuy.com to find out more about the instructor.