I tend to draw with a pen more often than a pencil these days, as I like the graphic look of pen drawings. A pen also makes it easier to draw fine directional lines and patterns when I decide to include some abstraction. With no way of erasing lines, a pen obliges one to concentrate better on observing correctly and to be confident with one’s sketches! And, of course, pens don’t need need to be kept sharp, which means less faff when drawing out on location, trying to keep warm!

I’ve started to experiment with coloured gel pens; building up tones by layering different colours. Unlike painting, it’s quite difficult to “overwork” a pen drawing because part of their appeal is the amount of fine detail and the way an artist can create subtly different tones with delicate hatching.