For those who may be curious, a couple of explanations. The reason for not dipping the ruling pen, and to ensure that there's no media on the outside surface of the pen, is simply so that it doesn't get on the straight edge, which will cause a mess. The reason for using a straight edge who's edge is raised off the paper is to avoid the possible disaster of the ink/paint contacting the straight edge as it goes on the paper. The capillary action that results will suck the ink/paint under the straight edge for the most horrendous splotches and generally ruin, almost irrevocably, a piece of work. Imagine having that happen on the very last line you draw, and the splotch ruin a number of nearby lines. But, note that it was normal to apply some drafting tape (low-tack masking tape) to anything that does not come with a raised edge by default. I still have a large 45 degree triangle with such tape along it's longest edge (spaced back by half an inch). Traditional mechanical drawing would mostly use India ink, which would be loaded with an eyedropper. It's a little quicker than the use of a brush, but I don't know that it would be advantageous over the use of a brush for small quantities of blended paint or ink. Wiping the pen after seems to work really well, even though it means an extra step. Cheers.
Very nice presentation. No stumbles, constant explanations, and complete cautionary information, accompanied your skillful demonstration exercises. I really enjoyed every minute and I’m a codger who has always wondered how to use those gizmos and now I know, thank you.
Thank you so much for this video. My partner bought me a lovely compass so I could play a bit with flower of life designs and sacred geometry. It came with an attachment that I had no clue what it was for. I asked my mum who used to be an architects technician many years ago and she said it was for using ink but disnt know much else. Your video haa beautifully explained it all. Im really excited to try using it now! You look very skilled. Ill have to be patient with myself when I mess up to begin with. Thanks again. 👍
Hi Lizzie - so pleased you shared your story, and am so glad you found the tutorial helpful! Excited for you to try out your new compasses and ruling pens :-)
i know im asking randomly but does anyone know of a way to log back into an instagram account? I was stupid forgot the login password. I love any tricks you can give me.
Thank you. Enjoyed that very much. I worked with technical draughting pens etc for creating cartesian graphs for scientific res. paper publications before computer draughting/graphic software became the norm.. I loved the manual draughting. So this was terrific insight.
This was very helpful. I use a ruling pen for masking fluid in my watercolor paintings. But I loved your demonstration with the rulers. That was very helpful. But I was so impressed when you used it with a compass. I can’t even use a compass with a pencil. Maybe I have a cheap one. Thank you.
This video is a life saver 💓 One of my friends suggested me this video , and I am so glad that I watched this video ✨ The way you explain things is appreciatble. Thank you for the video ❤️
Try dropping the paint into the blades: hold both pen and brush fairly upright If you don’t get any on the outside you don’t need to wipe. You can also get more in in one pass, so it’s quicker. You don’t need to clean your pen before refilling it; just add a little more between each line, otherwise the lines are progressively more faded because tha most pigment came out on the first line.
'A long time ago' I was describing exactly what is here to every stationary, art and office supply shop and and off for nearly two decades. Probably hundreds of Jeeves, Dogpile and Google searches in the mean time. It's not been an exhausting trek or anything, it's just that I once had a project using fibre fine liners for so long that I tried to describe an invention I must have already seen in my moms stationary draw as a kid. Immediately before the internet probably. 'A fine metal nib, like a fountain pen, that is designed to be used in a straight line. i.e one that doesn't wear out and can be re-filled'. I always asked "What did they use to apply ink before these then?" *Hands over Rotring*. Not a clue, but neither did I, I just had this latent memory of that ruling pen with the circular adjustment screw and what looked like a pair of tweezers. Very confusing. Thank you : )
Thanks for this great video. Very clear and well explained. I am experimenting with masking fluid, sometimes called frisket. Have you ever used it in a ruling pen? I don't want to wreck too many brushes and wonder what tool I might substitute it with instead. Any suggestions?
Hi Kevin - thanks so much, definitely try the masking fluid with the ruling pen - I haven't used it so much myself but I know a lot of people do and it should work well. Added bonus is you won't destroy your brushes!
Thank you for the excellent tutorials, a ruling pen may be what I need for something I am working on. A compass such as the one that you are using would be very useful for me also as I am working on wood which is often curved. My Jakar compass is OK (ish), but Rotring and staedtler compasses lose the radius often. Do you know the make of your compass and where you got it from please?
Glad you found it helpful. My compasses are made by a brand called Haff - sadly I don’t think they are making them anymore but you can find them on eBay. I also know a number of people who sell them on Instagram. If you would like their contacts please message me on Instagram and I can link you to them. I am @jeeamirza on Instagram
its a set by Haff or Rotring I think. I'd have to check - but search for compasses or drawing instruments from either of these names and you should find something
Hi Nix Thanks so much. I haven't really used ruling pens with bigger blades - I think they are used by calligraphers, but would love to give it a go one day!
I guess the difference is that they are simply different tools for mark making and work differently. I have used a dip pen (with a fine mapping nib) to complete outlines before so I know you can also get results this way. It all comes down to personal choice and I guess using whatever tools you have on hand!
I'm a cartoonist who's just finished his first book, but had to use marker pens for ruled lines, which clashes horribly with the dip pen work on the rest of it. Can you please tell me where I can purchase these rotring rulers with the edges?
