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Pen & Ink Drawing: A Simple Guide
Pen & Ink Drawing: A Simple Guide covers the essential aspects of pen and ink drawing and more. It explores basic materials and instruments; fundamental properties of strokes and pen control; key elements of shading; and indispensable techniques for creating vibrant textures. As a bonus, a chapter is devoted to what the author refers to as, the secret Line of Balance. This book is not just written to instruct but also to intrigue and inspire enthusiasts of pen and ink drawing.
168 pages, Spiral-bound
Published December 11, 2015
514 people are currently reading
1329 people want to read
About the author
Alphonso Dunn
5 books69 followersAlphonso Dunn was born in Jamaica and migrated to the United States at age 17. Inspired by ambitions for a career in medicine, he completed his undergraduate study in Applied Chemistry at William Paterson University; however, his enduring passion for drawing led him to earn a Master of Fine Arts from the New York Academy of Art. After completing his graduate study, he taught high school chemistry and various college art courses. Alphonso has since won number awards and his work can be found in numerous private collections in the US and worldwide. He is widely known for his popular YouTube channel and art instruction books, Pen & Ink Drawing: A Simple Guide and Pen & Ink Drawing Workbook. His YouTube channel has over 450,000 followers and features hundreds of free videos and tutorials on drawing, sketching, pen and ink, watercolor and more for learners at all levels. He currently resides in New Jersey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
January 19, 2018
I purchased Alphonso Dunn’s book mostly as a way of saying thanks to him for his generosity in creating his exceptional YouTube tutorials on pen & ink drawing. I also thought that having his book in hand would help me better structure the order in which I could view his many tutorials.
Then, when I finally got my hands on his book (it was on my Christmas list!), I realized that FINALLY I found a book that could actually teach me how to draw with pen and ink. This medium ended up being my favorite by the time I reached young adulthood—and then dropped drawing all together when starting college.
Like many others, I was naturally drawn to art since very young. Then, after decades of leaving art behind, I wanted to draw again but found myself completely intimidated by the whole process. I had no idea where to begin. I dabbled here and there but could never find a launchpad, so to speak, to start to get back the skills I left behind. Alphonso Dunn has given me this.
Then, when I finally got my hands on his book (it was on my Christmas list!), I realized that FINALLY I found a book that could actually teach me how to draw with pen and ink. This medium ended up being my favorite by the time I reached young adulthood—and then dropped drawing all together when starting college.
Like many others, I was naturally drawn to art since very young. Then, after decades of leaving art behind, I wanted to draw again but found myself completely intimidated by the whole process. I had no idea where to begin. I dabbled here and there but could never find a launchpad, so to speak, to start to get back the skills I left behind. Alphonso Dunn has given me this.
June 14, 2019
Many drawing books take you from stage 1 of a circle to a middle step no one understands, and then jump to Mona Lisa. I really appreciate Alphonso's book (and his workbook) for the way in which it breaks down the drawing process. My friend and I have been drawing every Saturday morning for the past year and half, using his book at first and now his workbook - it's been an amazing journey and I've learned a ton. If you've ever wanted to pick up pen and ink drawing, and if you have the patience and perseverance, Alphonso will show you the way. Highly highly recommend this!
January 28, 2020
Art in all of its disciplines appears to come down to three things to getting good at it. Which is different than being financially successful at it. They are:
1. Do it everyday as much as you can. Fit it into the weird periods of time you have to kill. Do it when you're supposed to be doing something else. Do it when your body is telling you to go to bed but you just can't quit because you're not done yet.
2. Rip off the people you like. Copy them identically, figure out the literal process of what they do to get to that point of seamless art that makes your brain pop and crackle in unexpected. If you fail at copying them, congratulations. You can present it as your own work.
3. Do things that make your brain pop and crackle of your own accord. The more you do it, the harder this is to do to yourself.
At the very beginning 1 is the most important, and as you gather experience 3 is the most important. This book helps you the most with 2. Alphonso shows you the basic techniques to repeat and rip off ad nauseum to develop pen and ink. You'll learn some of this stuff from your own practice, but it's nice to be shown exercises and do's and don't every once in a while.
It's a gentle encouraging read. You can tell the author does it for the love of the discipline and is as straight forward as he can be. It's not magic though. The magic is with your own pen.
1. Do it everyday as much as you can. Fit it into the weird periods of time you have to kill. Do it when you're supposed to be doing something else. Do it when your body is telling you to go to bed but you just can't quit because you're not done yet.
2. Rip off the people you like. Copy them identically, figure out the literal process of what they do to get to that point of seamless art that makes your brain pop and crackle in unexpected. If you fail at copying them, congratulations. You can present it as your own work.
3. Do things that make your brain pop and crackle of your own accord. The more you do it, the harder this is to do to yourself.
At the very beginning 1 is the most important, and as you gather experience 3 is the most important. This book helps you the most with 2. Alphonso shows you the basic techniques to repeat and rip off ad nauseum to develop pen and ink. You'll learn some of this stuff from your own practice, but it's nice to be shown exercises and do's and don't every once in a while.
It's a gentle encouraging read. You can tell the author does it for the love of the discipline and is as straight forward as he can be. It's not magic though. The magic is with your own pen.
January 10, 2016
Best pen and ink book I've read, and I've read about 3. Useful and clear info on various tools, pens, ink, paper. A brief intro to the rules of perspective, quite a lot on lighting/shading, and a very useful section on textures. Doesn't go into detail of anything, really, but it is a very good starting point.
May 30, 2018
I can’t think of a better book to introduce yourself into the mindset of drawing with ink. Simple and straight to the point.
March 13, 2020
I signed up for an art class at community college--$298. I had to buy an art kit to go with it--$112. The book we were encouraged to purchase--$10 off Amazon used, interesting but not good for beginners. Daughter recommended Betty Edwards, bought that--also used from Amazon--$15 or so.
Worst one in the art class. Teacher not really giving much demonstration. Have not had an art class in 50 years. Look stuff up on youtube. See this guy who seems very pleasant and patient. Draw along with him in my sketchbook from the dollar store.
He is talking about how to see perspective, look at the volume. I buy HIS book--$18. I go through all the drawings page by page. Instead of dreading the practice work, it seems to be a bit more fun. He writes in a way for a non-artist wannabe to better understand. First look at the volume and then the texture. How to use line variety. It is like having him sit in the room and explain it to you. A few weeks go by. I am drawing each page of his book in my sketch book. The community college teacher says I am improving. I am now not the worst but in the lower 3 of the class :). Recently I find myself waking up early to have some time to draw.
I appreciate his use of language, his art, that he shows it is OK to not be perfect and you can still make stuff that is pretty good. I connect with that. Art can be just lovely and special and it should be available to all of us. It is a luxury to be able to spend time drawing. You want it to look nice. Thank you, Mr. Dunn.
Worst one in the art class. Teacher not really giving much demonstration. Have not had an art class in 50 years. Look stuff up on youtube. See this guy who seems very pleasant and patient. Draw along with him in my sketchbook from the dollar store.
He is talking about how to see perspective, look at the volume. I buy HIS book--$18. I go through all the drawings page by page. Instead of dreading the practice work, it seems to be a bit more fun. He writes in a way for a non-artist wannabe to better understand. First look at the volume and then the texture. How to use line variety. It is like having him sit in the room and explain it to you. A few weeks go by. I am drawing each page of his book in my sketch book. The community college teacher says I am improving. I am now not the worst but in the lower 3 of the class :). Recently I find myself waking up early to have some time to draw.
I appreciate his use of language, his art, that he shows it is OK to not be perfect and you can still make stuff that is pretty good. I connect with that. Art can be just lovely and special and it should be available to all of us. It is a luxury to be able to spend time drawing. You want it to look nice. Thank you, Mr. Dunn.
January 20, 2025
This is the book that I have been searching for most of my life. Maybe I feel that way because I already understand a lot about drawing and sketching. However, this book breaks concepts and procedures down into understandable and relatable chucks. One of the reasons why I bought this book was to get a better understanding of hatching and other shading methods, to which this book does a good job of covering and explaining.
June 20, 2020
This plus the workbook WILL make you a better artist. One of the best books out there for ink.
February 26, 2021
What a phenomenal art book! It has the perfect balance between beautiful sketches to study and textual explanations that are detailed yet concise. This guide to pen and ink drawing is a wonderful introduction that covers concepts that are useful in other types of drawing, too. This is a timeless classic that I see myself turning to whenever I need inspiration or guidance.
February 5, 2022
Simple and yet so powerful! I am always a big fan of ink art and this book covers all basic one needs to know to get better at pen & ink art. With simple exercises and guidance, the author makes you so comfortable. Love this and can't wait to practice the second workbook!
May 17, 2017
This book was clear and concise on how to improve my artwork and finally gave me some kind of motivation to try with my recent summer malaise. I originally found out about this book through Alphonso's Youtube channel (link here if you would like to check it out https://www.youtube.com/user/LighterN...) because I needed help in improving my own work, and being a very poor college student private lessons and such were but a far away dream. But thanks to the internet all I have to do are look up tutorials and great artists such as Alphonso Dunn pop up instantly. When I heard about him publishing a book I knew I had to get a copy, so I got my school's library to order one. Dunn's book is a clear in depth instructional how to for your art and breaks down complex methods to easier ones, if anyone feels like they need help improving their art this book definitely is a must buy!
February 8, 2019
This was a fun, informative book. If I keep practicing, I will improve my drawing skills.
June 2, 2016
Great book. Very complete by itself, and if you complement it with the YouTube channel, then it gets even better. I'm glad I bought it. It has become one of my secret weapons. I loved "the line of balance" chapter. I follow it everywhere now. Great buy.
June 5, 2018
A very good study of pen and ink drawing for beginners. The late chapter on Lines of Balance was the most unique part of this approach, and is well worth revisiting.
July 5, 2022
I’ve secretly wanted to draw for most of my life, but never felt I had the natural skill or talent to attempt anything more than rudimentary stick figures.
Something changed three and a half years ago. I had been successfully making New Year’s resolutions in which I challenged myself to begin positive new daily habits (from flossing to studying languages or math just a few minutes a day). So, I figured, why not try to make art a habit? At the beginning of 2019, I challenged myself to something (anything at all) every single day. Three and a half years later, I’m still doing it, and have had a great time surprising myself with what can happen if you don’t let the inevitable frustrations and negative self talk shut down your aspirations.
I now think of myself as an artist—in the sense that I like the way creating art makes me feel about the world around me. Now that art is a habit, I don’t feel self conscious about having fun with it. It’s like eating, exercise, or reading—it’s just something I do every day.
I’m thankful that my friend Yousuf suggested this book by Alphonso Dunn. I’ve been watching Dunn’s YouTube tutorials while reading the book. Dunn’s style and manner are simple and easy to follow. He encourages us beginning artists to have fun with the craft, yet also to take it seriously.
Throughout the book, Dunn illustrates the basic skills needed to draw representative art using nothing more than a pen and paper. He teaches the basics of proportion, value scales, and how to use a few simple strokes (lines, hatchings, cross-hatchings, and scribbles) to bring your drawings to life.
If you’d like to start (or continue) on your own art journey, this book by Alphonso Dunn has plenty to recommend it to the beginner and the advanced artist alike.
Something changed three and a half years ago. I had been successfully making New Year’s resolutions in which I challenged myself to begin positive new daily habits (from flossing to studying languages or math just a few minutes a day). So, I figured, why not try to make art a habit? At the beginning of 2019, I challenged myself to something (anything at all) every single day. Three and a half years later, I’m still doing it, and have had a great time surprising myself with what can happen if you don’t let the inevitable frustrations and negative self talk shut down your aspirations.
I now think of myself as an artist—in the sense that I like the way creating art makes me feel about the world around me. Now that art is a habit, I don’t feel self conscious about having fun with it. It’s like eating, exercise, or reading—it’s just something I do every day.
I’m thankful that my friend Yousuf suggested this book by Alphonso Dunn. I’ve been watching Dunn’s YouTube tutorials while reading the book. Dunn’s style and manner are simple and easy to follow. He encourages us beginning artists to have fun with the craft, yet also to take it seriously.
Throughout the book, Dunn illustrates the basic skills needed to draw representative art using nothing more than a pen and paper. He teaches the basics of proportion, value scales, and how to use a few simple strokes (lines, hatchings, cross-hatchings, and scribbles) to bring your drawings to life.
If you’d like to start (or continue) on your own art journey, this book by Alphonso Dunn has plenty to recommend it to the beginner and the advanced artist alike.
April 30, 2025
È un ottimo libro.
Spiega per filo e per segno le basi ed i materiali.
Come ogni libro di disegno affronta il problema del chiaroscuro nell'universo dell'inchiostro.
Ampio spazio dedicato alle textures, giustamente considerate fondamentali in combinazione col chiaroscuro.
Il libro propone anche un'analisi di un progetto completo, descrivendo tutti i passi.
Risulata chiaro che disegnare direttamente ad inchiostro è una pratica molto difficile, l'errore se non proprio inevitabile direi che fa parte del gioco.
Lo stesso autore consiglia di aiutarsi nello schema fondamentale con un matita HB per gestire la composizione e le masse principali.
Resta il fatto che un'opera realizzata completamente ad inchiostro richiede molta pazienza.
Il libro si conclude con un capitolo molto ben riuscito e diverso sulla legge del bilanciamente, una tecnica di osservazione dell'autore che a partire da una semplice linea ad S spiega come sia possibile disegnare quasi tutto quello che la natura ha da offrire.
Spiega per filo e per segno le basi ed i materiali.
Come ogni libro di disegno affronta il problema del chiaroscuro nell'universo dell'inchiostro.
Ampio spazio dedicato alle textures, giustamente considerate fondamentali in combinazione col chiaroscuro.
Il libro propone anche un'analisi di un progetto completo, descrivendo tutti i passi.
Risulata chiaro che disegnare direttamente ad inchiostro è una pratica molto difficile, l'errore se non proprio inevitabile direi che fa parte del gioco.
Lo stesso autore consiglia di aiutarsi nello schema fondamentale con un matita HB per gestire la composizione e le masse principali.
Resta il fatto che un'opera realizzata completamente ad inchiostro richiede molta pazienza.
Il libro si conclude con un capitolo molto ben riuscito e diverso sulla legge del bilanciamente, una tecnica di osservazione dell'autore che a partire da una semplice linea ad S spiega come sia possibile disegnare quasi tutto quello che la natura ha da offrire.
November 20, 2019
This gentleman has a Youtube channel too - hes so kind in sharing tips for freee. I love hearing "hey guys so its been a while since I shared something on this series.." 😋 But he completely totally reframed my attitude towards drawing. He's really reassuring and pro tryna ENJOY the organic process of drawing and not worrying about results or pressure (I had art block bc I was too focused on near perfect results) he also gives good constructive and practical exercises to play around with. My favourite thing about it is there is a natural essence of joy about the whole thing. Anyone can learn something from Alphonso despite your background or credentials in art, everyone can join in and with baby steps attain the coveted result of "I wanna be as good as that guy" he makes it possible and very fun too. 5 stars my dear. 5 stars for ye.
February 14, 2020
This is a hard to evaluate book.
- plus: it's clear
- minus: it's not focused
- plus: the examples are nice
- minus: the author's portfolio might come as a slap in the face of a beginner as the author seems to say : see how good I am compared with you?
- plus: the book is not big
- minus: the book is filled with useless data about the materials
- plus for a cave person: wasted pages on the materials
- minus for the above cave person: the data on the materials is so abridged it can only confuse
- plus: very basic lessons in one place
- minus: anything in here can be found on YouTube, plus a lot more, any some things on YouTube are beyond Dunn's level
So given the above, the book is quite a mess and not very helpful for 2015 (publishing year). Hence, it's probably just an ego trip "see, I have my own book!"
- plus: it's clear
- minus: it's not focused
- plus: the examples are nice
- minus: the author's portfolio might come as a slap in the face of a beginner as the author seems to say : see how good I am compared with you?
- plus: the book is not big
- minus: the book is filled with useless data about the materials
- plus for a cave person: wasted pages on the materials
- minus for the above cave person: the data on the materials is so abridged it can only confuse
- plus: very basic lessons in one place
- minus: anything in here can be found on YouTube, plus a lot more, any some things on YouTube are beyond Dunn's level
So given the above, the book is quite a mess and not very helpful for 2015 (publishing year). Hence, it's probably just an ego trip "see, I have my own book!"
June 13, 2020
I bought this book because it came highly recommended for its pen and ink instruction, but after going through it, I think it may be the best instructional book I've ever come across for three-dimensional drawing. It gives excellent descriptions of how to treat value, light, and shade. Great instruction on local value and value control, which can be difficult with pen and ink. There's lots of room in the margins for notes and practice (and you are encouraged by the author to do so). Great exercises for shape, form, value, and movement. Although the pen and ink specific instruction is truly excellent, any artist looking to improve their craft would benefit from this book, not just those seeking to improve their pen and ink skills.
February 13, 2021
This book is worth every penny and minute (or hours) spent. It is immediately useful for a total beginner or artist who wants to try something new. Very helpful for aspiring visual artists in terms of learning how to see in ways that will greatly improve drawing, painting etc.... For those not pursuing art in a structured way, it would also be great for those who enjoy doodling, illustrating for journal keeping, nature journaling, etc... It's so hands on, especially when combined with the "Pen & Ink Drawing Workbook'. Progress happens quickly if you just spend a little time every day. His YouTube videos that I've watched so far are an added bonus to the books. Great for adults or kids (maybe 8 years+).
September 8, 2022
I found Alphonso Dunn on YouTube searching for urban sketching video demonstrations. If you're into that, and you haven't checked out his fabulous videos online, do! He's the BEST drawing teacher on YouTube. He actually teaches techniques and tells you how to do things, rather than just sketching away at making something gorgeous while playing dumb music. His tutorials are more thorough than any I've found, so when I learned of his book, I bought it, not only as a way to support him, but also to have this really informative reference on hand when I'm trying to avoid the computer (because that leads me to procrastinate actually picking up that pencil and drawing)! The book is great and now I want the workbook too.
April 23, 2021
Overall simple explanations, for a basic and first aproach I think it's okay.
Besides, I would've liked something a bit more focused and extensive, the explanation book it's too short for it's price, and the line quality of many drawings and specially on the exercises of the workbook are quite not good, i think this is very important having in mind how crucial is the line on this kind of works, and specially if you have to reproduce it with exercises and your public it's supposed to be somone who don't know anything of it.
On the other hand, if you are searching for an how to ink drawing book to look at, I recommend "Rendering in pen and ink" from Watson Guptill, it's very complete.
Besides, I would've liked something a bit more focused and extensive, the explanation book it's too short for it's price, and the line quality of many drawings and specially on the exercises of the workbook are quite not good, i think this is very important having in mind how crucial is the line on this kind of works, and specially if you have to reproduce it with exercises and your public it's supposed to be somone who don't know anything of it.
On the other hand, if you are searching for an how to ink drawing book to look at, I recommend "Rendering in pen and ink" from Watson Guptill, it's very complete.
June 26, 2023
Excellent primer for anyone interested in pen and ink drawing or sketching in general. For instance, I am a beginner in pencil sketching and find Dunn's instructional content relevant. Too, he provides wonderful instructional videos on youtube going back eight or more years. I'm sure you can learn everything you need within his extensive video library. But having a print volume in hand is likewise helpful, especially as he provides extensive practice exercises for developing pen strokes and shading techniques to establish areas of light and dark, or values, in a composition. A great resource!
September 29, 2020
Alphonso has authored an excellent ink drawing guide. I've done a first read through and I am looking forward to using October to go through the workbook. Most drawing books end up having a big leap in skill between the "draw two owl circles" and "draw the whole owl". This book breaks down all the steps and training into practice steps. It doesn't let you skip the steps that will connect those large gaps in other drawing books. It doesn't hide from letting you know that it is up to you to practice. One of the best drawing books I've read to date.
March 8, 2024
6/5
Ona scale of one to five, Alphonso Dunn's guide to pen and ink drawing is easily a six. This book is almost all you need to get started (other than, well, pen and ink and paper). It’s beautifully organized, introducing you to basic strokes and techniques that are increasingly complex (yet so simple) as the book progresses. Dunn’s drawings throughout the book are inspirational as he underlines his points about line and shape and demonstrates the value of value. It’s a book to return to, again and again, and a favourite on my bookshelf.
Ona scale of one to five, Alphonso Dunn's guide to pen and ink drawing is easily a six. This book is almost all you need to get started (other than, well, pen and ink and paper). It’s beautifully organized, introducing you to basic strokes and techniques that are increasingly complex (yet so simple) as the book progresses. Dunn’s drawings throughout the book are inspirational as he underlines his points about line and shape and demonstrates the value of value. It’s a book to return to, again and again, and a favourite on my bookshelf.
July 24, 2024
Excellent instructive manual. Pen and ink drawing has always been my favourite art medium but I've never really had any proper instruction in it by an expert. I feel like I have had that now, through this detailed yet highly accessible book, complete with stunning line drawings to inspire and amaze you too. It's complemented very well by the workbook, which allows you to put many of these concepts into practice. I'm sure I'll be coming back to this for many years.
September 19, 2018
There are lots of great artists out there--most of them don't know how to write a helpful book on drawing. Alphonso Dunn is not one of them. I discovered Alphonso on youtube and I recognize most of these drawing from tutorials he has posted, but having the book in front of you in invaluable for practicing technique.
January 17, 2021
Easy to understand the basic of drawing
I’m new with drawing and I’ve never learned from any art schools or institutes. I’d found the clip on YouTube of Alphonso Dunn and after watching it, I understood immediately what he taught and I could improve my drawing of the dogs. It’s simple and easy to follow his instructions. Highly recommended to the beginners.
I’m new with drawing and I’ve never learned from any art schools or institutes. I’d found the clip on YouTube of Alphonso Dunn and after watching it, I understood immediately what he taught and I could improve my drawing of the dogs. It’s simple and easy to follow his instructions. Highly recommended to the beginners.
September 7, 2019
I have filled a sketchbook with things learned from this book and am looking forward to continuing to work on the aspects I have learned. Great book and I am looking forward to the workbook of this series next.
December 5, 2020
I liked it overall
This book certainly underlines that gap between beginner and expert can only be bridged by practice. There are suggested starting points and approaches and then masterful examples, but very little material in the middle.
This book certainly underlines that gap between beginner and expert can only be bridged by practice. There are suggested starting points and approaches and then masterful examples, but very little material in the middle.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews