This is usually the first question I hear when someone is looking at my artwork.
“How long did that take?”
When I begin a new piece, I usually have every intention of tracking my time. When I worked as a freelance artist, I recorded hours carefully because that’s how I billed clients. Now that I work independently as a Minnesota artist, time is less about billing and more about the creative process itself.
The truth is, the time spent on a piece of pen and ink artwork goes far beyond the drawing board.
It starts with developing a concept. That includes observing everyday life, studying art trends, and waiting for ideas to take shape. I have to feel comfortable with what I’m drawing. If I’m working on something like a cowboy scene, for example, accuracy becomes important, and that can be challenging if I’m not deeply familiar with the subject. Often, ideas come from simple daydreaming. You would be surprised how often that happens in the life of an artist.
Once the idea forms, a good amount of time is spent gathering reference material and props. Finding the right person, animal, or objects for a scene can turn into a bit of a wild goose chase. When I set up a composition, I always go back to a basic principle: left to right. I want to guide the viewer’s eye intentionally through the artwork, so placement is critical.
A photo shoot is an important part of my process as a Minnesota pen and ink artist. It allows me to capture pose, expression, and the fine details that bring a scene to life. Something as simple as a hand requires careful attention, since every finger is unique. Lighting and shadows are just as important. If they are off, they can completely change the outcome of the piece.
When I begin drawing, I work slowly and deliberately. Rushing can lead to mistakes, and in detailed pen and ink artwork, mistakes are not always easy to fix. Sometimes correcting an issue means adding or removing elements within the entire composition.
The tools I use also require attention. Drawing pencils come in different brands, hardness levels, and richness of tone. Choosing the right combination at the right time is part of the process and can take experience to manage well.
Another challenge is overworking the paper. If too many corrections are made, the surface can begin to break down. In pen and ink work especially, layering too much pigment can cause what is known as waxing, where the tooth of the paper is essentially filled in and can no longer accept additional detail. At that point, it becomes a delicate rescue, if it can be saved at all.
When I believe a piece is finished, I usually step away from it. I either feel satisfied or slightly uncertain. Either way, I set it aside for a period of time. This break is important. After working closely on a drawing for so long, fresh eyes often reveal small adjustments or areas that can be improved.
When I return, I can usually see it more clearly.
In the end, creating a finished work of art takes far more time than most people realize. But that process is what makes it meaningful. And when I finally set down my pencils, I’m always ready to step away for a moment and appreciate what’s been created.
Yours truly,
