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SurfTiki — How To ... Draughtsman's Bow Pen Tutorial - Egli

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Published: 2013-11-28 11:02:19 +0000 UTC; Views: 2138; Favourites: 26; Downloads: 0
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Description Bow pen tutorial.
This is a old tool used in drafting, their are many types and makes. 
If you have one clean it well and it will work forever.
I find i can use it for comics and other art uses. Stiff but does it job well.
UPDATE: Use water to test the bow pen, this isnt a mess to clean and use some cheap watercolor paper as well. To learn any tool you have to try it and play with it.
UPDATE May 4th 2016: I just got a new book to me on drafting and Graphics by Engineering-Technical from 1962 with more info on the bow pen, once i get a chance i will update this with new info.


Enjoy and let me know if you liked it.

More How-To Posts:
Masking Frisket Film fav.me/d9rnppf
Dip Pen Nibs Pt.1 fav.me/d9s7s41
                   Pt.2 fav.me/d9tfcha

Copyright Info

Art found in my gallery are © Will Egli, any contributing artist or their rightful license holder. No rights have been given or taken with any of my works. No works may be reproduced, edited, redistributed, transmitted or otherwise used without my express written permission. 
This How-to is for education only. I am not responsible for misuse or other misinformation. Please use responsibly.

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Comments: 11

AnthorLord [2014-03-15 11:40:08 +0000 UTC]

Nice, thank you, I have one somewhere in and old set, but didn't even know what it is for ^^

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SurfTiki In reply to AnthorLord [2014-03-15 22:55:38 +0000 UTC]

Not a problem, I was happy to put this together as im learning about the tool and what it does and can be used for.
The tool is really fun to use and does what i need for comics but has a much bigger use range id think as it fell out of favor when computer drafting and pens came in to use of the market it seems.
Have fun with yours and let me know how you use it and for what. Take care.

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Myronavitch [2014-01-26 17:42:44 +0000 UTC]

I've used this great drafting tool in the past and always loved the results for making "French mattes."

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

SurfTiki In reply to Myronavitch [2014-01-31 02:48:45 +0000 UTC]

Not familiar with useing it for 'French Mattes' how would you use it for that, im always looking for more knowledge on this tool and its uses.

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Myronavitch In reply to SurfTiki [2014-01-31 19:28:45 +0000 UTC]

Some of the French Mattes are quite elaborate, some very simple.  After the Matte is cut, usually at 45 degrees to the surface, depending on the overall size of the piece, a thin line is drawn around the opening about 1/4 larger with the
pen.  More lines even bigger are executed, and then in between two of these rectangles a thin watercolor wash is painted
to compliment the painting or print.  Hope this gives you some idea.  

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ulltraz [2013-11-29 19:27:16 +0000 UTC]

fantastic that you share your knowledge and experience!!! 

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SurfTiki In reply to ulltraz [2013-11-30 06:36:51 +0000 UTC]

Not a problem, :iconjosh-oaks: gave me the idea with his inking tool section.

I'll try to do more....but its all about the time to do them.

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ulltraz In reply to SurfTiki [2013-11-30 21:43:23 +0000 UTC]

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Excessit [2013-11-28 11:23:26 +0000 UTC]

Cool! I just picked up an old ruling pen for panel borders and balloons, it's saved me buying more tech pens and it makes some great lines.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

SurfTiki In reply to Excessit [2013-11-29 15:31:52 +0000 UTC]

Ah the other name for the pen, forgot that about it.

Its a awesome item and im so glad i was able to get a set so i could start using it.

Full thing is up....think i got it but working on it at 3am is a bit harsh on editing it.

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Excessit In reply to SurfTiki [2013-11-29 15:42:28 +0000 UTC]

You should also mention you can use it with ellipse templates and French curves for making balloons and other designs. I had no idea about that. Also I've never tried that but apparently you can use it with liquid frisket or watercolor to make masks and patterns.
This thing beats even Rapidographs by a mile on anything that isn't freehand, I'm so happy I started using it.

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