ART NOUVEAU: FROM SKETCH TO INK

CHRIS PANATIER guides us step-by-step through the key principles of drawing beautiful characters and environments in the Art Nouveau style

- CHRIS PANATIER

Here I will demonstrate how I compose, frame, sketch and execute this type of illustration in ink, demonstrating some texturing, shading, and lining techniques consistent with the Art Nouveau look – including stippling for skin, whip-shading for hair, building volumes of fabric, and bold lines to make it all pop.

One of the most satisfying forms of texturing and shading for flesh is the stippling technique. It’s a tool that allows the artist to slowly build value and has less of the all-or-nothing risk of some other styles. The trade-off when you go from a quicker method like crosshatching is the need for immense patience and a good deal of time. The reward is a finished piece that will have all of the depth and feel of real life.

It requires a small-gauge pen (usually a 01 or 005 Micron) and a very light touch – at least when you’re putting down the initial areas of shading.

BALANCE AND MOTION

I draw hair in a pretty realistic-looking style – perhaps a bit more realistic than most Art Nouveau – but there’s very little magic to it. The keys are a smooth wrist action to get your lines pointing in the same direction, and then using your judgment to determine when your shadows are dark enough in comparison to the highlights. As with the stippling, it’s important to work up to the level of darkness you want in a deliberate way, because you can’t go back.