CRAFT INTRICATE FANTASY DRAWINGS

MATEUSZ LENART outlines his workflow for creating dynamic pen and ink art in the classical style of 19th-century masters

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The best illustration isn't just about craft – it's about storytelling, rhythm and intention. In this tutorial, I'll walk you through an illustration from concept to final touches. The goal is to share not only techniques, but also the reasoning and philosophy behind each step.

The subject I chose, a reversal of the classic knight-versus-monster dynamic, allowed me to play with the scale, tension and the viewer's expectations, while still staying grounded in traditional methods.

Pen and ink is a demanding, often unforgiving medium. Every line counts and there's no undo button, so each mark must serve the bigger picture. That's why I emphasise planning and structure from the very beginning; sketching, studying values, and understanding how line direction can enhance form.

While I draw inspiration from 19th-century masters such as Franklin Booth and Gustave Doré, as well as more modern artists like Bernie Wrightson, I also experiment with tools, combining my precise technical pens with expressive brush pens, and even some dry brush techniques to bring a little organic energy to the page.

You'll see how different textures require different tools and strokes. I'll discuss how to maintain a sense of depth, light and composition while keeping the line work alive and dynamic. Throughout, I focus on clarity, contrast and pacing, making sure the viewer's eye flows where I want it to go.

I hope this workshop helps you look at ink not just as a tool, but as a language – one that you can bend, break and master.

1 Choose the subject