Three new drawings and tips on how to doodle with pens

Hi
I'm an illustrator who works predominantly with Promarker & Copic pens. They can be annoyingly pricey but they're easy to use and stay nice and bright. I get a lot of questions about how to use them. So here goes some answers for anyone interested.

This pic is of Caracas, Venezuela. 50x50cm
You can see some more progress pics on my insta
https://www.instagram.com/maxwellillustration/

Firstly, choose a basic colour palate.

Depending on the location, time of day or mood of the piece, a pre-planned colour scheme saves the hassle of using jarring mismatched colours further down the line.
There’s no need to rush. When drawing with pens, there are no take backs!

Start with a rough pencil sketch in order to block out the illustration. Then, add the basic colours. Even though it’s harder to add colour without clear pen lines to draw within, it’s important to get most colour down first as the black pen will bleed and smudge if you put colours over it. A sure and easy way to ruin your nice coloured markers with black ink smudges.

Once the basic colours are down (I always start with the sky) you can get to drawing.

Choose thick paper.
I use thickish paper which I buy in large sheets and cut to suit the size I wish to draw on. Archers Hotpress which should be available at most art supply stores (in the UK) or Stonehenge Paper (in Australia)

If you want to get better, my only real piece of advise is to practice. Draw and draw and draw. Look at other artists which you really love and maybe try practice drawing something in their style. Find out what works for you and what you enjoy most. I’m self taught and that was the best way I learned to develop my own style.

I used to practice in the style of Hergé (Tintin) and Albert Uderzo (Asterix & Obelix) when I was teaching myself to draw. Maybe my influences show.

Thanks for scrolling down while you poop

Keep drawing and doing whatever it is you like to do.

If you wanna see more of my art check out my insta
https://www.instagram.com/maxwellillustration/