How to use a ruling pen - with ink, watercolour paint and masking fluid

Рет қаралды 36,743

Күн бұрын

You might have a ruling pen lurking at the bottom of your art bag, or been told about how good they are for using with masking fluid, but perhaps you don't know what it is, how to use it or how to look after it. Join me and I will show you how to use it with ink for precise lines, with watercolour for crisp edges and with masking fluid for saving whites.
I show you a quick and simple painting which will teach you so much about using masking fluid with a mapping/ruling pen. I've done it very quickly, but you can take your time. If you want, why not share it over on Facebook? I run a really friendly group where we share ideas and tips, as well as our work: / 694706731930461 You are welcome to join.
The photo I use is on the community tab here, or you can download it from Pixabay: pixabay.com/photos/sunrise-we...
This topic was suggested by Jean Ann, so if you have something you would like me to explore, please let me know....
If you enjoyed this please like and subscribe. I try to share a short tip every Sunday at 2pm. If you hit the notification bell, you will be alerted when the next one is available.
If you are interested in more tips about masking fluid, please look at this film: • How to use masking flu...
For more detailed courses, please check out www.lizchadertonstudio.co.uk and look out for my books published by The Crowood Press and available from book shops and online.
#lizchaderton #rulingpen #watercolourtips

Пікірлер: 139

@MrSpinteractive Ай бұрын

Thank you for your excellent demonstration of the use of masking fluid and ruling pens. Much appreciated!

@LizChadertonArt Ай бұрын

You're very welcome!

@ashleywright8686 Жыл бұрын

That ruler thing is fascinating. I never knew why cork was on ruler backs.

@LizChadertonArt Жыл бұрын

all sorts of every day items have little features we no longer use….

@ewwwobbie 6 ай бұрын

I have had a mapping pen for years. I bought it for masking fluid but couldn’t figure out how to use it. THANK YOU!!!!

@LizChadertonArt 6 ай бұрын

Glad I could help!

@Whyyyyyy Жыл бұрын

I am not a painter and have no particular desire to learn at the moment but this was just a lovely and interesting video. Your content is great.

@LizChadertonArt Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! What do you use a ruling pen for?

@escanr9942 10 ай бұрын

I am an architecture student. And I've always found this in my drawing sets. But since i didn't know what it was used for, I just left it until it got lost or something🤣 i think I've had like 5 or more of these pens🤦‍♂️

@LizChadertonArt 10 ай бұрын

oh that’s funny! Find an artist and then will be grateful 😁

@TristinaDietzElmesArtist 2 ай бұрын

Fantastic video! Really appreciate the tips. Lovely spider web artwork.❤

@LizChadertonArt 2 ай бұрын

my pleasure

@WhstlblwrBlastingEpsteinsILK 6 ай бұрын

What fun! Great for getting the 💦 splatter Jackson Pollock effect. With ink or liquid watercolor 🎨

@LizChadertonArt 6 ай бұрын

indeed!

@amandasymon4363 Жыл бұрын

Wow! The raised ruler thing was a revelation! Obvious once brought to your notice 👊

@LizChadertonArt Жыл бұрын

someone pointed out that school rulers are curved on one side, so if you turn them over it is naturally raised…. mind blown!

@joycedimaggio3816 3 ай бұрын

I have my grandfather 's. Love them.

@LizChadertonArt 3 ай бұрын

oh that is special!

@cmumford1477 2 жыл бұрын

I always wondered how you use a ruling pen properly. Thanks Liz!

@LizChadertonArt 2 жыл бұрын

Happy to help!

@kerry5586 2 жыл бұрын

Your account really needs to carry a bank balance warning: I had seen the title of this video previously, but didn't watch as I didn't want to be tempted into spending more, but as I walked around a charity shop this morning I saw an old technical drawing set with one of these in. After an inner battle I bought it! I now need to figure out how to use all of the technical drawing set to get my monies worth! Off to have some fun! Thanks for all the inspiration, even if it can be painful at times!

@LizChadertonArt 2 жыл бұрын

Ooh, my charity shop doesn't have such goodies. I'd love to see what's in the set... And to make you feel better, the film on 24 July is all about a watercolour set which cost £1!!!

@bonnybouncer8219 11 ай бұрын

thank you so much for this so informative video... I am 80 yrs old and i have never heard of these pens before...wonderful. Your video's are so interesting and well as informative. Keep them up please.

@LizChadertonArt 11 ай бұрын

thank you and I’m glad you found it useful. We never stop learning!

@gila1959 10 ай бұрын

I am also used the masking fluid on leaves on a canvas. Loved your work..

@LizChadertonArt 10 ай бұрын

Thank you so much 😊

@elizabethdahlen1726 4 ай бұрын

You are really a lovely teacher!

@LizChadertonArt 4 ай бұрын

thank you so much 🧑‍🏫

@heatherwilson487 6 ай бұрын

So helpful and clear .Thank you

@LizChadertonArt 6 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@MoMaryR 8 ай бұрын

Great tutorial on the Ruling Pen. Thank you

@LizChadertonArt 8 ай бұрын

glad it was helpful

@bev5578 Жыл бұрын

very informative - great detail for a new and inspired ruler pen operator - thank you

@LizChadertonArt Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@carmenalegre2096 22 күн бұрын

Great. Excellent explained. Thank you

@LizChadertonArt 22 күн бұрын

glad it was helpful

@blackpoppymagazine Ай бұрын

I had no idea u cud use these for actual watercolour lines! Brilliant 😊thank u!!

@LizChadertonArt Ай бұрын

You’re welcome 😊

@suegibson850 Жыл бұрын

Very helpful thank you Liz!

@LizChadertonArt Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@maryannprzybycien2013 2 жыл бұрын

I literally ordered one yesterday. This video is just in time! Thanks for all you do for us! ❤️

@LizChadertonArt 2 жыл бұрын

perfect timing!

@janrpascal Жыл бұрын

Thank you! I found this in my art supplies and couldn't recall why I bought it! I'll try it out today.

@LizChadertonArt Жыл бұрын

Oh that's funny! I have those 'why have I got this?' moments

@sr5594 3 ай бұрын

Thank you very much for this helpful tutorial - greatly appreciated!

@LizChadertonArt 3 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@juliec. 2 жыл бұрын

I had no idea how to use a ruling pen. I didn’t even know what it was used for so I learned a lot from this video. Thank you 👍👍. Now I gotta get me one. So very versatile.

@LizChadertonArt 2 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@dawnreaume2837 2 жыл бұрын

This is great!💥💥💥💥💥 So many times I wanted to buy one but I’m glad I saw your video first because I would have really had a lot of beginner user error!🥰 You explained how to use it extremely well!❤️ I like the part about the ruler being raised up and also putting the flat edge against it I could see myself doing it backwards oh and the fact that you have both tines touching the paper! I believe they use something similar for calligraphy as well!?! Thank you very much! I enjoy your videos and listening to your lovely voice!😍

@LizChadertonArt 2 жыл бұрын

so pleased it was helpful

@rebekahaurie6252 2 жыл бұрын

Super interesting! Thanks so much!😊🌟💜

@LizChadertonArt 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

@TamaraTemple 2 жыл бұрын

Loved this! I knew what they were called, but never knew how they were used, so big win today. Thanks awfully for this video ❤️

@LizChadertonArt 2 жыл бұрын

😊Glad you enjoyed!

@SharonNolfi 2 жыл бұрын

Great video, Liz.

@LizChadertonArt 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@jeanfugate-besalke5734 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Liz!

@LizChadertonArt 2 жыл бұрын

thank you for suggesting it!

@JC-il4or 2 жыл бұрын

Wonderful!! Thank you for this!

@LizChadertonArt 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@PENFOLD1962 4 ай бұрын

I rub a soft wax on the external areas before loading the pen, no need to dab it or anything. Obviously the wax will now resist the ink and direct it to between the prongs.The wax also helps against rust.

@LizChadertonArt 4 ай бұрын

thanks for the tip!

@Pebblesmas Жыл бұрын

Lots of help, great tutorial, thx so much, i learnt a lot! I have this pen for ages, it came in a set, but i never knew what it was for.

@LizChadertonArt Жыл бұрын

Glad I could help!

@Allyballybean Жыл бұрын

They’re also designed to screw into compasses for making perfect circles.

@LizChadertonArt Жыл бұрын

yes! I discovered that only after I made the film! never knew before

@martimalaspina6385 2 жыл бұрын

Wonderfully informative! Thanks Liz.

@LizChadertonArt 2 жыл бұрын

You are so welcome!

@miyutakahada5691 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for such a useful and informative video! I had one for years I purchased in a lot from an artist and have never figured out what it was for or what it was called. It was fortunate KZfaq recommended me your video. I am excited to use it in the future now I know what I can do with it, especially with masking fluid as I have always ruined my brushes and have not been able to get the precision that I have wanted.

@LizChadertonArt Жыл бұрын

You are so welcome!

@BrazenSpirituality 10 ай бұрын

Mystery solved. Thank you so much. 🎨💕

@LizChadertonArt 10 ай бұрын

so glad it helped!

@robschamberger1 Жыл бұрын

This helped A LOT. Thank you!

@LizChadertonArt Жыл бұрын

Glad it helped!

@deborahthompson3847 2 жыл бұрын

Great information. Thank you.

@LizChadertonArt 2 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@maryucci4905 3 ай бұрын

Thank you❤️

@LizChadertonArt 3 ай бұрын

You’re welcome 😊

@D9david 2 ай бұрын

Thanks!

@LizChadertonArt 2 ай бұрын

thank you - much appreciated!

@jackylegge6039 22 күн бұрын

As I once was a Tracer these are ruling pen with we used for drawing straight line on the linen or film Mapping pens have very small nibs and I used these when printing on the linen or the maps

@LizChadertonArt 21 күн бұрын

thanks for the info!

@gertietheduck 6 ай бұрын

Oooh... I have had a couple for ages to use with ink, but I'd never thought to use them for masking fluid!

@LizChadertonArt 6 ай бұрын

they are very handy!

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for this video. 🥰

@LizChadertonArt 2 жыл бұрын

No problem 😊

@KevinHallSurfing 8 ай бұрын

For school I had a Staedtler compass set in a nice blue box with a little plastic tubular bottle for propelling pencil leads, an extension for BIG circles and this ... thing ... that plugged into one of the folding arms or the supplied handle. Brought up in the pre ballpoint pen era where we had pen nibs and ink wells on your desk at school I gathered it may have had "something to do with ink" 🤔😆 but wasn't used for "DG" (Descriptive Geometry) and Technical Drawing that I recall but now, 55+ years later, I've found a use for it (masking) plus it's in pristine condition! 👍 Kind of funny watching where you have to explain how to use the tip while it is quite obvious for us oldies whether we have used one or not. No drips, blotches, smudges or gouges here. 😀😇 When drawing lines in ink I do recall starting at one end and drawing to about 3/4's or so of the length then fading out before the end then coming back starting from the opposite end to complete the line. Probably for accuracy? This method is probably not used or even required these days as carefully drawing a line in one stroke would be the norm. Odd I remember a lot this from so long ago but I found this interesting and certainly helpful in surfboard restoration for example. Will be able to get finer lines rather than just using the tip of the bottle. Thank you 😍

@LizChadertonArt 8 ай бұрын

it sounds like you are a professional! What I know is by trial and error, so I might have been sent to the back of the class. When I was at school, ink/fountain pens were only allowed once you could write neatly and they trusted you, so around tge age of 10…

@KevinHallSurfing 8 ай бұрын

@@LizChadertonArt LOL Maybe a bit over conscientious at school. Fear of teachers and the "cane" back in the 50's/60's. I guess it worked went on to engineering in the computer industry for a while :D

@LizChadertonArt 8 ай бұрын

😀@@KevinHallSurfing

@Alexander-bp2ht Ай бұрын

With that wooden ruler, if you flip it over so the numbers are facing down, and press down on one side, you'll lift the other side up from the page.

@LizChadertonArt Ай бұрын

yes! I didn’t know that when I did the film, but a few people have told me - every day is a school day!

@fanatlarge 8 ай бұрын

Thank you, very useful video! I had seen this thingie, but had no idea how it was used, or even what it was called. And I have struggled using masking fluid. About to order the fluid and a ruling pen. 😄

@LizChadertonArt 8 ай бұрын

good luck!

@christinedrake1645 6 ай бұрын

excellent

@LizChadertonArt 6 ай бұрын

Thanks!

@abby-fichtner Жыл бұрын

Thank you! I had no idea you could use this for ink and watercolor, and - to be honest - I think when I’ve tried it with masking fluid in the past I wasn’t being nearly so careful about it so rather gave up on it for that. Now all new stuff to try. Thanks!

@LizChadertonArt Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@pathayes6084 2 жыл бұрын

I love my ruling pen and have used it for years for masking fluid and paint. You can use a dip pen with watercolor if you load the nib with a paintbrush and paint. You can make some beautiful fine lines as well., Thanks for sharing the tip with a ruler. I wondered why I sometimes get a funky line. I will use my ruler with a cork backing in the future. Thanks for sharing!

@LizChadertonArt 2 жыл бұрын

My glass dip pen is lovely loaded with watercolour. It's so interesting to find new ways of using tools isn't it?

@pathayes6084 2 жыл бұрын

@@LizChadertonArt Yes, I love my glass pen as well.

@helengill5481 Жыл бұрын

Wow I just came across ya painting I'm deffo guna give it a go as a learner and follow you from now on :)

@LizChadertonArt Жыл бұрын

thank you!

@violinzeta Жыл бұрын

You are hands down the KZfaqr I click on for anything watercolor related that I want to demystify! 👏👏👏 Great job yet again! Question: Have you ever used a camera lucida for drawing/tracing and if so, do you have any tips? I've been using the Camera Lucida iphone app by Peter Moeykens with a cheap Osmo attachment on my ipad. Peter continues to put a lot of love into it for like 12 years or something! I like the app/Osmo combo over a traditional one because I can sit normally instead of standing hunched directly over my writing surface.

@LizChadertonArt Жыл бұрын

thank you. That’s a very kind thing to say. To be honest I downloaded camera Lucida about 5 years ago and never used it. I love drawing freehand. If I need a drawing aid, particularly for portraits, I tend to use a light pad. So sorry, no tips from me.

@dianasaur2131 Жыл бұрын

Love your Robin

@LizChadertonArt Жыл бұрын

thank you!

@fayeowen2308 2 жыл бұрын

I understand for masking fluid, but why not just use a pigment pen for straight lines ? Love your videos, I've learned a lot.

@LizChadertonArt 2 жыл бұрын

you are right, pigment pens have largely taken over, a ruling pen predated their invention by a long way. Now some people simply enjoy retro tools. some want to avoid disposable pens. personal choice….

@bonnybouncer8219 11 ай бұрын

Thanks

@LizChadertonArt 11 ай бұрын

And thank you!

@kathyhall668 Жыл бұрын

I have one, but still have a hell of a time using it

@LizChadertonArt Жыл бұрын

Sorry to hear that. Might it be that the tip needs filing? I’ve never done it, but if it is a cheaper pen then you could file the tip to make it more refined.

@Allyballybean Жыл бұрын

School rulers usually have a side for ink. You just turn them upside down.

@LizChadertonArt Жыл бұрын

yes! I was never taught that at school!

@artmanstudios7037 Ай бұрын

I think this is something you leave at the last case scenario I mean it seems to make painting more complicated than it needs to be you got to like measure everything you got to clean you got to turn it sideways it's just way too much and from the looks of it it doesn't It looks like it just works for a brief moment at a time so you're probably going to take a very long time inking something with this or painting.

@LizChadertonArt Ай бұрын

Agreed. I generally try and avoid using masking fluid, but sometimes you just have to…

@dotbluer9041 Жыл бұрын

Hi Liz, great video - I love the look of the masking fluid before it was even removed! Is there anywhere I could ask a question about a certain type of brush/pen that I cant seem to find? thanks in advance

@LizChadertonArt Жыл бұрын

Yes of course! just email me liz@chaderton.com. I cannot promise I will know the answer…

@dotbluer9041 Жыл бұрын

@@LizChadertonArt aw thanks a bunch Liz!

@lynnenicoletti678 2 жыл бұрын

Ah, now I know why my pen doesn’t work… I’m the problem, not the pen! Thanks, Liz.

@LizChadertonArt 2 жыл бұрын

Hope it behaves itself now 😊

@BrennaCorbit 11 ай бұрын

What brand of ruling pen do you recommend? Thank you for demonstrating the pen. I want to buy one for applying masking fluid.

@LizChadertonArt 11 ай бұрын

gosh, I don’t think they have ‘brands’ as such. I would just get something affordable for masking. If you were doing technical drawing a more precision instrument would be good.

@BrennaCorbit 11 ай бұрын

Thank you@@LizChadertonArt

@BenjWarrant 5 ай бұрын

Uhhh... with those standard wooden rulers, if you want to avoid ink seepage, you don't need to tape coins to the bottom!! Just turn it upside down!

@LizChadertonArt 5 ай бұрын

I know now!! When I made the film I didn't realise. But it does hold true for plastic flat rulers of course

@mizzprettyhuston 6 ай бұрын

Wouldn't it be simpler to use fine liner pens? 🤔

@LizChadertonArt 6 ай бұрын

yes, this is a precursor I guess. Some people like sustainable and vintage and the mark is different

@keithroy9217 2 жыл бұрын

Why use coins? That’s why the traditional school ruler has one curved side. That’s how I was taught at school.

@LizChadertonArt 2 жыл бұрын

if you have one which works for you, that’s great. This is for people who don’t! it is an alternative to a cork backed ruler.

@ladyinblack3398 Жыл бұрын

Why not just use a dip pen?

@LizChadertonArt Жыл бұрын

because you can adjust the width of the line, and it ‘s designed to give a very consistent width. Of course you can use a dip pen if you prefer, but on the whole they give a less precise mark. it all depends on the outcome you are after.