Ruling Pen

Ruling Pens
Instructions:
•Hold the pen downward and place a small amount of ink/acrylic paint between the blades. (You may dilute the paint with water.)
•The regular ruling pen has blades that can be adjusted to draw different widths of lines. Set the nibs to draw the desired width of line by turning the thumbscrew.
•Fill the pen ¼ from the tip with your medium
•When using a guide: hold the pen with the inside, or stiff, blade against the ruler or other guide.
Tips:
•Do not hold the pen over the drawing while filling.
•Do not put too much ink in the pen; about 1/4 to 5/16 in is generally sufficient.
•Do not allow your medium to get on the outside of the blades. Have a pen wiper at hand (soft lintless cloth or tissue paper).
•Keep the pen clean by frequent wiping outside the blades as well as between them-- always wipe it carefully after using.
•Keep both nibs of the pen in contact with the drawing surface
•Keep the blades of the pen parallel to the direction of the line.
•Do not press the pen nibs hard against a ruler or guide
•Do not screw the nibs of the pen too tight.
If you have faulty lines:
*Pen may need sharpening
Compass:
Instructions:
•Remove the pencil leg and insert the pen leg
•Adjust the needlepoint until it is slightly longer than the pen point
•Adjust the joints of the compass so that the legs are perpendicular to the drawing surface
•Always draw a circle in one stroke, inclining the compasses slightly in the direction of the line and rolling the handle between the thumb and the finger

Sketchbook Exercises:
#1 Practice using the ruling pen to create clean lines and circles with any paint color. Lines should be consistent in thickness, be straight and have clear beginnings and endings. Circles should be just as consistent in line width and be continuous. Mix the acrylic paint with water so that it will flow enough with the pen, but be careful not to use too much water. Too much water may make it transparent or drip on your paper.

#2 Create 2 full-page compositions utilizing the ruling pen. Chose a color scheme, saturation transition, or temperature transition to work with and use one or more solid colors for the background. Your design will be comprised of lines and circles made with the ruling pen. Think carefully about your design.