One Tree, Three Ways: Ivana’s Journey in Black Ink

We are delighted to share some more work from Ivana Zeravica, who has been exploring the wonderful world of pen and ink on our Drawing With Pens course with her tutor, Monika Cilmi. This time Ivana has given us a lovely glimpse into her learning journey, showing how a single subject can be transformed simply by changing the marks you make.

Ivana chose a gnarled old tree, full of knots, burrs and twisting branches, and drew it three times using three completely different techniques. It’s a fascinating set to look at side by side, because the outline stays the same but the character of the tree changes completely each time.

Ivana then took everything she had learned and let it loose in a windswept landscape. Energetic, lively marks, all anchored by a rich black foreground. Where the tree studies are careful and controlled, this piece feels free and full of atmosphere, and it’s a joy to see the confidence that has grown through her practice.

This is exactly what the Drawing With Pens course is all about, exploring texture, shading and mark making, and building the confidence to develop your own style across subjects such as plants, animals and landscapes. Ivana’s work shows beautifully how practising techniques on a simple subject can open up a whole new way of seeing.

Congratulations Ivana, and thank you for sharing your journey with us. We can’t wait to see where your pens take you next!

If Ivana’s work has inspired you to pick up a pen, you can find out more about the Drawing With Pens course on our website, or get in touch with us if you’d like help choosing the right course for you.

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