Dear future student,
It is 2022, and I have these pens filled with paint sitting in a wooden box on my desk, here in my small Brooklyn apartment. They’re called POSCA. Instead of the traditional way of painting with a brush and a pallet of paint, using these pens of multiple colors and sizes, paint can be laid on canvas, wood, glass, plastic, and more.
My old roommate Sarah, who is a tattoo artist, talked with me about how we use POSCAs. I asked what they feel is the best use for the pens.
Me: What are POSCAs good for?
Sarah: You can use them on canvas obviously, or wood, they’re versatile.
Me: Besides materials, what unique use do they have?
Sarah: You can get really small with them. Actually draw with paint.
Me: For finer details?
Sarah: Yeah. Really thin lines or strokes.
Because of the control that a pen brings you compared to a brush, the invention of paint pens is very useful to artists who draw with high levels of detail, or want a certain level of precision. Street artists use POSCA. They can be easily used to decorate pottery or pins. Something bright and graphic or cartoony can be made without the need to train your wrist for years to use a brush in the same precise way.
They come in many shapes and colors. Though they are limited by the colors available, it is possible to blend the paints together a bit. POSCA dries quickly and is easy to layer. There are visual instructions on each pen that remind you to shake it before using.
I used some of them to play around. Its easy to make clean designs or interesting scribbles. With the various options POSCA pens offer, you can draw and paint a variety of things.
What sort of new art supplies do you use? Are they good for specific uses like POSCA pens are?
Your art teacher,
Katherine Minkoff
