Thoughts by @robinhilthouse , Netherlands
BIC 4-Color pen on Strathmore’s 300 series (70lb) drawing paper
"My name is Robin Hilthouse. After completing my illustration studies, I started working as a lecturer Industrial Design instructor at a University and then branched out into teaching illustration at a creative vocational college in. I still enjoy this work immensely. Besides teaching, I'm a freelance illustrator and draw for magazines. I also give drawing classes Portraits in Pen at Sktchy, which is a Miami based platform for artists."
#biccreate #biccreators #bicart #mybicmoment #artistsoninstagram #artwork #drawing #ballpointpenart #illustration
In drawing, mastering a simple technique is often the key to unlocking astounding possibilities.
In today’s focused Museletter lesson, Dutch artist Robin Hilthouse introduces the foundational technique behind his breathtakingly detailed portraits: basic ballpoint pen crosshatching.
Working with just a pen and paper, Robin breaks down how directional lines and pressure control can create the illusion of volume, light, and texture.
This lesson doesn’t cover his full process—instead, it hones in on the most essential building block of his technique, showing you how a few strokes can evolve into something dimensional and lifelike.
With clear explanation and close-up demonstrations, Robin invites you to slow down, look closely, and embrace the power of repetition and control.
It’s a quick lesson, clocking in at just under five minutes, with long-lasting impact, perfect for both beginners and seasoned artists looking to sharpen their fundamentals.
Ready to embrace the basics of crosshatching with Robin? See comments…
///
Muses: 🎨 @robinhilthouse and 📸 Ellen Feldt via @museumbysktchy
Be inspiring. Be a muse. Join Museum.
Want to be featured? Use #MyMuseum!
What an amazing adventure this was. Sterren op het doek is an art program where three artists draw a Dutch celebrity and aired on national TV. So proud to be chosen the winner of this episode#PortraitsWithRobin #bicpen #bicpenart #ballpointpenart #ballpointpen #ballpenart #ballpointbeauties #ballpenartwork #sktchyapp #biroartists #biroart #ballpenart #museumbysktchy
For my drawing class Portraits in Pen at Sktchy’s, one of the subjects was learning how to draw freckles with a simple ballpen. Drawing freckles is so much fun and always look so cute. Done with a BIC ballpen #PortraitsWithRobin #bicpen #bicpenart #ballpointpenart #ballpointpen #ballpenart #ballpointbeauties #ballpenartwork #sktchyapp #biroartists #biroart #ballpenart #museumbysktchy #biccreate #biccreators
The amazing Andy Warhol was the most influential artist and pioneer of the popart movement. He was definitely my biggest inspiration in the 80’s. Drawn with BIC ballpen. #PortraitsWithRobin #bicpen #bicpenart #ballpointpenart #ballpointpen #ballpenart #ballpointbeauties #ballpenartwork #sktchyapp #biroartists #biroart #ballpenart #museumbysktchy #sktchyapp #biccreate
I really wanted to draw a portrait of the amazing painter and Photographer Chuck Close for such a long rime. What an inspiration he was🙏🏼#bicpenart #bicpen #ballpointpenart #ballpenart #sktchy #balpentekening #ballpointpendrawing #chuckclose #biccreate
For my class Portraits in Pen at Sktchy, I used Esther Kiehl’s beautiful portrait as my reference to emphasize how to apply values and contrasts with a simple ballpen #sktchy #sktchyapp #museumbysktchy #bicpen #ballpen #ballpenart #ballpendrawing #bicpenart #ballpointpenartwork #ballpointpen
Spotlight on Sktchy teacher Robin Hilthouse!
Robin is an art lecturer in The Netherlands and a virtuoso with ballpoint pen. "I simply have to draw," says Robin. "It’s second nature. On the bus, on the phone, in a meeting, during my holidays…I couldn’t imagine myself without this amazing way of expression."
Give Robin a follow and check out Portraits in Pen with Robin Hilthouse in the Sktchy Shop!
WHO RUN THE WORLD…👧🏽
For everyone is ready to turn the page! The ever so charismatic Kamala Harris is drawn with BIC ballpen on Strathmore paper#bicpen #bicpenart #bicpendrawing #ballpenart #ballpendrawing #birodrawing #bluepen #sktchy #ballpointpen #ballpointpenart #ballpointpendrawing #kamalaharris #penportrait #ballpoint
My little big man Adam Hilthouse signed his first recording deal at Sony Music. Working relentlessly to realize his dreams. Done with BIC ballpen #ballpenart #ballpointpendrawing #sktchy #ballpen #bicpen #bicpenart
“I simply have to draw,” says Robin Hilthouse, an art lecturer in The Netherlands. “I couldn’t imagine myself without this amazing way of expression.” With this passionate commitment, Robin has honed an ability to capture his portrait subjects with uncanny accuracy using just a simple pen. Want to draw with Robin? See comments for more...
///
Muses: @robinhilthouse and Esther Kiehl
Be inspiring. Be a muse. Join Museum.
Want to be featured? Use #MyMuseum!
