The fatwa fever isn’t as high this year as it was last year, but far be it from me to let that get in the way of some good old-fashioned sacrilege.

Inspired by the imminent closing of a local art supply store, I purchased a pad of Bristol paper, a vial of ink, and a Kolinsky sable brush. Much as I enjoy the convenience and versatility of drawing with my Wacom tablet, I’m hoping the use of physical materials will help teach me a bit more discipline; you pay more attention to your line when you can’t erase or undo a stroke. But mostly, it just seemed like it would be fun to try. The feel of a real brush against paper is damned satisfying now and then!

I made my first attempt last night, inking a mouse skull I had sketched the night before:

And tonight, I drew one of my favorite Disney characters:

And with that, I’m taking a break from sketching Vikings every day. It’s time to stretch my legs a bit; I have much that I want to accomplish.