Barovia, Ravenloft (hand-drawn, ink only)

[Impractical Cartographer]

Greetings!

I was asked to draw a map of Barovia. The campaign to Ravenloft (The Curse of Strahd) is being published for the first time in Poland, so the players asked me to make a detailed map. I've taken up the challenge, especially since there is no good map of Barovia.

I relied on Ravenloft Gazetteer (general map layout) and my own imagination and knowledge (the details).

For the first time I decided to draw a map using the inks and nibs only.
And for the first time I use a magnifying glass when drawing.


A detail with a dice to show the scale.
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A magnifying glass with backlighting makes work easier.
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Inks and nibs. I don't think I'll ever pick up the markers again.
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### Latest WIP ###

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Tools:
100x70cm Canson Imagine Paper (220g/m²)
Pencil & Eraser
Various nibs + holders
Winsor&Newton Black Indian Ink
Winsor&Newton Ultramarine Ink
Amsterdam Acrylic Inks (Olive Green Deep, Carmine, Burnt Umber)
Magnifying glass lamp with ⌀ 127 mm lens 3D (x1,75) & 5D (x2,25)

I'm curious to read your opinion and comments.

Keep your fingers crossed so I can finish my drawing without blobs.

Yours sincerely
Impractical Cartographer

[Adfor]

Ahh this is so refreshing, you style is just wonderfully clean. Are the nibs a big difference from pens? I've been considering trying them, but I do a lot of very small detailing, so I'm a bit cautious.

[Impractical Cartographer]

Thank you.

AAre the nibs a big difference from pens?

Well, with a good nib and ink you can draw precisely. In addition, any colour combination can be used. And, which is hard to explain, the feeling of drawing is different. More satisfying (for me).

[Adfor]

Thank you.



Well, with a good nib and ink you can draw precisely. In addition, any colour combination can be used. And, which is hard to explain, the feeling of drawing is different. More satisfying (for me).

Good to know! Seeing your work with them is a huge inspiration to dip my toe, as is were.
This will be a real treat to behold when it's done, can't wait!

IR

[Bretton]

So this is how you make magic... I must say you may make it look like it was easy, but I'm trying to master fountain pens myself and though real fun am having some hard times, too. Congrats, your work is great to me!

[Eowyn Cwper]

It almost looks 3D. Great work as always, and I love the way you feature it in the photos!

[MistyBeee]

Applausing, as always. Amazing maps. Wonderful pics of maps.
^^

[Impractical Cartographer]

Thank you!

I really like to draw the forests. It relaxes me.

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Green ink was a very good idea. The map is more readable.

### Latest WIP ###
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[Rathaven]

Amazing work!

[krahel]

Nice work. Looks very polished. Is that a standard size die? Didn't realize how tiny most of the work was.