I used three different types of tools to sketch Quince blossoms during this last week. I thought if I treated the same subject in different ways, it might help me settle on one approach to concentrate on for awhile. I feel that I am always starting over and trying something new, which can be fun but now I want to delve deeper rather than always dabbling. The top one in this post is black Pitt Artist Pens with small and extra small tips and watercolor, the second one is a sepia Pentel Brush Pen and watercolor. See my graphite and watercolor example here. (I couldn’t seem to get my scanner to pick up the subtle lines and even a photo left the color looking washed out but oh well.)
I think I lean towards the ink and watercolor combination but I haven’t found just the right pen yet. The brush pens are great for getting a varying line weight, but the overall look is too heavy for me. I love my Kuretake #8 Brush Pen–it is so wonderfully responsive and you can get a very thin line if desired, but the ink is water soluble so I have to draw with pencil, do watercolor, then ink it last since I like to keep my ink lines crisp–too many steps. The fine tipped Pitt Artist Pens get a delicate line weight but it is too uniform. I am thinking of investing in a Rotring or Lamy Pen because I think the fountain pen type nib would be more responsive to pressure. I could get both a thin line and varying line weight. Plus you have the option of using an ink converter to try a variety of ink colors–I would love to have that flexibility!
I would be interested to know what others think of the three examples I have posted. Which do you like best? If anyone is knowledgeable about Rotring, Lamy or other fountain pens that are good for sketching, please let me know. Have you tried an ink converter with good results? Thanks in advance for any feedback.
This blog is about my journey as a botanical artist--what I am learning, what inspires me and what I am currently drawing or painting. My desire is to continually hone my skills to better express my wonder and gratitude for the beauty of the creation around me in the Pacific Northwest (USA).
I like the top one best – the ink line in the second seems too bold, taking away some of the fragility of the blossoms and leaves.
Janene,
I have a Rotring pen, but don’t use it often because I’ve had problems with getting a steady line on paper with even the slightest tooth, and also it leaks sometimes. Actually I got a whole set of Rotrings at one point. I might be able to give one of these up if you like them 🙂
Kuretake No. 8 will take a Platinum Preppy ink converter, which you can pick up for ~$8 at Muse Art on Hawthorne. Unfortunately, my tests show that most ink really loses its blackness when used in the No. 8, I guess just because it’s so free-flowing. Reports online indicate that Noodler’s Black may be the only way to go, but I haven’t found that anywhere local yet.
I also have a Pentel Tradio (http://www.jetpens.com/product_info.php/products_id/1199&utm_source=pr&utm_medium=site) which may be waterproof, I’m not certain. If it is, I think you might like it. I like its line variance quite a bit and it’s smoother on toothy paper than pens like the Rotring while giving a smaller maximum line width than a brush pen. Takes a little getting used to, though.
Additionally, the Pentel Pocket Brush is really only a little less sensitive than the Kuretake No. 8, but the ink is quite black and waterproof. Both Muse and ArtMedia carry this one, and you can easily get refill cartridges though I don’t know of any ink converter available.
Hey, I’ll bring my whole supply to the May 15 SketchCrawl, in case you want to try anything 🙂
Mmmm pens.
Kalina
Thanks for your comments, Shirley and Kalina. Kalina–I am so lucky to sketch with someone who is an encyclopedia of pens! I’ll take you up on your offer at the next sketchcrawl–thanks!! 🙂
I like both versions of the blossoms, but the one done with the pen shows the delicacy of the flowers better, I think. I find the brush pens unsuitable for me – I just work better with a finer line. As for the fountain pens, I’m left handed, and fountain pens & I don’t really get along that well. Wish I could help, but looks like you’re in business with Kalina! nancy
Agree with Nancy. I like both versions because it gives out different effects. Soft and hard, delicate and strong, suggestive and defined. I am not a perfectionist when it comes to colors, I just appreciate what I see and observe the beauty it radiates ^^
On the whole I prefer the top one – you draw a lot of delicate subjects with a light hand and I think a fine pen line suits that. The brush open gives a lovely line but I think it seems too bold for the subject, though it would be fabulous when you really want a bold approach.
Personally I use different tools according to what effect I want, but as far as sketching/drawing pens go I use and like a Rotring ArtPen with a fine nib http://www.fredaldous.co.uk/product_039260282.htm and an ink converter. This is fairly stiff but gives a variable line and I usually use Noodlers bulletproof in it. If I’m at home I also use a dip pen and ink and if you haven’t tried one I suggest you do because I think you might like it – plus they are inexpensive so if you don’t it won’t have cost you much. They do take practise but the line quality and variet is unsurpassable – get a crow quill nib for really delicate hair thin lines and a variety of Gillot nibs to try too and use Indian Ink (you probably know all this, but just in case)
http://www.dickblick.com/products/speedball-crow-quill-dip-pen-and-nibs/ more useful info here http://www.jacquiblackman.co.uk/dip_pens.htm
Hope you find what you are looking for!
Curious Crow, This is very exciting information–I can’t wait to try out dip pens now. Thanks for all of the links too.
I have the Rotring Artpen, and the Lamy Safari, and personally I find them both stiff. Maybe it’s because I’m left-handed (we’re known for not being able to use fountain pens), but I do not get great variations in line widths with them. I saw that Cathy Johnson just got an antique Waterman with a flexible nib. I would take a look at that, or a Namiki Falcon. It also has a flexible nib.
These are both wonderful sketches!
The top drawing seems more delicate. I like it the best. I like my Micron pens, the Pitt flows heavier for me.
One of my best friends, Phil, works for an art supply company in Beaverton called C2F, and he gets free samples and lots of discounted art supplies all the time. I bet he could give you some suggestions of different pens and other drawing/painting implements and even let you try some samples so you could see if you liked them. He’s been doing stuff with pen and ink lately and so he’s been bringing home a lot of that kind of thing.
If you’re interested in talking to him, send me an Email and I can get you his number and email address. 🙂
Janene,
I have a fondness for fountain pens. Here is some information I have learned along the way. I like the Lamy Safari but there isn’t any line variation to speak of. But they are inexpensive, work well and you can have several filled with different colors at the same time.
The Namiki Falcon, as raena mentioned, has some variation. Richard Binder, at http://www.richardspens.com/ sells these and for a fee can add additional flex. But, it is my understanding that he voids his warranty if you use Noodler’s ink. I have not purchased any pen from him personally, but I know he has a very good reputation.
You could look for an antique pen. Also, the people over at FPN or Fountain pen network, are very knowledgeable.
I hope this helps some! Feel free to ask any other questions. I will help if I can.
Oop, sorry, terrific drawings too! You do great work.
Wonderful drawings and watercolor. They all look awesome.
All in all I prefer the top one in this post, if your’e looking for a style to pursue for different subjects. However the graphite one is lovely too, delicate and subtle, just like the flower and fits this particular subject very well.
I can’t help you regarding supplies, I am still trying out pens for myself. I have a Lamy safari, and I like it very much, but it depends very much on the paper as well if the results come out the way I want them.
Your comments have been very helpful–thanks for taking the time to visit.