I followed Sarah’s (Curious Crow) suggestion and tried a dip pen with a flexible crow quill nib in my quest for better line quality, and am having so much fun with it! As a way to give it a test run, I filled a page in my moleskin with images from the circus that we went to the other night.
I used India Ink, so was able to paint over my initial drawings without my colors getting muddy! Yay! I have been having trouble finding a pen that both delivered a variable line and came with indelible ink. Although I enjoy using the dip pen, I am a little worried about carrying an open bottle of ink around, so my next search is for an affordable fountain pen with a flexible nib. I’ve got some leads so I’ll let you know what I find…
I used a video from the circus website for my drawings, since it corresponded to the acts that we saw. It was handy to be able to stop it to do a sketch and then let it move on to the next act. There is no way I could have sketched during the show because I couldn’t take my eyes off the action for a second for fear I would miss something!
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).
Wow, great result! This pen looks like what I’ve been wanting for ages and didn’t know it exists (if you know what I mean *lol*).
I’m also impressed by that fantastic portrait of your mum! You totally rock! 🙂
I’m so pleased you like the dip pen. It was purely intuition on my part and i’m glad i went ahead and suggested it. I’m sure you know this but just in case: don’t put Indian Ink in a fountain pen – your pen will die a crusty, dried up death.
It’s awesome! And what a wonderful technique too.
I heard that indian ink is no good for fountain pens too but it’s great for brushes. Just remember to wash the brush thoroughly after that. I am not sure I’ve never used it before, but I think it’s a valid advice ^^
This looks great! Dip pens are a lot of fun, and your drawing i great!
Amazing drawing. I hope you find the fountain pen you want.
Great sketches Janene…I’ll have to have a try with the dip pen one day if we can get them over here.(my Dad taught me how to use a mapping pen many years ago maybe the same principle)
great job. Love the sketch of you Mom also!
Revelle
Absolutely lovely drawing!!
You can’t use India Ink in a fountain pen, but if you are careful and clean the pen when it runs out of ink you could use Platinum Carbon Ink. It dries waterproof and can be used with care. Another choice is one of the Bulletproof inks by Noodler. They react with the cellulose in the paper to become permanent. However, if the paper is sized they will run when washed over or if you put the ink on really heavy and hit it with water before it dries it will run.
A Namiki Falcon is a pretty flexible modern fountain pen. For a really flexible nib on a fountain pen you should try a vintage pen, made before the 1930’s. An Esterbrook with a 9128 nib is pretty cheap and flexy. I’ve had good luck getting super wet noodle flex from old Waterman and Conklins, but they can be pricey and I would not use Carbon ink in them.
Thanks for the comments and the great tips! I wouldn’t use India ink for a fountain pen, but finding an ink with all of the right qualities is a challenge. Ffyrebird, guess what–I just found a vintage fountain pen with a flexible nib! I can’t wait to try it.
I can’t wait to hear about the fountain pen! More info please 🙂
Congrats on the pen find! Enjoy!!