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Fountain Pens for the World of Art
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items I've loved fountain pens and dip pens since I was a child, writing, drawing, and relishing ink on my fingers. Whether you prefer a fountain pen or a dip pen, you'll find excellent suggestions here along with a few nice accessories such as ink, cartri...
The Lamy Safari has become a much-loved pen for sketching. (I have two of them and will likely buy a third). They come in different colors and a variety of nibs. Make sure to also purchase a converter for it so you can use water-resistent inks.
LAMY Safari Yellow Fountain Pen M Nib
If you buy a Lamy Safari, either get one that includes the converter or add one to your order.
Lamy Z28 Converter for Safari
The TWSBI Pen is built for sketching and isn't expensive. Besides being smooth, it can hold a huge amount of ink, meaning you can go on a week's vacation with a full tank and sketch everything you see. It's a “demonstrator” pen with a clear barrel so...
TWSBI ECO Fountain Pen White F Nib
The Pilot Metropolitan is suggested by a lot of artists, which means I'll be buying one soon, and costing under $30 means it won't break the bank. Many describe it as a smooth flowing workhorse. It's just what we artists need. Indeed, I'll be buying ...
PILOT Metropolitan Fountain Pen, Black, Medium
Waterman's black ink is my favorite for everyday writing.
Waterman Intense Black Fountain Pen Ink 50ml
Noodler's Black Ink is in three of my pens that I use for sketching. If you give it time to dry thoroughly, you can use watercolor on top of it.
Noodler's Black Waterproof Bulletproof Ink 3oz
Platinum Carbon Ink is waterproof and the top choice amongst artists. My TWSBI pen is awaiting shipment.
Platinum Carbon Ink 60ml - Black
Bristol paper is smooth, absolutely adores ink, and can tolerate bits of watercolor. I can't be without it.
Strathmore 300 Bristol Paper 9x12, 20 Sheets
Many years ago, it was “Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain” that turned around my drawing. None of the other how-to books taught me how to see in whole new way.
Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, 4th Ed
When only India ink will do, you can't ever go wrong with the little crowquill dip pen. I have another dip pen with all kinds of nibs, but I always reach for the crowquill. And it's nice that a starter bottle of ink included.
Speedball Hunt Crow Quill Pen Set
My own set of Speedball dip pen holders is much used and much loved, my favorite nibs being the ones in this set.
Speedball Sketching Set with 8 Pens & Holders
If you draw a lot with a dip pen, even adding in a bit of brushwork, you'll want a supply of good India ink. Here's the bottle I'm currently very happy with.
Speedball Super Black India Ink, 2-Ounce
Are you annoyed with pens that take cartridges only? Easily refill empty cartridges with blunt-tip syringe. It's a snap to do. I also use a syringe to fill my water brushes.
6PCS 5ML Ink Filling Syringe w/ Blunt Needle
If you have cartridge-style fountain pens but no cartridges and you'd like to fill your own, Jet Pens has a choice for you: just the cartridges or the cartridges plus a syringe for filling them.
Point Empty Ink Cartridges - Pack of 6
I've owned this guide to antique writing instruments for over 20 years, and it still helps identify fountain pens I come across at yard sales. Some of those pens have turned out to have excellent monetary value--not that I'd sell any of them.
Illustrated Guide to Antique Writing Instruments