I really resonated with how the fountain pen forces you to slow down and think when you write. And the action of not using a digital brush (that feels the same) distinguishes the sensation you get using a pencil, pen, paintbrush. Helps you consider what you're trying to convey.
Agreed on the fountain pen front! I think I've just about spent all my money at Gouletpens on some of the nicest little nuggets of artistic gold I've found. Currently loving the Platinum Carbon waterproof -- also the soft, extra-fine nib of the Pilot Falcon. Glorious scratchings.
I have used Platinum Carbon waterproof ink for the past year and a half and I really love it. Yet to try the pen! Of late the pen collection has grown a little out of control. :P I think I need to buy some inks to balance the deficit. Have you used Kyo-Iro ink?
I always struggle with perfectionism when I create art. It’s part of why I haven’t created art in a long time. It’s exhausting.
I did a 100 day project and chose black ink painting for the reasons you share here. I couldn’t go back. A line would be permanent. It broke through the perfectionism and allowed me to just keep moving forward.
Reading your work has slowly been creating an itch to make art again. I love how you blend your art with your writing. I’d love to be able to do the same.
Curious, how do you transfer your drawings from paper to digital so cleanly?
David, I did a similar project to kickstart my journey, although only 30 days! I'm glad to inspire you in this direction. I think we stick to perfectionism partly because we think it will do us good, but when it keeps us from creating it helps nothing. It's good to be have high standards while still knowing when they are becoming an obstruction.
I scan all my drawings with an Epson v600 scanner!
Thank you for this post, and particularly the Miles Davis quote! They were a timely reminder. I'm a new writer, and I can feel myself giving in to the anxiety of a blank page.
I love this! Writing longhand in my journal does manage to slow down my thoughts somewhat and connects me more to the words on the page. I write in colored ink, which varies depending on mood. But I sketch in pencil because I don’t fully trust myself as an artist. Maybe someday.
The fountain pen is actually my favorite type of pen. I started using it for calligraphy, and liked it so much that I now use it for writing almost anything. Haven’t drawn with it yet.
Really enjoyed this article. And the sketches. Especially enjoyed the group photo of the students attending your workshop. Awesome reminder that mistakes make way for discovery and redrawing allows you to shape your style. The inspiration you share comes together in a 3-dimensional fashion-- through reading, listening and taking in your art. Fabulous 👏
Your discussion of going slower works for soee people, those with quick minds that don't forget mid-sentence what they were trying to say at the beginning. Alas, typing helps me get to the end of that sentence with an idea, even a bad one, more or less in tact. (I learned to compose on a typewriter while working at t newspaper and interviewing people while typing. Taking notes proved just as confusing and useless. HOWEVER, the tactical sensation of using a writing implement, especially a pen that glides like silk across the page, is a feeling I crave. Writing long passages or letters, for example, is overwhelming, but word puzzles are my jam. Pressing that gel pen onto that newsprint paper is a delight that satisfies some weird need. It pulls me in to the thoughts triggered by the words or clues. Then it not only becomes a tactical experience, but also a mind experience. A rest from the mundane cares of life. A way to concentrate and focus (redundant?) on ideas. How's that for weird? Thank you for this insightful article.
Fountain pens are actually not difficult at all! The one I use to draw is a great first buy - Lamy Safari is about $35-40. I also like the TWSBI Eco. And you can find some cheaper alternatives with Pilot. My top suggestion is to go and try a couple at an art supply or stationery store.
I loved everything about this post, but especially this:
I fell in love with precisely the thing that makes so many people afraid of using ink - that you cannot erase your lines.
Sometimes permanence is a gift.
Thank you Jillian!
I really resonated with how the fountain pen forces you to slow down and think when you write. And the action of not using a digital brush (that feels the same) distinguishes the sensation you get using a pencil, pen, paintbrush. Helps you consider what you're trying to convey.
🙌
I’m sitting here reading and laughing! Your humor is great!
Agreed on the fountain pen front! I think I've just about spent all my money at Gouletpens on some of the nicest little nuggets of artistic gold I've found. Currently loving the Platinum Carbon waterproof -- also the soft, extra-fine nib of the Pilot Falcon. Glorious scratchings.
Here's my review of the former: https://www.jasonchatfield.com/blog/shop-talk-platinum-carbon-fountain-pen
I have used Platinum Carbon waterproof ink for the past year and a half and I really love it. Yet to try the pen! Of late the pen collection has grown a little out of control. :P I think I need to buy some inks to balance the deficit. Have you used Kyo-Iro ink?
I found this brand in a store near me: https://www.jetpens.com/Kyo-Iro-Inks/ct/4308?gad=1
I have not used those... no. Welp! There goes the rest of my money!
I see you do watercolor washes in your work, I think you might enjoy doing ink washes with it. That's my plan!
Our hobbies deserve more support from us!
Amen!
I always struggle with perfectionism when I create art. It’s part of why I haven’t created art in a long time. It’s exhausting.
I did a 100 day project and chose black ink painting for the reasons you share here. I couldn’t go back. A line would be permanent. It broke through the perfectionism and allowed me to just keep moving forward.
Reading your work has slowly been creating an itch to make art again. I love how you blend your art with your writing. I’d love to be able to do the same.
Curious, how do you transfer your drawings from paper to digital so cleanly?
David, I did a similar project to kickstart my journey, although only 30 days! I'm glad to inspire you in this direction. I think we stick to perfectionism partly because we think it will do us good, but when it keeps us from creating it helps nothing. It's good to be have high standards while still knowing when they are becoming an obstruction.
I scan all my drawings with an Epson v600 scanner!
Thank you for this post, and particularly the Miles Davis quote! They were a timely reminder. I'm a new writer, and I can feel myself giving in to the anxiety of a blank page.
I love this! Writing longhand in my journal does manage to slow down my thoughts somewhat and connects me more to the words on the page. I write in colored ink, which varies depending on mood. But I sketch in pencil because I don’t fully trust myself as an artist. Maybe someday.
The fountain pen is actually my favorite type of pen. I started using it for calligraphy, and liked it so much that I now use it for writing almost anything. Haven’t drawn with it yet.
That is great to hear!
Really enjoyed this article. And the sketches. Especially enjoyed the group photo of the students attending your workshop. Awesome reminder that mistakes make way for discovery and redrawing allows you to shape your style. The inspiration you share comes together in a 3-dimensional fashion-- through reading, listening and taking in your art. Fabulous 👏
Thank you so much, im glad you enjoyed it. 🥰
I love old fashion artist dip in ink pens —
Agree!
Your discussion of mistakes is great food for thought. Thank you!
I like the pencil drawing.
Loved this. I always need a tool to slow my thinking down.
I use a Lamy Safari Vista for sketching. The nib has a bit of flex and with fountain pens the line stays true, unlike other forms of pen. 👍
That's interesting, I did not know the nib would flex in the Vista!
Lamy nibs have a bit more flex than the Kaweco I used to use 👍😀
Your discussion of going slower works for soee people, those with quick minds that don't forget mid-sentence what they were trying to say at the beginning. Alas, typing helps me get to the end of that sentence with an idea, even a bad one, more or less in tact. (I learned to compose on a typewriter while working at t newspaper and interviewing people while typing. Taking notes proved just as confusing and useless. HOWEVER, the tactical sensation of using a writing implement, especially a pen that glides like silk across the page, is a feeling I crave. Writing long passages or letters, for example, is overwhelming, but word puzzles are my jam. Pressing that gel pen onto that newsprint paper is a delight that satisfies some weird need. It pulls me in to the thoughts triggered by the words or clues. Then it not only becomes a tactical experience, but also a mind experience. A rest from the mundane cares of life. A way to concentrate and focus (redundant?) on ideas. How's that for weird? Thank you for this insightful article.
I feel that too! Somehow doing word jumbles or crossword on an app just does not feel the same. 🙌
What fountain pen do you recommend and does the brand make a version for southpaws (me!)?
Fountain pens are actually not difficult at all! The one I use to draw is a great first buy - Lamy Safari is about $35-40. I also like the TWSBI Eco. And you can find some cheaper alternatives with Pilot. My top suggestion is to go and try a couple at an art supply or stationery store.