We picked up from target a new anko marker pad ($3) and some sketchbooks ($6-8) that came with a free elastic band pen holder. I really bought them for the pen holder as this will come in handy with other sketchbooks or to hold my watercolour brushes. I made one once so I’m happy to pay for it if it’s cheaper to buy and this is much prettier.
I tested it out using my new Ackerman pen with a blue pumpkin nib with pilot black ink. First time I have really used it since coming back from Japan. And it was 70ml for only $11! I’ve used the other pilot inks to refill used textas (just put the tip in the Ink and I sucks up the ink using capillary action.
Half way my husband was inspired and wanted to try out the pen so I switched to a zebra g nib in a slanted dip pen which requires much more pressure but has much thinner lines.
Also tried out some watercolour washes.
I started with a Monte Marte nylon pointed round but it was too small and wasn’t holding enough water. The Taklon flat brush didn’t hold enough water and was creating more dry brush effects.
My large Chinese nylon brush was good for the larger washes.
Then I tried the squirrel travel watercolour brush (Rosemary and co) for the size it performed just as well or better!
So here’s the results both are spiral bound
Left : A5 marker pad $3
- Didn’t bleed through
- Smooth surface
- Kept catching on the nib (even after replacing with a new nib)
Right : A5 Sketch book with pen holder elastic $6
- Bled through a little and some feathering
- Takes washes ok rougher surface but smoother than cold press – but they’re still not as easy to use with calligraphy nibs.
- Has perforated pages making it easier to get a straight edge when tearing out pages.
Overall the winner is the market pad. For $3 for a pad of practise paper this is a good deal.
Rachel Fong Art 