52 in 2011: Week Three

Sumi Ink

White Pergamenata Paper Scrap

3.5 x 17 in.

#3 Tachikawa C broad nib

Well,  I did say I'd post the good, the bad, and the ugly!  This one is pretty bad, but it's done!  This was the first time I used the new Tachikawa nib.  I really had to lean on it to keep from getting ragged edges and it slipped a bit on the Pergamenata.  I'm going to try this one again with a toothier paper and see if I can control it better.  I'm pretty rusty at the broad nibs but at least my nib isn't rusty!

Tomorrow?

I can't wait!  I'm getting a paper shipment from John Neal soon.  Hopefully, tomorrow!

I can never decide whether I love new paper or new nibs more.  Or new ink.

I think I love paper best.  Unless it ink.  Or nibs.

What about you?  What is your favorite?

Just Add Water

I wore out another ultrasonic cleaner and had to order a new one.  This new one cracks me up!  I know it will make me smile every time I use it!

My Favorite Things: Vintage Nibs

Hunt #21 Companion Round Point Vintage Nibs

I found this box of vintage nibs in an antique shop in Minocqua, Wisconsin when we were on vacation this summer.  A whole box of nibs in perfect condition!  One-half gross!  For twenty dollars!

I didn't know if I'd like using the nibs (I am a Brause EF66 girl, myself) but I fell in love with the old box and the whole idea of vintage nibs so I had to have them.  And the best thing is that I love these nibs!  They aren't as flexible as the EF66 but so far, the box has got it right; they don't spurt or scratch.  The hairlines are super thin.  The shades aren't as thick as the Brause, but they're perfect for tiny little placecards and small applications.

Wow! Christmas came early!

My neighbors, Michael and Sharon, are both wonderful, accomplished artists.  Their medium of choice is oils but they are trained in all mediums and are a wealth of information; being entirely self-taught,  if I've got a question or a problem, I've got a great resource right next door.

I was talking to Sharon about mixing colors and clean up of nibs and brushes--basically picking her brain.  Long story short:  About 10 minutes after I hung up the phone, here comes Michael to the back door with an armful of art supplies--a HUGE assortment of watercolors, gouache, brushes, and Derwent  pencils.  He even brought over a watercolor palette the likes of which I have never seen and his favorite water color mixing tool--an old porcelain meat tray.

WOW!  I am totally overwhelmed with all these new 'toys'  but even moreso by the kind generosity of my wonderful neighbors.

A good neighbor is a good thing.  A good friend who lives next door is a blessing beyond measure.

New toys!

I got a shipment of supplies from John Neal today!  Getting a shipment from John Neal is usually a little like Christmas because I always try to buy myself a new little toy to play with.  This time I ordered a sample pot of Twinkling H2O's.  They're just $2.00 for a pot, but you have to take whatever color they send you.  Lucky me!  I got a pot of Indian Copper, a lovely glittering copper.

I played around with it a little bit with the pointed pen, adding distilled water and mixing it right in the pot with my brush, then painting it on to the nib.  It wasn't too hard to get the right consistency for lettering.

Couldn't get a very good picture but maybe you can see a bit of the twinkle. . .