I previously tried my Lamy Safari fountain pens in this journal containing hand-made paper --- the nibs did not glide smoothly, like they were fighting the paper, and the ink feathered. So I had not thought of trying this Lamy Joy with its calligraphy nib.
Turns out that it writes smoothly even over this soft paper. A bit harder when trying to draw a finer line with just the edge of the nib, but bold lines are no problem. As long as the paper's "lint" does not cause trouble, I'm going to try drawing with it. Currently I have it filled with Platinum Carbon Black ink, a "wetter" ink than the Noodler's Polar black I'm used to. Had to do a bit of adjusting with the nib to prevent an ink leaky mess on my hands.
And how did I forget to try painting with gouache in this sketchbook? While watercolor just sits there refusing to move, absorbing palely into the paper and loosing it's "fresh" look I love, gouache seems to stay very bright. As long as I remember to use it very dry, as shown in that first wet dab of quinacridone violet paint. Not sure I can paint subtle, romantic landscapes with these bold colors, but maybe have a bit of fun with brightly colored subjects.
Fun testing supplies in this journal book I see. Not familiar with either pen. Only have used Pitt pens. Should venture out. :)
ReplyDeleteOh and forgot to mention ...I loved the oops wet note. :))
ReplyDeleteYou deserve pens that are more fun than Pitt pens! (though they are good ones) There are so many great ones out there! Lamy fountain pens are real work-horses, hard to mess up.
ReplyDeleteAnd I "deserve" better paper than this handmade paper! It greatly restricts what tools I can use. But it was a gift from a beloved son who knew I would love the leather cover, so I refuse to replace the paper inside. Sentimental? Of course!
If I were to pick one good pen, which one would you suggest I get? Are there many kinds of Lamy pens?
ReplyDeleteThe Lamy Safari or Lamy Vista are great basic fountain pens (the difference being the Vista is clear), actually used by school children in Germany instead of pencils. I use the EF(extra fine) nib for drawing, as Lamy nibs tend to run large. Many of us who sketch prefer the black-finish nib over the stainless one --- it seems to glide more smoothly.
ReplyDeleteA Lamy converter makes refilling ink easy; just be sure you use an ink made for fountain pens. Noodler's Lexington gray is great for sketching -- water-resistant and subtle as a graphite pencil.