I tried something new and I think I'm in love

[Jonathan C.]

I've been absolutely loving using watercolor inks for calligraphy.  The set I'm using wasn't intended for use in calligraphy but I love it just the same.  My Finetec Arabic gold is stunning as well.  What do you guys think?  Any constructive criticism?  Thanks! 

Nib used: Leonardt Principal
Nib Holder: Speedball Oblique

[seanlanefuller]

I like using watercolor for ink too.  The color options are incredible as are the (I don't know the right word) saturation variation.  I also like writing on watercolor paper instead of something really smooth.

[Jonathan C.]

I know exactly what you mean, it's fantastic!  Is the watercolor paper worth it?

[seanlanefuller]

Watercolor paper can be very expensive.  I already have some for playing with watercolor painting.  I think it is worth it.  Just buy a pad of inexpensive paper first, then buy good paper when you have the skills and a vision for a project that is worth it.  I'm still need a lot of work on the skills part.

[Jonathan C.]

Thanks for the advice!

[Elizabeth O.]

I use watercolor as ink on perfectly normal envelopes.  It's a lot of fun because the colors can be very bright, and you can also change colors as you go to introduce a gradient.

I love doing the orange to yellow gradient and the blue to green and the purple to red...the rest of the gradients I try tend to get muddy.

I use my tiny Windsor & Newton Sketchers Pocket box, and that works really well (love that thing!).  Santa brought me a Kuretake Gansai Tambi set that I absolutely cannot wait to try!  But...as far as I'm concerned...all watercolors are great for using as ink!  As long as you get the water to color ratio correct. 

Glad you've discovered this!  So much fun.

[rabbitship]

Elizabeth, that is gorgeous! Thanks for the tips for the gradients too. I haven't had any luck since my attempts at watercolors have all turned muddy. Can't wait to try those suggestions (:

[Jonathan C.]

Elizabeth, that is gorgeous! Thanks for the tips for the gradients too. I haven't had any luck since my attempts at watercolors have all turned muddy. Can't wait to try those suggestions (:

That looks gorgeous indeed!  Thanks for sharing!

[Elizabeth O.]

Glad you like!  Watercolors are my favorite!! 

[angelinamkelly]

Elizabeth that is wonderful! I have not tried this yet- do any watercolors work or is there a certain kind? how much water do you add to get a nice flow?

[Elizabeth O.]

Angelina!  Any type of watercolor will work...just add water until the top of the watercolor patty is wet, paint it on the nib, test to see if the watercolor flows.  If the watercolor doesn't flow, dip my nib in water and test for flow again.

It's just one of those things that are you just play with until you get it right!

If you want to see my strategy in super-speed, check out my Instagram. 

Hope this helps!!

[Elizgadus59]

I love using watercolor ink. Sean, your right, the variations are endless. although.... I must say I do use gum arabic with it to keep the color bound together. Gouache is also very lovely, Higher pigment distribution.

Eliz.

[JERRY TRESSER]

Richtone Inks.  http://www.nibandink.com/pens/2015/8/9/review-richtone-inks-from-john-neal-booksellers
These are wonderful , rich in color, dries waterproof and are obtainable from John Neal individually JERRY