Happy Thanksgiving! Here we are again in the midst of another holiday season…
To put a new spin on the black in Black Friday (and maybe to give you an idea of something to add to your holiday wishlist), I’m saluting one of my trustiest art supplies.
Blacker than black, lightfast, and quick-drying, Platinum Carbon ink has become indispensable to my daily drawing ritual. I have a converter in my Lamy Safari fountain pen which allows me to refill the pen directly from the bottle, a cost effective and environmentally friendly alternative to cartridges. Reviews mention that because this ink is pigment based it contains fine particles of carbon, meaning you should clean your pens frequently.
Dishes ©2017 Elizabeth Fram, 8.5 x 11 in., pen and ink
Hmmm… I haven’t done that. Maybe I’ve escaped any issues because I use my pen pretty much daily, but it would probably be smart for me to follow through on that chore before refilling the next time.
Curled ©2017 Elizabeth Fram, 8.5 x 11 in., pen and ink
There is a lot to be said for the beauty and deceptive simplicity of a black line. It has the power to sensitively convey weight, value, texture, and gesture while supplying a lifetime of lessons for those willing to delve into its nuances. For a jump-start, explore this link to 10 pen and ink drawing techniques and tips. Also, Alphonso Dunn’s book Pen & Ink Drawing is a terrific beginner’s resource.
Paper Bag ©2017 Elizabeth Fram, 8.5 x 11 in., pen and ink
As time has passed I’m seeing how much what I’ve learned through my drawings has influenced and benefitted my textile work. Exploring the relationship between marks made with ink and those created via stitches is the fertile ground where discoveries take place.
❖
It wouldn’t be right to let you go without thanking you for continuing to check in with me here week after week, and for letting me know when a point of discussion strikes a chord with you in one way or another. Whether you weigh in publicly or privately, I am always grateful for your thoughts. The greatest reward of this blog has been knowing how much company I have on this journey.
Hard as it is to believe, this marks my 155th uninterrupted week of posts. If you have found Eye of the Needle helpful, please share it! As a special thank you, enjoy this free download of important resources that have been the most fruitful in guiding me in my practice.
Thanks for your Resource List – some I follow, some I listen to, some I read, but on TOP of my personal list is Eye of the Needle, your blog. With much gratitude, thanks for sharing all your wisdom.
You are most welcome Louanne – I am so glad we’ve made this connection!
Congratulations on your record of posting!! This is indeed a major accomplishment, and a discipline I so admire! There have been many days your sketching has inspired me to do my sketch a day.. and your sharing of process has also provided much inspiration to me as well as to a wider audience I’m sure!
One day we’ll talk fountain pens, as my fantasy of using them has been derailed so many times that I’ve just given up.
Happy end of November!! xo
Thanks Liz! Absolutely; let’s make a pen “date”…you can do it!
I look forward to this blog every Fri and love passing it on to friends. Your drawings are always so enjoyable. So glad we are friends. Dianne
Many, many thanks! ♥♥♥
I too enjoy your blog and look forward to Friday’s when I get to read it.
Enjoy the holidays
I enjoy your insights Judy! Happy Holidays to you too…
I rarely post, but I can’t contain my gratitude for all you share. Each week your blog is a gift of art, inspiration and resources. Your sketches move me. They are direct and intimate. And there’s an authenticity in your lovely textile work that challenges me in my own work. I’m among the followers that benefit from your vision, discipline and generosity. Thank you.
Thanks for making my day Lynn! It’s a two-way street — thank you for sharing your work as well.
My walnuts are in the garage waiting for spring (I think). I’m looking forward to seeing how your ink came out!