It’s inherent in being an artist that we get creative with lesser used tools. Yes, ink is used to make art but it’s a little more unusual to use a set of Zebra fountain pens in a myriad of bright colors to create something special. I got to get scribbly with these pens, allowing that creativity and child-like enthusiasm to come out and play. It was some seriously good fun. And since I’ll be giving away a Greybook from Hahnemühle starting early next week, I thought let’s see what they look like on toned paper.
I was thrilled to see the Greybook took all I could throw at it when it came to these intense fountain pens. The black centers are actually 3-4 colors mashed on top of one another. I was unsure just how dark I’d be going so I started out with the pink then red then purple then black then some blue to round it all out! There’s not even any bleed through to the back of the paper and I scrubbed color into it. Excellent quality which is what I always find with Hahnemühle, not just in the Greybook.
These fountain pens are meant to be used and discarded once you run out of ink. I must admit, I was very skeptical when I read about disposable fountain pens. I’m a lefty, hence the skepticism. Would these even write well or would they disappoint like so many non left handed pens do, especially fountain pens. I was thrilled. I say THRILLED. In fact, I’ve been using these to write with for weeks now, unwilling to put them back in the art cup I store them in. I just want to keep using them. That’s unheard of for a pen let alone a fountain pen!
Writing:
I do have a few coveted pens but I’m really picky. A regular Bic just won’t do unless you want smudgy, messy and sometimes illegible scrawl. For some reason these fountain pens just make my writing so cohesive. So expressive. What happened to the chicken scratch?
Just LOOK at how consistent my writing looks? And seriously, the colors are so wonderful, nothing insipid about them. I do have to apologize. I seem to have given away BOTH of my turquoise pens, hence they’re not showing up in the color swatches. Oops. The turquoise is just so pretty, I remember adding them to giveaways a few times. Stupid Jenn, I should have reviewed and swatched them earlier.
Colors: Zebra Fountain Pens
- TURQUOISE
- Black
- Pink
- Purple
- Green
- Red
- Blue
So, SEVEN colors are available in the Zebra Fountain pens set. The nibs are stainless steel with a 0.6mm fine point and non-toxic water soluble ink. Did I mention they’re SOOOO SMOOTH when writing?? I decided that I’d utilize the water soluble aspect and make some cool art.
First, I started by penciling in the parrot tulips, editing out the background for now. I’d assess if the piece needed a background after I got the actual tulips painted. I used Zebra black waterproof technical liners around the edges of the tulips to nail down the basic petals. I didn’t want that line to feather or react to watercolor, I knew I’d need a border to hold everything that would be going on inside each tulip. Then I got scribbling.
I knew I’d be adding yellow watercolor and some other colors to activate much of the ink, then adding low lights and shadows where needed.
This painting was done on Hahnemühle Harmony Hot Pressed watercolor paper. I’ll be reviewing it soon. I’ve had some great success using Zebra pens to make art. If you haven’t seen this post about their colorful Sarasa pens I invite you to see what some pens can really do.
sandra strait
Great review Jenn and even greater art! You are so talented!
Jenny
hiya jenn! ohhh i do luv fountain pens and these look amazing. using watercolors to activate the ink on the tulips = brilliant!! they are gorgeous!! i’ve been using the Zebra V-301 stainless steel fountain pen for awhile now and have enjoyed it for writing but didn’t know they made these with colored inks. how fun! love the background you added, soft and delicate. i can relate to how a fountain pen inspires better hand writing, and it stops me from pressing down hard like i do with ballpoint/gels pens so i can write longer without my hand hurting. “oops” about not having the turquoise 🙁 thanks for sharing-great post my friend 😀
Laura
Beautiful art as always. Thank you Jenn for sharing your talent with us. It definitely makes for a better day!
Jill H
Love the tulips!!
alice
those tulips are gorgeous! love what you did with all the Zebra pens!
Jean Marmo
Such wonderful pieces of inspiration! You do the best florals! Thanks for this review!!
Susan C
Wow! Love your tulips!
Linda Kunsman
gorgeous art as always- what a joy to visit and see your beautiful drawings and paintings. Always appreciative of your reviews, and giveaways too!
Louise
Wow! Amazing art! Love those tulips!
Tracy
What fun to see what you can do with those fountain pens from Zebra! I think I already have them in one of my (MANY) wishlists on Amazon because I stumbled across them one day and like you, was surprised at the idea of disposable fountain pens. They had rave reviews too. I’ve always had a fondness for cool and interesting pens. I can never stand those basic (cheap! awful!) pens that employers’ buy so I’ve always bought my own. It’s almost always an affordable luxury that makes the workday more interesting 🙂