tool
(to͞ol)
n.
1. A device, such as a saw, shovel, or drill, used to perform or facilitate manual or mechanical work.
2.
a. A machine, such as a lathe, used to cut and shape machine parts or other objects.
b. The cutting part of such a machine.
3. Something regarded as necessary to the carrying out of one's occupation or profession: Words are the tools of our trade.
4. Something used in the performance of an operation; an instrument: "Modern democracies have the fiscal and monetary tools ... to end chronic slumps and galloping inflations" (Paul A. Samuelson).
5. Vulgar Slang
6. A person used to carry out the designs of another; a dupe.
7.
a. A bookbinder's hand stamp.
b. A design impressed on a book cover by such a stamp.
8. Computers A utility program.
After thinking about this for a bit I have come to the conclusion that I have lots of favourite tools that I use quite a bit. The one that I would like to use more and make my 'mostest' favourite tool is a dip pen and the various inks. I want text to be a big part of my style and it also is useful just for mark making. I find that it rarely lets me down.
I learned in elementary school after I had mastered a pencil. Our wooden desks had an inkwell and the teacher had a big bottle of black ink from which she filled the glass jars that sat in the inkwell. We had black dip pens and later we could graduate to our own fountain pens. I can't remember that there was a whole lot of technique. We just did it. When I saw one at an art store I brought one home and I found that it was kinda like riding a bike- I never forgot! :) And actually the dip pens are better than fountain pens but not quite as portable. I prefer them to the pens and markers for ease of use as they don't dry out if left uncapped , etc. The regular nib and holder meet my needs. I also discovered all kinds of inks!
Thinking this would be a pretty short one picture post I gave google a click. Gosh, there are all kinds of things to know. New nibs have a coating that can give a scratchy start until it is removed or wore off. There are all kinds of fancy holders but generally two styles, straight or shaped and different lengths. Different nibs give different results as do varieties of inks and papers. It is good to experiment. They are not expensive. The pens lend themselves to a versatile and flexible line. It is best to flex the nib rather than lead with the side edge. A 30 minute tutorial but really, just dip and write!
Eliana is six and she had not much instruction and just started doodling. Easy peasy!
Interested in learning more: I found this video quite interesting and helpful. Lots of info but frankly I just use a regular nib, a plain holder and cheap India ink! It is definitely an important part of my tool box!
After thinking about this for a bit I have come to the conclusion that I have lots of favourite tools that I use quite a bit. The one that I would like to use more and make my 'mostest' favourite tool is a dip pen and the various inks. I want text to be a big part of my style and it also is useful just for mark making. I find that it rarely lets me down.
I learned in elementary school after I had mastered a pencil. Our wooden desks had an inkwell and the teacher had a big bottle of black ink from which she filled the glass jars that sat in the inkwell. We had black dip pens and later we could graduate to our own fountain pens. I can't remember that there was a whole lot of technique. We just did it. When I saw one at an art store I brought one home and I found that it was kinda like riding a bike- I never forgot! :) And actually the dip pens are better than fountain pens but not quite as portable. I prefer them to the pens and markers for ease of use as they don't dry out if left uncapped , etc. The regular nib and holder meet my needs. I also discovered all kinds of inks!
Thinking this would be a pretty short one picture post I gave google a click. Gosh, there are all kinds of things to know. New nibs have a coating that can give a scratchy start until it is removed or wore off. There are all kinds of fancy holders but generally two styles, straight or shaped and different lengths. Different nibs give different results as do varieties of inks and papers. It is good to experiment. They are not expensive. The pens lend themselves to a versatile and flexible line. It is best to flex the nib rather than lead with the side edge. A 30 minute tutorial but really, just dip and write!
Eliana is six and she had not much instruction and just started doodling. Easy peasy!
Interested in learning more: I found this video quite interesting and helpful. Lots of info but frankly I just use a regular nib, a plain holder and cheap India ink! It is definitely an important part of my tool box!
2 comments:
Decades ago I took calligraphy classes and loved the slow concentrated efforts of writing with a fountain pen and inks. I have never tried a dip pen and think I should. Eliana is doing fantastic with it. Lovely to think you will be adding writing to your art. Thank you for sharing the video.
I also love pens. I have various dip pens in both metal and bamboo.
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