Ink and Ashes

I have been using Rapidograph pens for many years. I love the feel of them and I love the line. But they are a pain. You have to fill the ink resorvoir. They clog up. They leak. The tip gets bent. And so on.

So the past few years I have been trying to find another pen that would give same look, feel and lightfastness but less hassle. Until now I have been unsuccessful.

I recently purchased Staedtler Mars professional pens:

These pens are awesome! Much easier to use and I get the same deep black that I got with the rapidograph! It feels a little different…kind of like a really really hard felt tip. The set was only about $20 at Office Depot.

This a watercolor and ink piece. A little different than what I have done before.

Here is a detail shot:

Pictures aren’t very good but I think you can get the idea. I am actually quite pleased with how it came out.