De Atramentis Sepia

June 14, 2012

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7102/7365757494_84d277f9d9_z.jpg

De Atramentis Sepia by kronos77, on Flickr

This is one of those greyish-brown sepia inks which I put in the same class as Whaleman's Sepia, and R&K Sepia.

Color: From what I see it is greyish brown with strong red undertones. Depending on the other factors involved, you may see the red more or less prominently in written lines, and you definitely see red if you are drawing with an ink and wash method. This type of sepia seems close to what a squid or cuttlefish would spew out. Does that sound appealing? It does to me.

Flow: I give it a 4 of 5. A bit above average but not gushing.

Behavior: Plays well with pen and paper. No feathering or spreading on any half decent paper.

Saturation: 3 of 5. More than the similar R&K Sepia.

Shading: Yes. But less than the similar R&K Sepia. A good substitute for those who find R&K too light.

Water resistance: REAL NICE! Some ink washes off but it doesn't come off so easy. Unless you letter gets caught in a bleach storm, or dropped into a swimming pool, I am sure it will be legible. Still, it is not an absolute water proof ink, so if that is what you need, be careful.

Use for Artists: As it doesn't wash all that well, you will get very subtle reddish tones with a wet brush. If you want something that explodes with color upon washing, forget it. I actually could see using this ink for line and a monochromatic brown or red watercolor wash on top. The bit of ink that spreads might make an interesting effect with the paint.

Bottom Line: Great ink. Very well behaved. easy on the eyes. Could be used for personal and business use I suppose. Great for writing. Not as great for artwork.

June 14, 2012

What is the walnut drawing ink shown in your comparisons?

June 15, 2012

What is the walnut drawing ink shown in your comparisons?

Walnut Drawing Ink is the brand name for a pigmented ink distributed to art supply stores mainly. It is not fountain pen safe but the company makes a wooden dip pen to use with it. I know a few people here have mentioned using this ink in their art work. It really has a nice glow to it.

June 15, 2012

Thanks, that's a great looking brown. I'm always looking for my perfect neutral blackish brown and I always seem to find it in non-FP inks. Heavy sigh...

Edited June 15, 2012 by Biber