First of all what is a dip pen?

A dip pen is usually a metal nib with channels that fits on a metal, plastic or wood handle.  Also known as a "nib pen", they do not carry their own ink as with a fountain pen, you must dip the nib into the ink to use.  The channel absorbs the ink to allow you to write or draw before needing to dip again.

I personally use a dip pen for most of my drawings that are labeled "ink and watercolor"  I also should point out that I do use permanent India ink so that the watercolor wash I use afterwards does not smear it.    I have found this video that better explains how to use these awesome pens.  Video called DIP PENS 101.

I much prefer the dip pen for most of my artwork as you can control the thickness of your lines by simply adding or taking away pressure.  They are affordable and fun to use.

When I first started out, I was watching Youtube videos on using various art mediums.  At the time I was more of a pencil drawer than a painter, but I really took a liking to the dip pen drawings and then washing them with watercolor.   Alan Owen was my favorite artist to watch in action on Youtube.  He is a British artist and I found his videos calming! He referred to the process as "pen and wash".

You can get as detailed as you want.  I found the dip pen perfect for anything that didn't need super refined lines.  I loved that I could adjust the pressure, but it can also blob a little here and there which can add to the painting but if that is not the plan for your painting, these might not be the best idea.  In which case you should consider a fine permanent artist marker.   I loved how these dip pens could make my work slightly more rustic.

But for me personally, these are perfect for my artwork, my ink and watercolor paintings that I sell in my store.
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I personally prefer the black ink for my artwork but you can get these is so many colors online.  When I first started out using this process of a dip pen and ink, I didn't want to spend too much money.  I found one in a garage sale and played with it for a while.  But then I discovered many of these products are online for quite a lot cheaper than my local art store. 

I am not saying you should bypass a good art supply store, but if you are just starting out and are not sure if this is the medium you wish to use, check out Amazon.  Click any of these links to find out more.  

Many of these nibs are sold without the handle.  So you will need to get a handle or some artists just use the nib in their hands.  I prefer to have a handle.  You can then change out the nibs as you need them for different styles of lines.  

This particular handle is the same brand as the nibs above and are quite often sold together.  Just remember that unless you get a kit, the nibs and the handles are usually sold separately.  This particular brand of nibs and handle has the highest feedback on the Amazon site compared to some of the other brands and kits.   So for under 20 bucks you can get a quality dip pen to change up your art style, medium or maybe get into calligraphy.

Keep the Nibs Clean!

This is so important, and something I was not the best at in the beginning.  I would simply wipe them clean and then I would find the next time I went to use it, it was clogged.  In the beginning I simply used soap and water which works, but really it is best to get a dedicated cleaner that works even better and extends the life of the nibs.

This solution cleans brushes, technical pens and dip pens.   This too is affordable.  If you order all your supplies in one go you can save on shipping.   It will keep the channels clear and stop blobbing on your work.
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I hope I was able to explain the dip pen and its uses.  Yes you can get fountain pens that contain ink cartridges, but there is something about the dip pen that adds tons of character to your drawings, and letter art.  

I will continue to use this style of pen.  I have always used black but I may venture into other colors of ink now that I have grown totally comfortable with the process.  If it blobs I work it into the drawing.  

To some this is an old fashioned way to create, but for me it is the perfect way to create as I just feel like I have more control. 

Practice, Practice, Practice!
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This is something different and fun to try.  If you are used to markers, then give this a try.  Have some scrap paper around and just let yourself go and try different pressures and have fun.  Once you get the hang of it, you will enjoy it!  

I am really enjoying working with the bright colours of watercolors but for this cat I used acrylics to create the bright red background.  

I painted this cat card on canvas paper and then attached it behind this acid free quality 5 x 7 mat.  This tiny painting and mat were then affixed permanently to a blank quality Strathmore greeting card that comes with an envelope.

These are a great way to share ACEO art cards that many times just end up in a drawer or maybe an album.  I love the idea of sharing them as gifts with your sentiments written inside.  This 5 x 7 card can then be framed in a standard frame or one that will hold a 5 x 7.

​This idea makes them really the perfect gift for anyone who has everything and you just don't know what to get them.  I have signed the back of the card.

ACEO art cards are traditionally 2.5 x 3.5 inches (same size as baseball and trading cards)  It was always a great way to afford artist's paintings!  They are still quite popular today.

I have been experimenting once again with little tiny paintings also known as ACEO art cards.  (art card editions and originals)

These are pieces of artwork that traditionally measure 2.5 x 3.5 inches and can be any type of artwork.  As you all know I love to paint, so mine are miniature paintings. 

Since they are so tiny, I have decided to mat them using a quality acid free black mat with white inner accent to really accent the color of my abstract art card.  The paintings are done using watercolor pens and the background is acrylic midnight blue paint.  I have signed the back of the card.

I have attached them behind this quality mat with permanent adhesive and then attached the matted artwork to a blank Strathmore greeting card.  You can write your sentiment inside and send with the envelope (included) and it can stand as a card or be popped into a standard 5 x 7 inch frame to frame as original artwork.  

Little trading cards are fun, but I love the idea that they can be art cards to frame and display on a wall or anywhere to add a tiny bit of color!  ENJOY!

I think I will take many of my present little ACEO original art cards and I will mat them too with these quality black mats and put them on here..  So watch out for some changes to my ACEO category coming soon...

I painted this little thatched roof cottage, as this is my "one day dream" cottage.  Something cute with a little garden to tend and a place to do all my creating!  Check it out.
It is matted to fit a Standard 11 x 14 inch Frame.

It will be shipped matted using an acid free white mat and includes a backing board.  

-I love to draw and paint, and lately I have been enjoying abstract art.  

With life sometimes getting quite overwhelming, it takes me away a bit to draw and paint something that doesn't have to be seen to be drawn.  Check out my new section.

I love to draw circles and can do so for hours.  But in the painting pictured I added watercolor to the circles, and let them blend on their own, not totally knowing what the result would be.  Dream in Color.

This type of painting inspires me to remember that when life seems overwhelming, take time out to dream and de-stress.  

With holidays around the corner, or maybe you have a birthday gift to get or for whatever reason, art can make a great gift.

You don't have to invest in huge framed paintings and break the bank, but you can still offer art in different ways.

Art print greeting cards is just one affordable way.  They can enjoy the sentiments you write inside and then enjoy the print on the front, signed and titled by the artist.  (ME!)

I created these art print note cards by printing my artwork onto quality Canson watercolor paper and then permanently affixing them to Strathmore blank watercolor cards.  I have signed and titled each one.  

If You Prefer an Original Piece of Art to Give as a Gift...

Another affordable option is my "two gifts in one".  These are matted original watercolors that have been affixed to a Strathmore card.  You can write your note inside and then it can be displayed as a card or quickly popped into a 5 x 7 inch frame to hang on wall.  

A nice card with sentiments that is also a gift of art to frame.

After a lot of requests, I am pleased to announce that I have started creating my own art print cards.  

These are prints of my own watercolor paintings, that I have printed onto quality Canson watercolor paper and then affixed to a Strathmore 5 x 7 inch watercolor card.  These cards include matching envelopes and I have signed and titled each card.

Would make a great gift for the art lover!

The card is blank inside ready for your own inspiring words.  Could also be framed in a standard 5 x 7 inch frame.

Check out my store under the category "Art Cards".  Stay tuned as I will start to add more.  If you are looking for cards that are a little different, then you will like these ones.

As with all my art I offer free shipping.

ENJOY!

By getting your paints off the desk, table or floor, you not only make room for your artwork but you have neat storage where you can see every bottle.  (Note:  Most 2 ounce bottles of paint have the color on the lid, but if not quickly dab some on as you put them away)

This one will hold 81 bottles.  You could hang a second one on the wall beside it or above it if you have the room.  This is easy to use and great storage for less than 60 bucks.  Check the current price online to see if this would work for you.

Step 4 - Make Every Bit of Space Count - I invested in a tall set of drawers on wheels.  This was perfect for all my smaller bits and pieces, pens, stamps, pictures etc.  I made one of the drawers my "idea drawer" rather than leave my ideas on scraps of paper all over the place.   I decided everything has to count "double time"  So what I do like about this set of drawers is that the top is usable space as well.  I have used this space many times for my photos of cards I paint and sell on ETSY.
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