Fountain Pens and Urban Sketching - Where to start and what to buy?

This video is a beginners guide fountain pens for Urban Sketching. I go through the benefits and construction of pens, the different nib types and also the best types of pens to buy.
I talk about my experience starting to draw and sketch with fountain pens and the best pens I found to use along with the best ink and filling methods.
So if you are a budding urban sketcher or beginner artist and want to know how to get started with fountain pens then please have a watch.
I really hope you enjoy this fountain pen guide and it helps you build your layers in watercolour.
Are you interested in buying some of my original art?
dougjacksonartwork.com/origin...
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:50 Why use a fountain pen?
02.45 Parts of a fountain pen
04:15 Choice of Nibs
13:04 Filling options
15:00 How to use fountain pens
24:45 Which pen for a beginner?
Line and Wash Playlist: • Line and Wash Drawing ...
Other Useful Videos:
Painting a Rural Scene: • How to do Line and Was...
Minimal Colour Line and Wash: • How to Draw Line and W...
Find me on
KZbin - / @dougjacksonart
My Website - dougjacksonartwork.com/index....
About my Materials - dougjacksonartwork.com/materi...
Instagram - / doug_jackson_artwork
TikTok - tiktok.com/@doug_jackson_artwork
#fountainpen #fountainpendrawing #lineandwash #urbansketching

[@eileengoldenberg270]

I am a fountain pen expert and urban sketcher. You might want to make it clear that most Fountain pens inks in cartridges are soluble. You can get platinum carbon black or other waterproof inks that can be used with watercolor. You can also refill cartridges or ink converters with permanent ink and a syringe. I teach urban sketchers how to use and maintain FPs.thanks for your video!

[@dougjacksonart]

I will do some more videos on maintenance and a deep dive into ink. Great thoughts here. 👌

[@monkeyboy2297]

if you're a 'fountain pen expert' why are you watching this video? just wondering

[@scottjones1905]

I am beginning my loose ink and watercolor sketching "journey". I ordered (but have not received) a Lamy Safari Fountain Pen (M) Hot Red & 5 Black Ink Cartridges. 1) From what I've read (and what you wrote) , the black ink cartridges that come with it are NOT waterpoof and won't work with watercolors. Is that correct? 2) If the cartridges aren't suitable for use with water colors is my best option Noodler's Ink Fountain Pen Bottled Ink with Lamy Z28 Converter for fountain pen? Any advise welcomed!

[@dougjacksonart]

@@scottjones1905 Hi Bud. Yes the standard cartridges are not waterproof so will run. That can give great effects and is another tool you may develop in time. If you want you linework to stay crisp you need some waterproof ink and let it dry properly. You can use that ink converter or refill a standard one with a syringe. As long as the ink is waterproof you are good to go!

[@scottjones1905]

@@dougjacksonart Thanks. Noodler's Ink is listed as waterproof but I've seen sevral reviews saying it ran. I don't plan to be speed painting so I should have plenty of time between line art and watrercolor for the ink to set up and as you mentioned a tiny bit of bleed may just add to the effect.

[@derikpell8143]

"There's something in the Venn diagram of fountain pens and paper". Yes! Loved this sentiment.

[@dougjacksonart]

HAHA... glad you can tolerate my waffling 😅

[@kymvalleygardensdesign5350]

I am really pleased that you covered these pens, I am used to using Rotring and throwaway Staedtler-type pens and have been wondering whether to use a fountain pen, I have several old fountain pens hiding somewhere along with some black Quink they will need a good clean but I cannot wait to try them out. Brilliant stuff many thanks😀

[@dougjacksonart]

Ohhh.... I love recommissioning old fountain pens. I'm sure you'll enjoy the process and have fun with your old friends 😁

[@mkbuike7895]

Excellent introduction. I've been sketching with fountain pens for about 12 years. My recommendation for a beginner and someone who has never used a fountain pen is the Platinum Preppy. The Preppy costs about US $5-7. The Lamy Safari costs US $35+ I even carry a Preppy to give away to someone who is curious! Platinum Carbon Black is a great waterproof ink. The cartridges are proprietary but they can be used in the Preppy because it's a Platinum pen. It can also be eyedropper filled. I get the new, clear, ones so I can see the color of ink.

[@dougjacksonart]

Fabulous reccomendation. I've never played with Platinum Preppy fountain pen but I may have to give one a try. They certainly do sound cheap. Thanks for your helpful comment. 🙂

[@liselottetillberg8897]

Thank you so very much for recommending Preppy. That one I can afford now. 🙏🏼

[@PeterGawle]

Thanks for that, I ordered the preppy and platinum cartridges to get me started. Tiring of the liners, want the tactical feel.

[@xz_resilience_zx]

You had me with " I would personally go for something cheap.... Yorkshireman." 😂 Love the Yorkshire dales and the people there. It's always reet nice to be there. Thank you for your content. 🙂✌️ I collecting also safari pens... for all different colors. I also go with different values of watering and lighter inks.👍

[@dougjacksonart]

Glad you enjoyed. Different values...wow! I'd never thought of that. Thanks so much forbyour kind comment. It's people like you who guve me the energy to keep going with KZbin. Most grateful 🙏

[@IStandWithHarvard13]

Such a great video I gotta rewatch. I'm autistic so I listened, first. While I'm sketching. Then I'm going to watch it & my savant brain will connect the dots, easier. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us. Never too many pens. 😊

[@dougjacksonart]

🤣🤣🤣 does that mean I can buy more pens ...?

[@pippajennings5856]

Really lovely explanation of why to use fountain pens thankyou

[@dougjacksonart]

You are very welcome Pippa. Thanks for watching and especially thanks for commenting 🙂

[@user-sd2jb1gg4w]

Great info on fountain pens. I agree that the Lamy Safari is a really nice pen. It is really easy to get sucked into buying more than one. Then you get to the point of wanting more ink colors. Noodler has a lot of inks that work well with fountain pens. I also have two Twsbi fountain pens. They are a larger size pen and feel really nice in the hand. Thanks so much for the video. Have a lovely holiday with the family!

[@dougjacksonart]

Thanks so much Mary. TWISBI make some wonderful pens and I have a few noodlers inks, particularly the crazy chromatic ones 🥰🥰

[@MarekBad64]

Thanks for the info Doug - very useful!

[@dougjacksonart]

Hello friend! Thanks so stopping by. :)

[@MordeKaiser29]

I've been using fountain pens exclusively for a year now, for writing and for sketching, and honestly I'm in love with them ! Bought 13 pens in a year and now currently using retractable fountain pens, very mobile and no tension of losing the cap.

[@dougjacksonart]

Yes they are a little addictive. I have started playing with and modifying my nibs. Who would have thought there is so much to a simple piece of old tech. 🤣

[@glebk.1991]

I am pretty glad to find out your channel, and wish you the best in your sketching journey

[@dougjacksonart]

Thank you so much!

[@thestourvalleysynthesizerc6543]

Good advice in there. I use a Kaweco Sport with De Atramentis document ink cartridges and that combination works really well. I also use a Platinum Preppy with Carbon ink cartridges. That one has an extra fine nib and although it feels very cheap it works well and is ideal for anyone on a tight budget as they are about £6. I do still like the idea of a Lamy Safari though one day and I cam close to buying a nice purple-ish one in Jarrolds of Cromer last summer.

[@dougjacksonart]

I have some De Atramentis grey ink which I love. Thanks for you comment and useful information. Much appreciated 🙏

[@technoraptor7778]

​@dougjacksonart it's also pronounced "Ko veco"

[@technoraptor7778]

​@dougjacksonart it's also pronounced "Ko veco"

[@technoraptor7778]

​@dougjacksonart it's also pronounced "Ko veco"

[@technoraptor7778]

🥹yes!!! Fountain pens and urban sketching are a match made in heaven....spread the word!!! I have been for years

[@dougjacksonart]

Well this is just a basic intro as I don't want to put anyone off. There is a big wide world of pen fun to be had and many more videos to make... thankfully. 👍

[@WolfmanWoody]

I started by buying the Platinum Preppy. That was the .2 version, but since I've added the .3 and .5 with cartridges of carbon ink. Brilliant value. Also now have a Noodler pen with soluable ink, also good.

[@dougjacksonart]

It's sounds like your well and really addicted like me. 😂

[@hulamunki]

This is great. I'm a fountain pen letter writer but use those micron type fineliners for drawing. Now I'm excited to try my FP for drawing. Great video. I love your bit about the romanticism of a FP and how it's something that can be passed on. I love that you have your mom's pen. I've used a FP my entire life.

[@dougjacksonart]

YOU are obviously a very similar soul to me. It's funny to think that fountain pens are still not used that much for drawing and with the ever increasing tendency to draw on ipad and the like its pretty unusual. Thanks for taking the time to support the channel by commenting it's very much appreciated 😀

[@hulamunki]

@@dougjacksonart my pleasure. I thoroughly enjoy your videos!

[@gailhewitt1467]

Great informative video. I've just ordered my third Lamy Safari but with a medium nib that you use in your video (my other 2 are extra fine - one filled with black and one with grey SketchInk). I've also ordered some soluble fountain pen ink in sepia and am excited to give this style of drawing/painting a try. Going to look into the Kaweco Sport as I prefer to lighter weight pens.

[@dougjacksonart]

Fabulous Gail. So glad your trying new things and material. Fountain pens offer a wonderful variety of ways to create art. Have fun 👍

[@PersonalFlourish]

Very clear, thank you ☺️ You mentioned, incidentally, that your pen needs cleaning. Could you do a video on how you clean your pens please 🙂

[@dougjacksonart]

Great idea! Will do one on fountain pen cleaning and maintenance 😁

[@jimbojet8728]

I have these pens. I just like the pens for the reasons you described, the Lamy is an inexpensive, pen, but lovely to use. I buy pens for friends and family, just bought some for young nephews. I like the TWSBI brand too. Parker pens were my go to choice as a kid, but that’s because there was very little choice anyway. I once chatted with a court judge who wrote all day long,recording what was being said in court. He used a Parker 51, if my memory serves, he sang it’s praises. Out of my price range at the time, I still don’t have one! I often wondered about the flex nibs and you have awoken my interest in Noodler’s pens. Thank you for a great vid. I don’t draw, but enjoy watching others. Thank you.

[@dougjacksonart]

Thanks for your lovely message. You obviously are a fellow pen fan. I have very fond memories of using Parker pens as a kid and still have my mums Parker 51 which I use for sketching. I need to have a look at the TWISBI range...maybe I'll wait till payday.

[@bruceschlickbernd8475]

Very good overview. Fude (fudeh, similar to how boke (bokeh) is pronounced in photography) is a very different way to draw, but I’ve seen great results from them. Not sure why Lamy is so popular as a sketch pen - I despise the triangular grip. Just tried a rollerball Lamy - it’s great, I just hate that grip. It’s just not for me. A good one I recommend to fountain pen beginners is the Twisbi Eco with that large piston-filler reservoir, you can draw for a long time, about the same price as the Lamy.

[@dougjacksonart]

Fabulous advice here Bruce and good pen reccomendations. It's always good to try holding a pen in the shop before buying because some pens suit some people and some not. Thanks for your fabulous comment. I'll pin it!

[@UmiChan358]

Fude means brush, gets the line variation that kanji needs

[@johndelancey]

Love the video (and your channel). Above all the others, this one explained WHAT a fountain pen is and led me down a path to selecting the one I wanted to start with (a Lamy Safari XF nib) with Noodler's Heart of Darkness (I love that it can still wash a bit if not completely dry or it's layered). And now of course I want a TWSBI 580 after more research. And a few more Lamys for different colors/solubility. And on and on and on... 🤣 Keep up the good work!

[@dougjacksonart]

Oh no I'm an enabler!! It sounds like a fountain pen addiction already...🤣🤣 Good work!! Wait until you get into all the different fun inks. 😉

[@johndelancey]

You ARE! I ordered another ink last night and two more (cheap) pens this morning! Cause I NEEDED another problem/obsession. I'm sending my wife your way when she sees the credit card bill (thankfully she's the real artist between the two of us, so it won't be TOO bad).

[@Pauley_in_GP]

Thanks for this video. We're on the same page about so many things. (However, I'm not quite up there on your talent scale. 😉) I just got into fountain pens, and I don't really know where I'm going yet. But I just love putting ink on paper. And only a couple of months in, I already have four Lamys - with different color inks and different nibs. (I don't think I'm done. )😁

[@dougjacksonart]

Haha... you have the addiction. Keeps writing, drawing and playing. I always get joy from making a mark on a page. Writing or drawing. It's my happy place. 😊

[@dougjacksonart]

Four is not enough 🤣🤣👍

[@Pauley_in_GP]

@@dougjacksonart LOL - I know - I just started. 😁

[@rob-harvey]

A great roundup of fountain pens. I love the Lamy safari, particularly with the extra fine nib, and the Hongdian Black Forest is my favourite fude pen. Do you ever use dip pens?

[@dougjacksonart]

Hi Rob. Yes I love dip pens and jave a load of different types, sticks and made a Cola pen recently (see my video). Mark making is such an important part of my (or anyone's) process that I'm always looking for new toys. I still keep coming back to the flex nib and fude nibs though. Probably just because pens are so convenient. 😁

[@johnharkness6304]

Thanks for that Doug. I bought a Fude a few months back, and just recently I got a Lamy, extra fine. I sometimes use an empty cartridge and just fill it up with a syringe, that way you can use just about any ink you like. Of course if one intends painting over a drawing the ink is better when water proof, unfortunately some waterproof inks aren't suited to fountain pens so you have to be careful. Rohrer & Klingner is very good and several colours are available. Anyway, thanks again for sharing that, Happy Christmas to you and yours 🎅🥂

[@dougjacksonart]

You certainly sound like you a fellow artist afflicted by a love of pens and ink. Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year John 😁

[@cazkiwinz4300]

I have De Atramentis Document and Platinum Carbon Black in both my Lamy’s for nearly 2 years now, they’re both still fine and not clogged. I just keep them horizontal and even if I don’t use for six months plus - they still write fine.

[@technoraptor7778]

By the way there are not just these options...there are piston fill, vacume fill, lever fill, button fill, plunger fill...aswell as using a syringe to refill cartridges with your favorite inks. Inks are widly various and thats a whole other rabbit hole.. but there are waterproof, scented, shimmer, chromoshading, sheening, ultraviolet, shading, dry and wet...and colors are endless. Nibs can be adjusted if they are too scratchy, dry, leaky..using micromesh 1200 grit and finer, a magnifying loop, and can often be replaced. There are nibsmiths to custom grind to your preference..tons of really good fountain pen brands within any budget (best to do some research).

[@dougjacksonart]

Excellent knowledge. All very good ideas for further video. Thanks for the suggestions 😀 😊 👍👍

[@suecrimmins6373]

Thanks for the great detail… round tip and flex are nice. What does gestural mean?? The fude pen needs to be rotated as you use it . One can turn the pen in the hand to get variation….

[@dougjacksonart]

Thanks Sue. Good advice. 👍

[@giespel68]

Thanks for another great video. Lots of useful information. Doug, can you recommend a waterproof black ink that won't clog up my fountain pen? Ta!

[@dougjacksonart]

I used platinum carbon black and never have any issues. Just don't leave a pen unused for weeks on end as it will dry out whatever ink you use. 😉

[@giespel68]

@@dougjacksonart thanks!

[@JonFagin-xv6ww]

Great video. I'm using kaweco black pearl. A very dense black wth a slight sheen

[@animula6908]

I’m not too convicted that I end up being less waste-producing by using these, but I think I honor the craftsmanship and support small businesses better this way. Small makers vs mass industry might be eco friendly, but I won’t claim it based only on my feeling. Anyway it definitely makes me more conscious about my actions, and I think that makes us better humans in general. Sure helps for adhd. It’s more fun is secretly my whole reason though. I’m not even doing it for any wholesome motivation if I’m honest. Just to be weird and have fun. 😂

[@dougjacksonart]

Being wierd and having fun are excellent ways to be. 🤣🤣

[@StefanMarjoram]

Great film! If you can remember where you got the extra flex nib that would be ace. My pen has sat in a drawer for most of its life as it was not as flexible as I'd hoped :)

[@dougjacksonart]

fprevolutionusa.com/products/fpr-6-custom-ultra-flex-nib-chrome This was the nib. Do check with the company the compatability with your pen as its easy to get wrong.

[@StefanMarjoram]

@@dougjacksonart Mine was an Ahab too :)

[@pieromattirolo5430]

I loathe cartridges and only use converter pens for sketching with waterproof ink. With this said, I am rather disappointed by Lamy Safari because it needs to be refilled just before you start sketching, otherwise you can be sure to find it bone dry. I have been just slightly less disappointed by the Duke pen with a Fude nib. My personal choice is beyond doubt the Pilot Kakuno, which is even cheaper than the Lamy and can be fitted with the fantastic CON-70 Pilot converter, which holds a lot of ink and always stays wet, on top of having a beautiful nib. There is just no comparison.

[@dougjacksonart]

I love that with something so basic as a fountain pen we all have our favourites. Often it can be which we used first of even what we used as kids. I've heard really good things about the Pilot Kakuno and they are cheap for sure. I've not had that issue with the Lamy Safari drying out but the grip and style are maybe not for everyone. My everyday go to pen is an eyedropper so hold a huge amount of ink. I fill it up every couple of months!!! Generally I don't use cartridges but I still have a random collection of Lamy inks that I'm cycling through a couple of pens. I like popping a new one in of a completely different colour and watching it slowly change as you sketch, weirdly satisfying.

[@pieromattirolo5430]

@@dougjacksonart I haven't got anything else to say against Lamy Safari. I quite like it otherwise. I have often suspected the issue to be with the converter, but I wouldn't bother to try with a new one. I have taken down my converter, cleaned it, applied generous amounts of silicon grease around the piston and in the connecting end to no avail. I just cannot understand where it is drying from. I carry the pen around but don't always use it for watercolour painting, however when I decide to use it, it is never ready, very much unlike my Kakuno.

[@SMBDesigns]

Do you have a link for the flex nib pen?

[@dougjacksonart]

Sorry I didn't include that. It's a Noodler's Ahab pen... www.gouletpens.com/collections/noodlers-ahab-fountain-pens with a super flex nib gb-fprevolutionusa.glopalstore.com/products/fpr-6-custom-ultra-flex-nib-chrome

[@althepal6989]

For a beginner, getting, say a Kaweko, what nib do you reccomend?

[@dougjacksonart]

I'd go for a fine nib to start with. You can always change them too.

[@steveis33]

I have no idea why but I love fountain pens. Is that those new mapping fountain pen I can see? I’ve doctored a few of mine for my comics👍

[@dougjacksonart]

Yes I love all kinds of pens. Mapping pens are fun but can be mega messy if you are not carefull.

[@steveis33]

@@dougjacksonart noooo😂 get messy and build your own😂😂😂

[@dougjacksonart]

@@steveis33 👍👍

[@ruthieclarke9125]

Why not a techical pen like a Koh-noor Rapidogragh?

[@dougjacksonart]

I've done plenty of drawing with these and also Rotring equivalents and I have e to say I'm not a big fan. Too uniform and too fussy about angles. They are great for technical drawing but not expressive enough for me. Different strokes, different folks. 👌👍

[@katsmith8263]

I had many fountain pens, and they bever start to write, i aleays had to have a separate paper and a minute to jyst start writing with thenm. So of course i stopped using them

[@dougjacksonart]

Yes that I'd one of the big downsides of Fountain pens is that they need to be used regularly. Even if I haven't draw with a pen in a while I'll just do a few lines and some shading with it just to keep it going. Personally I think it's all part of thier charm 😁

[@user-gg5np5ck8r]

Besides the art side, i try avoid bying cheap fountain pens cause i know they wont last enough so my kids won’t enjoy them. I would like them to last just like your mothers parker.👍🖖

[@dougjacksonart]

Thanks for sharing!! Yes that's all very true. I find that once people are hooked they will spend more money in time on their forever pens.