Let's Talk Ink- Shades of Gray

[@catherinehubbard1167]

Of these six gray/grey inks, Monteverde Smoke Noir is my favorite by far. It’s a great, well-behaved ink that is a lovely astmospheric warm gray that works well with all pens I’ve tried, even EF. It’s less harsh and more interesting that black, and it’s partial water resistance makes it fun for quick pen and wash sketches. You still see the original lines but can make a lightly toned wash. My favorite WATERPROOF and archival gray ink, again by far, is Noodler’s Lexington Gray. It too is a deep, transparent gray that is well-behaved on various papers and in pens of all types I’ve tried. Great for both writing and drawing. If you let it fully dry, it is absolutely waterproof on all papers I’ve tried. Many watercolorists, including me, like to combine it with watercolor washes because it is more flexible and less strident than black. It remains its water resistance when diluted with water, and it can be used straight or diluted in waterbrushes. Since it is transparent, it can be layered to darken it.

[@booksareareason]

Heck yes! Thank you. Grey/gray is my favorite ink color.

[@booksareareason]

Favorite, right now, are stipula fading grey and califolio Gris de payne.

[@michaelsimon4034]

Glad you're back to the ink comparisons. Grays are cool, but hard to sort out.

[@VannessPenShop]

We will try to do one a month ( or more)

[@michaeljones1009]

If it helps, in the UK we spell it grey and in the state's they spell it gray.

[@cliffordbaker4930]

My favorite gray ink is DeAtramentis Fog Grey, bought at the Vanness Pens store. It’s a cooler gray with a blue undertone.

[@VannessPenShop]

We will need to do more grey reviews😁

[@cliffordbaker4930]

Vanness Pen Shop With Summer coming, maybe a selection of some good summertime blues? Most of mine tend towards darker blues, so would be interested in seeing some more suited to Summer, more vibrant.

[@VannessPenShop]

@@cliffordbaker4930 we are about to review some turquoise colors- perfect for this time of year💙

[@minniefontein1665]

It's so easy to make your own grey ink. Just add some water to your black ink. Depending on the percentage of water added you''ll get any grey shade you want.

[@peterhofmann8292]

I do so love the spontaneity in these videos, they are so enjoyable and, more importantly informative. Appreciate what you guys do👍👍👍👍

[@VannessPenShop]

Thank you for ongoing support; we are getting better at planning... ish lol

[@desireem.6761]

Thanks for a great video! I love love gray inks! I lean towards cool, neutral, lighter grays with good shading. My favorite grays are: Diamine Gris Nuage Iroshizuku Fuyu-Syogun Kobe#53 Kitano Pearl Silver

[@RockinMarcus85]

Noodler's Lexington Gray is my current go to for gray ink!

[@VannessPenShop]

It's a good one! We will so more greys- so many inks so little time!

[@Allthough]

I recently did a grey hunt. I got a bunch of samples and tested them. I chose Iroshizuku Fuyu-syogun. I like the darker greys, but I was specifically looking for a not-too-dark grey for use on thin airmail paper.

[@VannessPenShop]

Air mail paper does create a unique ink effect😀

[@nrstooge]

So far my favorite grays are Diamine Earl Grey and Pilot Iroshizuku Fuyu Syogun - but I have 5 different grays I think.

[@VannessPenShop]

Ohh theres so many more to explore😊

[@MrsinTN]

I’m a newbie to fountain pens and inks, but I love my Monteverde Smoke Noir; but it’s the only gray I have/have used.

[@Takasnooze]

Love this type ink video. I've ordered two!

[@VannessPenShop]

Thank you! We will try to more; just did another but it will take a bit to edit

[@fedya4445]

A question and a comment: What’s the difference between “cool” and “warm?”Consider putting more camera time on the ink/ paper while y’all are commenting. Thanks.

[@john-allenduskglass3193]

warm tones are brown greys, red, greys, orange greys, and yellow greys, cool tones are green greys and blue greys. telling nice ladies, who are doing us all a free and valuable service, to not talk so much and show the inks more is rude, and not very southern of you.

[@bumblesby]

My favorite gray ink was Omas Grey. I had a sample of it and for some reason I thought I had purchased a bottle a few years ago. By the time I found I did not have a bottle, I could not find it anymore. Gah! So my quest to find a close match continues. I think Fuyu Syogun is close of those I have seen so far. For the darker grey, I like the Stipula Fading Grey (and yes, I have a bottle LOL)

[@VannessPenShop]

that was a good one! I loved the pens and inks! Lisa

[@sistergoldenhair0727]

Earl grey!