This pen is a game changer! ✶ Urban Sketching (Scotland)

Have I been living under a rock? How did I not know about this pen before?? In this video I'll share my latest obsession as well as some relaxing and (hopefully) inspiring urban sketching in a beautiful Scottish coastal town. #urbansketch
Blog post with images and review ➤ bit.ly/3SytfeH
00:00 Intro
00:50 First impression
02:38 Urban Sketching experience
04:38 FOMO?
05:35 Technically
07:24 Dislikes
08:05 Final thoughts
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[@sophiahodgson85]

I LOVE my permanent Green Grey ink! I didn’t even think about using it for sketching, but now I want to try it! It’s called ‘posting’ the cap on the pen body.

[@thatcatholiccatechist1240]

The decision fatigue before a plein air session is so real!!! This pen reminds me of the versatility of a quill brush in watercolor...so much variety from thin to thick!

[@heidikarpa2278]

I typically use a fude pen. Happy to be reminded about these pilot pens. They’re super wonderful. Gorgeous drawings. Loving that green grey ink.

[@jennifersjunkmail5935]

This was very helpful, thank you! I hope Pilot sees the video, so they can make those two suggested improvements to the barrel design. I also didn’t realize I could get a refillable cartridge and use my own choice of ink. Useful info! 👍

[@CastleMc]

The Pilot has a geometric nib that creates linear marks of different widths based on the angle..perfect for buildings. There are also FLEXIBLE nibs that vary line width with pressure-they were standard in the 19th and early 20th century. Found today on vintage F pens and made by a few European and Asian pen companies

[@bluewren65]

These look like so much fun! To be able to vary your line weight without changing your pen is the dream! Fabulous sketches, particularly for a first experience with a new pen.

[@Danika_Nadzan]

The pen is indeed amazing, thanks for sharing...but more amazing to me is that you can draw so beautifully while wearing mittens!!

[@rgrdesigns]

I've had these pens for years & never thought of using them for sketching. Thanks for sharing!

[@EmmaFalconerArt]

I bought these pens 15+ years ago for a calligraphy course and they haven’t been used much since but you’ve inspired me to try drawing with them. The thought never occurred to me 😂 so thank you!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

It's cool to see these in action! I love the line weights and textures you were able to achieve. You have awakened the want monster for the pens 😆

[@gallagrrr]

I totally get the decision fatigue! That's why I like to own only a few art supplies. One set of watercolors, less than 10 brushes, one set of colored pencils, one set of graphite pencils, one or two ink pens. I'm less overwhelmed this way and I get to know each tool. I think less and make more! Plus I use things up before buying more 😊

[@hippofaitdestrucs]

This week comes my birthday and thanks to your video, I just ordered the 3,8mm pen as a gift from me to me 😊 Thank you for the idea!

[@tamaras5524]

Thanks for the review. Yes, a ink and wash video would be awesome, a Patreon tutorial series would be delightful. PS, congrats on the Portable Painter ambassadorship, you're now featured on their website.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Thank you!

[@sweetvector]

Great video! As a fountain pen enthusiast and if you’re willing to tinker a bit you can remove the nib off of the Pilot Parallel and put it into some other compatible pens with a large ink body. This may solve the annoying problem of the cap not posting on the back. Opus88 seems be a top choice to make this ‘franken’pen

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

I've seen quite a few comments about the Opus 88. It's expensive but if I end up using these very frequently..it might be worth it. Then maybe I could travel with my 'cheapos' and keep the Opus safely at home 😅

[@anam00090]

Pilot Parallel 6.0mm is my favorite tool for sketching. It's very unwieldy at first but takes the 'perfectionist pressure' off - kinda does its own thing. Really easy to clean and doesn't dry out. I also favor flat brushes in watercolor so the sharp angular look is very cohesive when I sketch with both

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

I was a bit intimidated by the 6mm size but maybe I'll give it a try!

[@anam00090]

It is much harder to control than the smaller ones but it's so wide, when quickly moving around it can make "drybrush" effects, sometimes even makes grass marks, gives me weird angles and corners. @@SarahBurnsStudio Haven't tried them on a textured paper though, would love to see how that turns out for you

[@FarlyCreates]

Love the Hahnemuhle paper for ink studies and drawings! This looks so amazing, and I love that you’re able to put your own ink in it. Thank you for sharing!!

[@canadakaren1131]

Oh wow do I ever relate to this video and ‘decision fatigue’! I actually have these pens in my studio sitting there for years after I wrote one word with them the day I bought them and then never to be seen again. This is such a great way to use them that I had never thought of. Thanks for the great idea Sarah and awesome video as always 💕

[@user-kl6le5jw3j]

Hello from Canada😊 This video inspired my ink work , introducing me to a new tool. I bought 2 pens and i am so enjoying them. Your green gray ink is gorgeous, another path to explore. You explain so well, and show off your environment just as successfully. Thank you so much for sharing😊

[@lynncooper1781]

So beautiful,love it.🖌️🎨❤️

[@jomo3512]

You woke up my "Want Monster"!!! hahaha thanks for the review!

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

oops!

[@jomo3512]

@@SarahBurnsStudio 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@berklia]

Thank you for braving the cold & sharing this pen with us!

[@MsGnor]

Sarah, thanks for this useful & beautiful review! Love your drawings!!! 🥰💚💖

[@miffedmax3863]

Hi from Glasgow! Glad you enjoyed your time in Scotland in spite of the cold weather! I'm in awe at your confidence to draw directly with ink without pencil sketches. I'm always so nervous about making mistakes so props to you for just going for it. Your drawings are so good!

[@bonjovi1612]

Thank you, that’s the pen I’ve been looking for.

[@ZDD760]

So much fun in fresh air!

[@LisaZoe86]

These sketches look awesome!❤

[@pirrmoments]

Such a fun idea and the sketches are simply beautiful! Thank you for sharing. 😊

[@chasingpaint0702]

Wow! Those pens are impressive. They really can cover a solid are fast. And to be able to create essentially four different line weights with just a turn of the nib is fantastic, especially for plein aire sketching. I think these would be particularly useful with sketching architecture. Thanks for sharing. Finally something useful from the random reels that Instagram throws at us.

[@hippopotamusbosch]

I have the full set of these for calligraphy. Time to try it out for sketching.

[@ChantelleArts]

oooh that looks like a gorgeous pen! I love that green shade too 🥰

[@annalockwood3021]

Thanks for discussing these, I'd been neglecting mine. Time for a revisit. Plus, I love that ink, such a great color!

[@rickthomas9894]

Fantastic. Beautiful art and great comments about the pen and how it might be used. Thank you.

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

Oh that’s a great looking pen! It looks like it is definitely going to be a fun addition to the ink & wash paintings that you enjoy doing. I am going to have to give it a try. Thanks for sharing this wonderful information about this cool pen.

[@peckerdecker]

Fantastic architecture illustrations. The pens are fab Great video/ excellent camera work and super editing. Keep sharing.

[@AbbieSTABBY]

This has genuinely inspired me to give this more of a go in 2024! Absolutely adore your channel!

[@jam4441]

Oh am absolutely loving the sound of the sea lapping the shore on your outro ❤

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

It's amazing - since it's a very rocky shore the stones roll around as the sea recedes and makes the most incredible sound like a giant rainstick

[@jam4441]

@@SarahBurnsStudio ❤

[@sjsj687]

I've been using dip pens for about a year and been thinking about plein air painting. These pens have made up my mind. Thank you.

[@AdventuresWithRobin]

Dang Sarah, why do I continue to watch ... my wish list is getting so long and now I am in love with that green-grey ink!!! You did an amazing job of your architectural features!!

[@mute_ed984]

The form of the Pen won’t hold the cap very well since it is smaller in diameter on the upper end. But since the cap comes with a clip, there is other options. Maybe a wide rubber band or a flat shoelace could do the trick and hold it during your drawing session? Also the zipper of your backpack could be helpful if there is this little loop laces attached. Nice pen - I agree, the variety it brings is very tempting and fun to work with.

[@firefly1013]

I have a bunch of these pens that I use for lettering - never thought to use them for sketching. Brilliant! Thank you for the idea!

[@heygabimara545]

Oh this makes me so happy. I love my Pilot Parallels so much 💖

[@JasmineZellmer]

Beautiful sketches! These look so fun!

[@AaronfromQueens]

There are two pretty easy ways to make the cap post to the back of the pen while you use it.(That's what the call it when the cap sits on the other end of the pen while you use it: "posting".) First way is to cut the body of the pen any the indented line. There's a depression on the thin end of the pen body and right next to it is a line that goes around the body. It used a pair of tin snips to slowly squeeze and spin the pen, wearing away at that spot, rotating and increasing pressure until the end cracks off (and goes flying, so be careful!). The cap will then post on the other end, but also if you press the cap on a smaller black cap comes out of the cap, stuck to and sealing closed the end of the pen. Second way is to wrap tape around the pen at a spot just inside of the depression. I use gaffer tape, but you can use washi or masking tape if you wrap it very tightly. You should be wrapping it as tight as you can no what what, but gaffer tape is a little more forgiving. Duct tape is too soft and gooey. Keep wrapping until you have about 2mm of thickness of tape on the pen. Stop wrapping when the cap posts snuggly to the end of the pen. If you go to far, peel off a half turn at a time until it feels like it's going on comfortably. This is usually the method that I do but I'm trying method one out for the first time. Doing the tape mod leaves the pen longer, but I'm trying to decide if I prefer a shorter pen. EDIT: I know it's only been a few weeks, but I already think that I very much prefer a longer pen. I should have suggested the tape method first!

[@janecwebster6867]

What great sketches. I love this pen, I picked up the 3.8 one for learning calligraphy. I had never thought to use this to sketch with. Such a fun video. You've inspired me to add this to my sketch kit and give it a go. Thank you for another great video

[@NelaDunato]

I introduced this pen to my minimalist sketching kit a few months ago as well :) I had the entire set of 4 widths for many years, but I only used them for calligraphy practice (which I do very rarely). I use the 1.5mm one for sketching, but I might add a wider one in a different color too. I combine it with a waterbrush for ink wash technique and I'm quite happy with how quickly I can create a pretty decent sketch. The "connoisseur" term for the cap fit is "posting". The Parallel Pen cap doesn't post, and yes it's annoying :( On the positive note, this pen just never dries out when left unused because the screw-on cap fits so tight. I had issues with some other fountain pens evaporating ink ridiculously fast, which is why I switched to the Parallel Pen.

[@Rachel0259]

Your videos are very calming and informative

[@colewoohoo]

Where has this pen been my whole life! Totally love the look of your page!

[@ruthcarter8895]

What a lovely video. I have just recently started working on more art projects. It’s been so much fun! I actually found this pen about a year and a half ago. This info will really help!

[@aliciamolloy5948]

Hi Sarah thank you so much for this video. Love your artwork, your videos are so beautiful.

[@fabiolosa]

i love using these for calligraphy but never tried drawing with them. will definitely try now, thank you for the amazing idea!

[@artscience9981]

Great video Sarah! Seeing the video in the YT feed inspired me to get mine out and try it. I think I bought one about a year ago. Embarrassingly, I forgot it had an ink cartridge, and started by dipping the pen in an ink bottle. Then I was like “I can’t believe how long one dip in the ink lasts!” 😊 It was a lot of fun. There is something about these pens that releases creativity.

[@zenlife1200]

I really like the look of this pen and I love your ink color choice. I also like how these pens are different colors for the different sizes. I now have the urge to find one of my old non waterproof pens to draw with, so I can 'paint' out the ink. It's been a lot of years since I last did that and I quite enjoyed it.

[@sosumir4896]

I found your channel from the interview with the frugal crafter. You have a new fan, subscribed!

[@sheilahubbard4032]

So did I.

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

Looks so relaxing and fun🎉🎉

[@stephaniecarrow4898]

Beautiful sketches. Thanks for. the info!

[@fuzzydragons]

ooh going to have to drive up there this summer and look around 😀

[@Samantha_tookey197]

They look fab! I’m going to have to try!! ❤

[@AwesometownUSA]

I’ve built up a collection of 100+ fountain pens (all different types, from Platinum Preppy to a Visconti Homo Sapiens), but the pens that I ALWAYS keep inked and in my EDC case are my Pilot Parallels and a Vanishing Point. Pilot has some innovative pens and exemplary quality control

[@RobboJ30]

Fabulous green ink! Reminds me of Daniel Smith perylene green, one of my favourite watercolours. Contrast in mark making is really pleasing to the eye. Thanks for sharing. Jill R 🇬🇧

[@Finchwing]

I really fell down the fountain pen rabbit hole last year, they’re so fun to draw with. I have a fude nib which is a little similar to this one, with the ease of creating thin and thick lines, it’s so much fun! It’s such a warm fuzzy feeling knowing you have a tool you’re always excited to use

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

I love my Sailor Fude, it was my favorite until now because it was my widest nib and if held at the right angle the ink flowed so smoothly and heavily so I could fill areas quickly. And you can get the most delicate thin lines too. I still love it but I use it with my Ferris Wheel Peter Moss ink for a specific look. Now I love having this other option with a bit more variety, and waterproof ink. It's so hard not to get lost in the world of pens...whenever I search for things I feel like I go into a time warp and suddenly hours later I'm like WHERE AM I WHAT HAPPENED

[@Finchwing]

@@SarahBurnsStudio gosh yea, the world of pens is HUGE and very expensive, it's hard not to get lost in it and feel like you need a new pretty pen Right Now, but sometimes the most fun is to be had with a humble pilot pens like yours!

[@jamesgsr8587]

I’ve had this pen in my wishlist, just waiting for an excuse to buy it. Thanks for the review, this answered a bunch of the questions I had! Btw, lovely sketches!!!

[@Xen_28]

That look like a really useful pen! Great channel, finally youtube recommends something good

[@c.f.callier]

Very interesting pens! I am definitely interested in seeing more with them. I like the sound of line and wash. I am with you, the car looked like every European squat car!

[@UncleFrogface]

going to have to add this to the review list

[@someonesane]

Those look like a ton of fun to sketch with. Definitely going to look into them. Thanks for putting this video up, otherwise I probably never would have known about them (or that ink, for that matter). 🍺

[@donnabulman3690]

I only have one of them 2.4 Love it! I truly enjoy your art!

[@lindatannock]

Never seen these pens before! They look really interesting. I do a lot of my work just in pen/ink, so I'd love to try these. That green-grey ink is a gorgeous shade! Loved your sketches, btw, and I've been where you were in the video 😊🩵🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@iness.p.7741]

Beautiful sketches!

[@awatercolourist]

Wow! Now I am so tempted to sketch like you. I’m off to sketching… right after I procrastinate 😂😂

[@WhstlblwrBlastingEpsteinsPals]

This set is in my cart. Excited to see how you used the pen! 🔥 🎨 the term for putting the cap on the end is 'posting' AKA the cap cannot be posted. 😊

[@claowue]

First I thougt: „I have a Fude Pen. I don’t need something else. I won’t buy it!“ But then I remembered that before I bought the Fude Pen I had tried a Faber Castel Pit Pen with a calligraphy nib and I enjoyed so much drawing with it, using the different widths of the nib, but the smallest possible line was too thick for sketching most of the time. But as I had loved it and saw in this video what you could do with this pen - I ordered one as I have to try it 😇

[@PatriciaVoinescuArt]

Thank you so much Sarah! I bought the Sailor pen and the waterproof ink on your recommendation, but I find that the line is not thick enough. And then you discovered the solution to my problem - the Pilot Parallel pen. Yay!😄

[@018Cat]

Oh wow, I have these pens for lettering but never thought to sketch with them. I also didn’t know you could use anything but cartridges 🤯. Looks like a Pilot-con 40 insert. Yahoo, this just opened up a whole new world of possibilities. Thank you so much!!!!

[@alexehrhardt1104]

This is absolutely gorgeous! The pens are really interesting, might put these on my next Christmas list. The ink is great too! I currently use Rohrer and Klingner Sketch Ink in Lotte(black) and Thea (warm grey) and I love them both, but the green grey is one I now want to try out! Beautiful work!

[@kanachiaki]

I’m so gonna buy this!! I’m dying to try one out now 😮

[@sandrazern649]

Thanks for the video, Sarah! I've been thinking about purchasing one but your video convinced me to do so. I hope it arrives soon! I saw another video on another channel where the nib and feed of the parallel can be put into a Moonman M2 which is a demonstrator pen that is inexpensive but more importantly hold a great deal of ink. I'm sure these parallel pens use up a great deal of ink so this would enable one to be able to see how much ink is remaining in the pen. I have a Moonman M2 that I am going to try this with.

[@user-kp4fg5um9v]

I must try that pen , thx for sharing...🎉

[@marypanich9880]

Cool video! Thanks for showing this pen in use for sketching. I had heard about it for lettering. It looks fun. I bought fude nib pen and found it difficult to get used to drawing lines. I might need to add these to my wish list.😂

[@loisparsons2048]

Thanks for the info😊

[@mnap1595]

Great video! Definitely going to give this a try. An alternative to sanding the handle might be to use something like athletic gauze, or similar, wrapped around it. This seems common for some ink artists who find wood handles too slick.

[@buzzawuzza3743]

Am working with a small brush now and it is slow going. More hours required getting my chops together. Where it looks good it is amazing and where it is bad it looks like the finger painting of a five year old. Also gearing up to making another comic book with a nib pen. It is always a struggle but also a joy. My best wishes to you always for being someone who inspires.

[@eileengoldenberg270]

I modify these pens to get an angle on the nib. It makes it even easier to draw and the line variation is amazing! I have all the sizes and will be teaching a class here in San Francisco about how to do it.. FUN!!!

[@kinglear5952]

Beautiful drawings. I will get one of those broad Pilot pens, on the strength of this. @7.35 you 'post' the lid, I discovered recently.

[@jillweisensee8524]

I’ve almost bought this pen several times. Now I think I’ll pull the trigger. Thanks for your review!

[@MabrilArtinez]

Same here! I've always come so close to checking out with them but always held back and got a different fountain pen instead (enthusiast here). But i think this video just convinced me to do it!

[@nigelhill74]

Nice! I have some of these for calligraphy but had not tried drawing with them

[@ina_lina]

Beautiful sketches in a wonderful setting. I only wish it was ~30° warmer and I was sketching alongside you!. I love De Atramentis Document Green Grey -- in fact the sticker that covers the camera on my laptop is the label from my green grey box 😂 I've been experimenting with mixing DA document inks. I added a little yellow to some green grey to get a warm green that doesn't look like pickle juice. 🥒 I have the 1.5 and 3.8 parallel pens and enjoy drawing with them. Thanks for another great video.

[@nancyg7845]

Hi Sarah, new subscriber here 👋🏻. I watched your interview with Lindsay Weirich 😁 I am really enjoying your videos. These pens look great. I might try one myself. Have a great day

[@ralphchristianson]

New subscriber from Canada, love your style and that pen is quite a tool. Of course it depends on the skill of the operator and you seem to do it very well.

[@janatherton9194]

It is good to know that these are compatible with the converters, I have to try that out. I love Diamine's Earl Grey ink, it has a similar greeny grey tone to the ink you used, but also has a little bit of a lavender tone that comes out when you use it with a water brush for washes, though it isn't a permanent ink like the Diatrimentis ones.

[@margaretsmith51]

I really need to buy these pens, your drawings are amazing. I have a few fountain pens but they are so unreliable when out sketching. Thanks again Sarah for inspiration.

[@hotmonkeyfilms]

Before I continue with the video (Love these wide nib Pilot Pens), I was stunned by the little house that could under the shadow of the bridge by the sea in your drone shot intro. I jumped to Google maps and toured around the city of Cullen. What a beautiful place you live in and a stunning spot to draw at. I feel so at peace. Oh, most likely the calligrapher / hand-letterer who draws with this pen is the great Seb Lester. Look him up.

[@hawaiidispenser]

6:14 The sketch on the right makes me feel like I'm reading a scary story/comic and am dreading what happens on the next page. Very nice.

[@alanjameson8664]

I have one of those pens somewhere--had no idea what use to make of it. Your examples seem brilliant! I will root around and recover the pen (probably at my other desk). Around here there are no buildings like those you drew in these examples, but I have to deal with that no matter the tool. Many thanks!

[@mikerobertson4041]

Great pens! I use them for calligraphy.

[@ruthjames9278]

these look amazing pans thanks for sharing

[@atalhlla]

Oof, that grey green ink looks absolutely wonderful. I may have to actually clean up that old fountain pen just for that ink!

[@katrinawalls4769]

I love the Pilot parallel and I love Opus 88 fountain pens. You can interchange the Pilot nib with the Opus 88 and have a larger ink reservoir. I love it!

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Ah interesting tip!

[@starr-starr]

Oooh,gonna try that. I love my Opus 88 pens.

[@geckonia]

That’s my favorite combo too 👍🏼

[@artistocracy]

The grey green ink that you use is gorgeous! Much more beautiful than black. I shall be buying both pens and ink. Greetings from a fellow female artist of 30+ years in Australia. Wonderful video, thanks Sarah! Made me smile to see you so rugged up since it never gets that cold here in South Australia and today shall reach 40C! Mind you, my parents were British and my full ancestry, so I much prefer winter to summertime. 😁🇦🇺 From Jae

[@SepulvedaBoulevard]

I love these! I use them for Hebrew calligraphy, but you make a compelling case for drawing. They do work a treat, don't they!😀

[@leelee6850]

@SepulvedaBoulevard Hebrew calligraphy sounds fascinating. How did you get into it?

[@WingedJedi]

I got one of these as well. I think it was a recommendation in a skillshare calligraphy class. Never considered using them for sketching, but those sketches looked great! Agree with you about the cap. I never know what to do with it while using the pen. But lovely pen and I've considered getting it in more sizes (currently going through another calligraphy/handlettering phase). I've only used it with the pilot ink cartridges, but it's great to hear that it would also work well with archival ink.