I’ve drifted back to ink after a few weeks with acrylic. Since I stopped painting watercolors, I’ve also stopped keeping sketchbooks other than a place to practice rough pencil drawings. The other day I realized I wanted a good, old-fashioned sketchbook, a place for all kinds of sketches using all kinds of media. The only rule would be that I plan the sketch first, so, hopefully, the sketchbook would become a kind of final project on its own.

I’ve used Stillman and Birn sketchbooks before, and they offer sturdy paper in multiple surfaces, sizes, and bindings. I chose the hardcover Zeta in the largest format, 8.25”x11.75”. The surface is smooth enough for pen and ink but heavy enough for multiple washes.

Within the pages of a sketchbook I can use any media and not worry about lightfastness. Suddenly, all the beautiful, dye-based inks are an option. I can put down a line drawing in permanent ink and use washes of brilliant, colorful ink over the top. I can also use acrylics, watercolor, pencil, and pretty much anything that strikes me.

Christmas this year has a pen and ink theme, and I’m starting a collection. I pulled out my existing pens (two Moonman minis, one Moonman M2, and a Sailor fude) and I’m adding a Twsbi Eco-T, a Moonman with a glass nib, and a dip pen with many nibs. Because I can never make up my mind, I bought two sample ink sets from Goulet pens, one consisting entirely of inks that sparkle. They’re lovely.