Pen and InksIntroductionPen nibs and reservoir pens are made by many different manufacturers and ina variety of styles. Proper care and correct use can prolong the useful life ofpen nibs and reservoir pens. For extended study of pen and ink drawing,review the works of M. C. Escher and Edvard Munch.Pen nibsPen nibs detach from handles or drawing instruments. There are drawingnibs and lettering nibs. After you select an appropriate pen nib, make surethe nib is clean. If a nib has not been used before, moisten it slightly toremove the manufacturer’s protective oils. Do not fill a pen nib more than3/8 inch up the nib blade. This prevents the nib from bleeding on the papersurface.Drawing nibs In general, nibs used for drawing have more spring than lettering nibs. Likea pencil, varying the width of the stroke creates a line that is more sensitiveand interesting. Some nibs are so stiff that excessive pressure gouges thepaper surface by disturbing the fibers. Torn fibers absorb the ink givinglines a fuzzy appearance. Other nibs have more spring that allows you tovary line width. Quill-nibbed pens produce an extremely fine line and arevery responsive.Figure 1-18 shows quill pen nibs.Figure 1-18.—Quill pen nibs.Continued on next page1-31
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