While fountain pens are normally used for writing, they’re also valuable tools for art.
They do a fantastic job of drawing precise, fluid linework.
Fountain pens are more expressive than fineliners and much easier to transport than dip pens
if you plan to sketch on the go.
With a wide range of nib sizes and ink choices, it’s easy to see why fountain pens are prized
tools for artists.
For Beginners
Best Budget Fountain Pen
If you’re new to the world of fountain pens, try the affordable Zebra Zensations.
It works right out of the packaging with no cartridge installation necessary.
The Zensations writes smoothly and comes with water-soluble ink in a range of seven vibrant colors,
suitable for further experimentation with ink washes.
This pen works great with a Maruman Mnemosyne Notebook, which boasts buttery, feather-free paper.
Best Lightweight Fountain Pen
The Pilot Penmanship features an ergonomic design that prevents discomfort and feels light in the hand,
so drawing feels effortless.
Its ink flow can keep up with quick hand movements.
The Penmanship uses cartridges but can also take converters, allowing you to use bottled inks
like these dreamlike Kala Nostalgia Abstraction colors.
These off-black inks are water resistant and ideal for sketching.
Pair them with Tomoe River Paper, a solid choice due to its lightweight, smooth sheets
and high bleedthrough resistance.
Best Durable Fountain Pen
Made of sturdy ABS plastic, the LAMY Safari is practically indestructible!
If you want a pen for adventuring, add the Safari to your kit.
It writes smoothly, but it’s not the best for details as European nib sizes are larger
than Japanese nibs.
The Safari uses either cartridges or a LAMY converter and comes with a blue ink cartridge.
We suggest using this pen with Rohrer & Klinger sketchINK--its smooth flow is great for drawing
fine lines, which dry faster and can be painted over more quickly.
Add a Stillman & Birn Zeta Sketchbook with its heavyweight paper perfect for wet or dry
media, and you’re set for drawing on-the-go.
For Experienced Users
Best Semi-Flex Fountain Pen
The Noodler’s Konrad Flex offers a broad nib with a hint of flexibility, but there’s a learning curve
to mastering it.
You have to apply significant pressure for line width variation.
It’s best for those who enjoy tinkering with their fountain pens, and might not work
exactly as you wish.
The piston filling mechanism makes it easy to use your favorite ink--we like Noodler’s
Eel Black for its water-resistant quality and smooth-writing formula.
Complete your art set with a Strathmore 400 Series Mixed Media Pad, as it combines the
characteristics of watercolor paper with the smooth, vellum-like finish of drawing paper.
Best Fountain Pen with a Gold Nib
With its special beak-shaped nib made from 14k soft gold, the Pilot Falcon creates lines reminiscent of brush calligraphy.
The nib is easy to control, producing precise details while offering line variation.
Though the gold nib comes with a higher price tag, it dramatically out-flexes steel nibs.
Match the Falcon with a blank Clairefontaine Notepad, which features a silky texture and
barely any show-through,
and Platinum Carbon Ink, a water-resistant and pigment-based ink highly sought after by artists.
Just be sure to give your pen a good cleaning every 4 to 6 weeks, as the pigment particles
can cause clogging if allowed to dry out inside of a pen.
Did any of these pens pique your interest?
Let us know in the comments!
To learn more about drawing with fountain pens, check out our companion blog on JetPens.com.
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