Ballpoint Pen in art?

[VulgarDragon]

When I ink my work, I like to use ballpoint pen in conjunction with regular ink pens for some fine line work. It is an amazing and temperate tool at the same time.

The pros:
1) cheap and easily available
2) can be used like a pencil, makes "halftone" shading
3) can rapidly make many fine lines

the cons:
1) sometimes will bleed and leave lumps of ink (especially it if is cheap pen or if you've worn it out)
2) colorfastness of ink is questionable
3) depending on paper and pen quality, the lines may be inconsistent (light and dark in places)

I was wondering how many artists use ballpoint pen as their tool of choice. I know that it hardly is considered as "professional" art tool, but it works well for me. I'd like to hear who uses them and their techniques on using them.

Also, what brands are used? I have played around with different brands...so far my favorites are Zebra and Pilot (fine point).

Well, let's discuss, and show examples if you got any.

[Elwell]

Steve Assael (http://www.stevenassael.com/drawings.html) does a lot of his drawing in ballpoint.

[Black Spot]

I found it great to loosen myself up in life drawing. Don’t mind the blobs as they’re part of it. I use what ever I can find. Earlier this week I wanted a red one and it took 6 newsagents to find one that had any in stock.

445450

445449

[Mirana]

(This topic totally makes me think of this guy (http://conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=46842) and giggle...moving on....)

I used to love using Pilot pens. They do bleed a bit with other media and will fade (though slowly) over time. I'm a pen junkie, so I bought a bunch of types then made a ref chart on bristol so I could see bleed and fade resistance.

The best are Faber-Castell Pitt pens. They don't bleed or fade. After that Pilot's are decent. Microns fade a bit. Penstix fade to sepia in a month. Triplus fade in around a yr. Copic bleed. It's also good to look into refilable tech or fountain pens because then you can get the tip type you like, but always have perfect, dark ink.

[Black Spot]

Steve Assael (http://www.stevenassael.com/drawings.html) does a lot of his drawing in ballpoint.

Those are very beautiful. Rats, now I'm going to have to work harder.

[Dusty]

I'm a big fan of ballpoint pen for sketching. The main reason is, as you said, it mimics pencil quite a bit in the fact that you can get a good halftone in your crosshatching or what have you, but also because you can't erase. The more you draw and don't erase the better you get at seeing where you need to improve. When you erase, you get rid of the record of where you messed up. If you are doing it with ink, then you see all your flaws right in front of you and you know where to focus.

Obviously that holds true with all ink, but ballpoint wins (for me) because of how easy it is to sketch with it.

This one is a little old, but here's one of my own person examples of ballpoint sketching:

http://dustypeterson.net/pncl2.jpg

[VulgarDragon]

Nice work, everyone. That Steve Assael artwork look almost photo realistic...very fine work there.

Mirana-Haven't seen any Faber-Castell pens around. Wonder where I can find them, and if they have them in "fine or micro" point.

I'm not too worried about ink color-fastness because I scan most of my drawings to finish digitally. When scanning, the contrast can be adjusted. Also, I have many old sketches done in pen that are 20-25 years old that are still in good condition...so the color-fastness isn't too bad in some brands. Too bad they don't make "professional quality" ballpoint pens.
I've tried quill pens, but they make me nervous. One wrong move, you can splatter ink all over.

When working with ballpoint pens I've found that if you try to overlay graphite drawing with pen, it will clog up the ball and it will not roll as smoothly...hence irregular lines. The best way is to either sketch really lightly with pencil first, or at least trace a new drawing in pen using lightbox. Also, wiping the point with paper towel once in a while helps avoid "ink farts" :wink:

Here are a few of my old sketches done in ballpoint:

[Coen]

I like the unable-to-eraseness of it, and your post made me think of this drawing by Kevin Llewellyn (http://www.kevart.com/ballpoint.html)

[VulgarDragon]

(This topic totally makes me think of this guy (http://conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=46842) and giggle...moving on....)

Just now noticed that. ROFL!!!!!
No, I'm not that fanatic!! Maybe it's best not to tell the public what kind of medium you are using.
"Wow...this is awesome! What did you use to make that drawing?"
"Ballpoint pen!"
(snickers) "Oh..that is nice." (walks away)

Seriously, tools are tools...it is the end result that matters. I just want to hear and share some tips.

[Euphemism]

I use ballpoints mainly for sketching, however I've got a rainbow set of pens for cheap (Tesco Brand) and I should make some finished art with them soon... ;)

I find Zebra to be a great brand for ballpoint pens. There's a Faber-Castell fine nibbed ballpoint I use quite often, and I buy it whenever it's available. :)

[Stoat]

(This topic totally makes me think of this guy (http://conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=46842) and giggle...moving on....)

Heh. I couldn't resist. After you reminded me, I had to go look him up online. Yup. Still churning the stuff out. An admirable level of finish; it's a pity he never works out the underlying drawing first.

[RyerOrdStar]

I use ballpoint pen exclusively in my sketchbook, you can take a look in my sig.

I prefer it without reservation above any other sketching media.

I never start with pencil underneath, it ruins the paper for the later pen. I just sketch lightly in pen and then cover the lines up.
For Ex.
446256

My favourite brand is Cross. You can find them at most Staples, but they are kind of pricey ($40 for a pen and pencil) They are refillable though so if you don't lose them all the time like me, you should be fine.

[JashuanWinters]

All I have to say is

"Pilot G2 05"
The very best.

[RyerOrdStar]

Uugh I used Pilots and I hate them :P Their ink isn't black it's purplish, and it flows too easily to do good shading :P

[JashuanWinters]

The best pool player in the world can play with a broom stick.

[Sung-jae Kim]

Last I checked, G2 wasn't even a ballpoint pen.
Anyway, does anyone know a brand of ballpoint that doesn't make big blotches (or does it less frequently than the Pentel RSVP) at the tip after being used for a while?

[Fvallejo]

probably the best pen (in my opinion) for drawing with is the SKB 1500. It is the same one James Jean uses and it is mightier than Excalibur. I use it all the time!

[Sung-jae Kim]

Do you have anymore information on the pen by any chance? (company and such)
I googled it and saw no results.
I'll be checking it at my local Staples tomorrow

edit - whoa, found out they're sold in Taiwan only o__o;;
Oh well.

[RyerOrdStar]

http://www.cross.com/catalog/productlisting.aspx?cat_name=Ball+Point+Pens

Another pen I really like right now is the Bic...hotel style pen. HAHA. I don't know the name but it's just one of those regular pens with the black top and see through shaft. It's a really good pen and you can find them almost anywhere. I can draw with any pen but as all artists I have my PREFERENCES -- I have a favourite brush, too, does that mean I can't use others?

[J Wilson]

I like ball point for rough sketching. For some reason the lack of erasing, or being a "serious" medium relaxes me more and I feel like I get more energy in my roughs. My brand of choice are the Zebra pens with the metal bodies. Sort of as step between cheap and disposable and the nice pens you pay a bundle for.

[Elwell]

Just because there seems to be a bit of confusion on the issue...
Ballpoint pens (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ball_point_pen) use viscous ink and can create soft shading similar to pencil or lithography.
Rollerball pens (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rollerball_pen) use fluid or gel ink and lay down smooth, relatively consistent lines similar to a fountain pen

[Anid Maro]

Another pen I really like right now is the Bic...hotel style pen. HAHA. I don't know the name but it's just one of those regular pens with the black top and see through shaft. It's a really good pen and you can find them almost anywhere.

Heh, same here. Though I don't really take my ballpoint sketches beyond being just sketches, which is perhaps why I have stuck with the trusty Bic. Decent ink, doesn't splotch too bad (though it can still happen, especially if it's one you've been using for a while), and really it's most spectacular feature is the super cheap price.

[Black Spot]

I like ball point for rough sketching. For some reason the lack of erasing, or being a "serious" medium relaxes me more and I feel like I get more energy in my roughs.

Exactly. I’m really enjoying drawing with them. I might even go down to the pound shop and get a bag with even more colours to scribble with. Half the fun is if they don’t work, is thinking on your feet for a viable alternative when doing a timed pose.

[Jie Kageshinzo]

(This topic totally makes me think of this guy (http://conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=46842) and giggle...moving on....)

That guy's the first thing that came to my mind when I read the topic title as well. *gigglesnorts*

My cousin loves to use ballpoint pens to draw rather than pencil. He says it gives him much more discipline since you can't erase with the pen.

[VulgarDragon]

Just because there seems to be a bit of confusion on the issue...
Ballpoint pens (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ball_point_pen) use viscous ink and can create soft shading similar to pencil or lithography.
Rollerball pens (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rollerball_pen) use fluid or gel ink and lay down smooth, relatively consistent lines similar to a fountain pen

Yeah...he said it. Generally, ballpoint pens are used for light lines or gradual shading. The rollerballs are good for outlining or filling in small spaces, wherever you want solid lines. I've found that some rollerballs don't draw as smoothly or their ink spreads out too much on paper. BIC Z4 0.5mm is a really good one, and the Uniballs are not too bad. I do use commerical rollerballs sometimes but I really prefer using Sakura Pigma Microns (http://www.dickblick.com/zz207/02/) for linework.

[jubjubjedi]

Cheapo PaperMate or BIC pens for me all the way, especially for quick sketches, ideation, and coffee house doodling. For finer lines, PILOT G-TEC C4 are great as well.
Felt tips tend to have too much friction for my taste, so I stay away from Sakura Microns and the like.

[Sharkcellar]

The Parker "Jotter" pen is simply sublime, stylish, and cheap (for a refillable).

http://www.amazon.com/Retractable-Ballpoint-Stainless-PAR13332-Category/dp/B0017D5WXY/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=office-products&qid=1225285438&sr=1-9

I was doodling with a ballpoint last night and I realized how much I love drawing with ballpoint. I don't know why but I've always had this condescension towards ballpoints ever since I was a little kid. But, I've finally come to my senses and realized I really do enjoy ballpoints quite a bit. Definitely worth the $8 or so from an Office Max near you. I'm gonna pick a couple up today, as a matter of fact.

I would have to say the Bic "Cristal" and "Round Stic" disposable pens are very nice to draw with too. Though the Round Stic's can feel a bit "soapy" and plasticy for my tastes.

I simply cannot stand those big fat pens with the cushy silicone grip on them. I wanna draw with a pen, not a dildo! I would say that and the widescale use of Velcro on clothing are two of my major peevs.

[bhanu]

I used to draw in school in the back pages of my notebook...so the habit stayed..and now its the only medium I use for lines...

[Jerry Stith]

COLORED BALLPOINT PENS AND REFILLS (PACKAGES)

I’m posting 55 major ballpoint pen or refill names that are on the marketplace. There are many different colored pen packages or refills within this list. I’ve been on the WWW from the year 2000 therefore realize ballpoint pen artists are having difficulties locating oil based ballpoint pen. This list will certainly help people locate new materials to work with. Do you have any colored pens or refills not found on this list?
Your friend, Jerry Stith

1. STAEDTLER® 10 colors: ball 432 ice colours
2. OMAS BALLPOINT PEN REFILL FOR 360 COLLECTION
3. OMAS BALLPOINT PEN REFILL
4. MONTBLANC CLASSIQUE, BOHEME, STARWALKER BALLPOINT PEN REFILL
5.LAMY PDA REFILL
6. FABER-CASTELL D1 MINI BALLPOINT PEN REFILL
7. DELTA BALLPOINT PEN REFILL
8. CONKLIN BALLPOINT PEN REFILL
9. BEXLEY MULTI-MAX BALLPOINT PEN REFILL
10. AURORA MINI OPTIMA BALLPOINT PEN REFILL
11. AURORA BALLPOINT PEN REFILL
12. MONTEVERDE ARTISTA KIT BALLPOINT PEN
13. Staedtler® 1.4 Maxum™ Ballpoint Pens
14. Staedtler® 1.6 Maxum™ Ballpoint Pens
15. STAEDTLER® stick 430 M
16. STAEDTLER® stick 430 F
17. Schneider® Express 735 Giant Ballpoint Refill
18. Parker® compatible Schmidt® P900 M
19. Schmidt® Pressurized Refill to Fit Parker
20. Schmidt® Refill to fit Parker® Ballpoint Pens
21. Schmidt Easy FLOW 9000 Refills
22. Schmidt® Broadpoint Refill to fit Parker Ballpoint Pens
23. Schmidt® Mini BallPen Fine point Refill
24. Rotring® compatible Mini Ballpoint Ink Refill
25. Schmidt® P950 Megaline Pressurized Refill
26. Schmidt® easyFLOW 9000 M Refill
27. BALLPOINT REFILLS FOR LAMY
28. WATERMAN BALLPOINT REFILLS
29. Sheaffer Standard Ballpoint Refill
30. Parker Standard Ballpoint Refill
31. 4 color Multi System pens refills M21
32. 4 Cross Refill Colors
33. Schneider® Express 56
34. Schneider® Express 785
35. Schneider® Express 775
36. Schneider® Express 735
37. 4 colors ballpoint pen
38. 10 colors ballpoint pen with kid model/promotion design on top
39. Grand: 10 color ballpoint pen with rope on top
40. 4 colors ballpoint + 1highlighter (on top)
41. Multicolor Pen 4 colors ballpoint
42. Rainbow 10 color ballpoint pens
43. Grand Multicolor 10 colored ballpoint pen
44. 7 Multicolor Ballpoint pen
45. Pentel RSVP 7 ballpoint pen colors
46. 10 Color Ball Pens
47. Reporter 4 Compact
48. Monteverde Cross® compatible Ballpoint Ink Refill
49. Parker 10 color ballpoint pen refills
50. Cross/ Waterman ballpoint pen refills
51. Sensa & Fisher ballpoint pen refills
52. Schefeild: Frosty 9 color ballpoint pens
53. Shanghai Weijun 12 ballpoint pen colors
54. Schefields Easygrip 7 ballpoint pen colors
55. Schefield Prism 10 ballpointpen colors

Jerry Stith
http://jerrystith.multiply.com/

[Jerry Stith]

Do any ballpoint pen artists use archival ballpoint pens or refills?
Here's a list of archival ballpoint pens or refills I've found.
Does anyone know of any colored archival ballpoint pens not on this list?

BallPoint Archival Oil Based Inks: DIN/ISO 12757-2
*Papermate Stick 2020 Fine Red P27325
DIN standard ink for high standards of performance
*Papermate Stick 2020 Fine Grn P27345
DIN standard ink for high standards of performance
*Papermate Stick 2020 Med Grn P27645
DIN standard ink for high standards of performance
*Papermate 2020 Blue 1.0 tip Stick
DIN standard ink for high standards of performance
*Stick Ball Pen Medium Red
forgery-proof paste conforming to ISO 12757-2, line width M
*Stick Ball Pen Fine Blue
forgery-proof paste conforming to ISO 12757-2
*Stick Ball Pen Medium Black
forgery-proof paste conforming to ISO 12757-2
*Stick Ball Pen Fine Black
forgery-proof paste conforming to ISO 12757-2
*Stick 2000 Pen Medium Blue
DIN standard ink for high standards of performance
*Stick Ball Pen Fine Red
forgery-proof paste conforming to ISO 12757-2
*Staedtler Mars Multiple Casings or body designs, 430 Stick Medium,
Line width F, M, indelible ink conforming to ISO 12757-2
*Schneider SIMPLY FUNCTIONAL
*Giant refill EXPRESS 225 with wear resistant stainless steel tip
*Refill EXPRESS 75 with wear resistant stainless steel tip
interchangeable refill, waterproof ink ISO12757.2 A2
*Schneider: Express 740 ballpoint refill X20 Giant Refills ISO 12757-2H
*Stride Inc Schneider® Express 775 Permanent ink is ISO 12757-2H.
Medium point is 0.6mm. Fine point is 0.4mm.
*Stride Inc Schneider® Express 775 Permanent ink is ISO 12757-2H.
*07751 - STI - (UPC: ) Schneider Express 775 Ballpoint Refills - Fine (BLACK)
*07752 - STI - (UPC: ) Schneider Express 775 Ballpoint Refills - Fine (RED)
*07753 - STI - (UPC: ) Schneider Express 775 Ballpoint Refills - Fine (BLUE)
*07761 - STI - (UPC: ) Schneider Express 775 Ballpoint Refills Medium (BLACK)
*07762 - STI - (UPC: ) Schneider Express 775 Ballpoint Refills Medium (RED)
*07763 - STI - (UPC: ) Schneider Express 775 Ballpoint Refills Medium (BLUE)
*07764 - STI - (UPC: ) Schneider Express 775 Ballpoint Refills Medium (GREEN)
*Stride Inc Schneider® Express 785 Permanent ink is ISO 12757-2H.
*178601 - STI - (UPC: ) Schneider Express 785 Ballpoint Refills - Medium (BLACK)
*178603 - STI - (UPC: ) Schneider Express 785 Ballpoint Refills - Medium (BLUE)
*Stride Inc Schneider® Express 735 Medium point line width is 0.6mm. Fine point line width is 0.4mm. Ink is ISO 12757-2G2 waterproof.
*07351 - STI - (UPC: ) Schneider Express 735 Ballpoint Refills - Fine (BLACK)
*07352 - STI - (UPC: ) Schneider Express 735 Ballpoint Refills - Fine (RED)
*07353 - STI - (UPC: ) Schneider Express 735 Ballpoint Refills - Fine (BLUE)
*07361 - STI - (UPC: ) Schneider Express 735 Ballpoint Refills - Medium (BLACK)
*07362 - STI - (UPC: ) Schneider Express 735 Ballpoint Refills - Medium (RED)
*07363 - STI - (UPC: ) Schneider Express 735 Ballpoint Refills - Medium (BLUE)
*07364 - STI - (UPC: ) Schneider Express 735 Ballpoint Refills - Medium (GREEN)
*Stdtler Retractable BallPen Tub10 42125S Retractable ballpoint pen
blue forgery-proof paste conf. to ISO 12757-2
*ZENO Ball Point Pen
permanent black ink conforming to DIN ISO 12757-2
Solid tip with HAUSER Ceramic Ball writing strokes SF (0.6mm)
writing capacity: 0.9g / 1,000M
*Parker Pen
*Parker makes archival quality refills conform to the ISO standard ISO12757-2
*Pelikan Perfect 237
colours: blue, red black With the permanent ink conforming to DIN ISO 12757-2.
Widths: F = fine (0.8 mm Ø), M = medium (1 mm Ø), B = broad (1.2 mm Ø)
Solid tip of stainless steel, tungsten carbide ball

The ballpoint pen companies new archival inks are being marketed as (security inks or pens)

Jerry Stith
http://jerrystith.multiply.com/

[Jerry Stith]

The top colored ballpoint pen packages I've located on the marketplace.
Enjoy my friends

1. 10 Superior Quality: 10 colored ballpoint pen pack.
2. ColorTech: 20 colored ballpoint pen pack.
3. Prism: 10 colored ballpoint pen pack
4. 10 Rainbow: colored ballpoint pen pack
5. Jell Tek Rainbow: 7 colored pack
6. Pentel: Firestick 10 colors all in one pen
7. Pentel: Coca-Cola Bear 10 colors all in one pen
8. RoseArt: 6 colored pack
9. A&W: 10 colors in one pen (I’m told yellow is one of those 10 colors)
10. Staedtler 10 colors: ball 432 ice colors
11. Schefield prism 10 ballpointpen colors
12. 10 Color Ball Pen of Assorted
13. Bic Mini Crystal Pens (France)
14. Monteverde
15. Sanford
16. Grand
17. Fisher
18. Reynolds
19. Arty Crafty Rainbow Neon
20. Shanghai Weijun

Jerry Stith
http://jerrystith.multiply.com/

[Jerry Stith]

BallPoint Pen virtues!

1. Four thousand years of pen and ink history: (A quill feather was cut and prepared to be used as a dipping pen that dominated the market place for one thousand years. Metal tips or nibs became into use thereafter for recording, writing and artworks. Most other art mediums didn’t exit, so comparing pen and ink to them is rather absurd because society was completely run with our medium) Pens have elevated every society throughout history for the past four or five thousand years like no medium and that indicates other art medium are lesser effective or inferior. Pen and Ink therefore has countless billions of supporters.

2. Most sold art instrument in history: How many people have exited over the past four thousand plus years is an interesting question just like how many pens or ballpoints have be used by those individuals during those times. Pen and Ink has a tremendous past as does the Biro or ballpoint pen. A ballpoint is being used via illustrations, animation, cartoons, lettering, as a mixed media, commercially, industrially, as a fashion tool and throughout the graphic or fine art communities.

3. Largest undeveloped art movement in history: A ballpoint pen became commercialized or first manufactured worldwide in 1938 in Argentina through the efforts of the Biro brothers. The Biro’s failed to get production rights with the United States so shortly after that date pen companies within this country retooled and produced their own models or designs. The Bic Pen Company has already sold over one hundred billion ballpoint pens and that’s only one manufactory in the world. How many of those ballpoint pens get used for doodling, sketching, drawings, inklings or illustrations? Interrogating those artworks into our art community’s infrastructure will provide hope, prosperity, gains, sales and recognition. Our art community is of the people, for the people and by the people!

4. Longest flowing pen lines in history: In the art world spontaneity is considered very important particularly if the artist is working outdoors because things are moving unlike working from photographs which is like imitating a camera. Doodles, sketches and today’s inklings are most often based on quick long flowing full tone lines used to capture action, a mood, expression or moving motion. The lines always remain the same, never thicken or dull plus keep on going throughout your creative adventure. I have more than three and a half thousand sketches from the good old days published on the Web for the beginners, youth or children of the world. They represent a level countless millions of people interested in exploring the art world can relate to!

5. Brightest colored pen inks in history: Pen and Ink has been around for about four or five thousand years or longer than almost all other media or medium. The earlier inks came mostly in black or shades of brown. India ink was about the best because it was really black plus archival therefore most excellent as a writing, recording or artistic medium. India inks are however water based which seems to work well with black yet not colors. Blacks have a different make up or properties than do colors. That means colored inks are weak, almost transparent or not comparable to other art mediums.

Ballpoint pen inks are oil based, much thicker, radiant, brighter or beautiful in compare. Now pretty, beautiful or brilliant artworks can be produced via pen and ink as never before. That’s New Worthy or a vast improvement within that art movement plus an attraction to millions from around the world. I’m not seeing any colored ballpoint pen drawings surfacing out of Great Britain or some other countries. I’m seeing colors coming out of China, New Zealand, Spain, France, Canada, India and some other nations throughout the world and that’s spectacular or a vast improvement.

6. Subtlest camera-ready half tone lines in history: Camera-ready means, ready for market or to go not first in a series of events multiple processes. In 1980-82 Parker Pens produced an extra (ultra) fine ballpoint pen tip that arrived in black or blue oil based inks. The cartridges are wide so massive lines or art works could be completed with each unit. The extra-fine tips were remarkable thin or much like drawing with a nail. Those tips got removed from the market place or selves because of limited sales.

The extra-fine or fine ballpoint pen tips produce an amazing thin line and that’s extremely important within the graphic art community. Eloquence, sophistication, perfection or exquisite line work describes graphic art works using very detailed lines therefore such words are appropriate for our ballpoint pen drawings. Why! A ballpoint pen can produce a half tone line that is subtler than all other graphic or fine art medium so such descriptions do apply. A new detailed or thin line elevates the sensitivity level of mankind and that’s a extraordinary statement to say the least.

7. Only oil based pen ink in history: Oil based inks can produce a half tone lines from a full tone ink supply, carry more pigments used in making brighter colors plus enables better storage. Some ballpoint pen’s have an ink reserve that can produce a line three quarters of a mile long! That indicates lots of fun, freedom or creative expressions to me, my friends.

8. Strongest pen tips in history: A strong ballpoint pen tip enables it to produce an outstanding carbon copy, stops breakage, lets it work on many rough surfaces, work upside down, underwater and in deep space. Sometimes it even works as a prying, scraping or digging device.

9. Best carbon copy producer in history: A ballpoint pen revolutionized record keeping, government, business because of the ability to make an excellent carbon copy!

10. Most reliable pen in history: A ballpoint pen is portable, study, reliable, effective therefore extremely popular or the greatest writing and drawing instrument in history and is being used to run society.

Jerry Stith
http://jerrystith.multiply.com/

[Vari]

Ballpoint spam...

[shiroboi]

I like to ink with Pilot Precise V's. They put down a lot more ink than your regular ballpoint and you're right, they make great speed lines.

If you have issues with bleeding, try drawing or inking on high quality regular printer paper. I'll use HP bright white. Usually around $9-10 for a ream. Better inkjet paper looks better because it resists absorbing the ink and the ink stays on top. It won't bleed but you really have to watch the smudging until it dries fully.

[Elwell]

ohgoodlordhe'sback....

[agrmrs]

Steve Assael (http://www.stevenassael.com/drawings.html) does a lot of his drawing in ballpoint.

stunning :x thanx for sharing mate :)

[Jerry Stith]

I posted information about a ballpoint pen or my activities as a fellow artist and Conceptart member!

Years of research went into organizing the materials that got posted because that's my gig! Is less better?

Jerry Stith

[pretentieuse]

I am so pleased you're back, Mr. Stith; I was just reading your legendary thread like half an hour earlier. I greatly appreciate your deep respect for the medium of ballpoint pen, but I suggest instead of attempting to convert us, you devote a touch more time to development of your own art skills, perhaps in a variety of mediums.

[Kamber Parrk]

ohgoodlordhe'sback....

Yeah!

Seems like we gotta lotta ballpoint threads all of a sudden!

Don't really know which one to post in but:

I question some of the lists in the various threads as to what is actually ARCHIVAL and as to what is actually BALLPOINT.

Based on my research, Pilot makes an archival black ballpoint, Permaball, I think they call it. And, Schneider makes a ballpoint refill for Cross type pens that is supposed to be archival.

Otherwise, I question the specific DIN/ISO criteria/standards-- just what do they mean? What are they based upon? Are Papermate's competition to the Bic Round Stic TRULY archival??

Also, I think many of the listed pens are actually ROLLERBALLS-- a different animal that DOESN'T give you the half-tone sketch quality of a true ballpoint.

To RyerOrdStar: I'm not sure why the guts in a Bic Crystal would be any different than those in a Bic Round Stic. I respect your empirical personal experience. But, if there were an "archival" difference, don't you think Bic would be touting this as a selling point?

[karmazon]

I do virtually all my sketches with ballpoint and I use uniball jetstream. It gets as dark as a gel pen, but you can still control the darkness with pressure, unlike gel pens.

[ijacobs9]

*agrees that ballpointpen can be a powerful medium*