Best pen/marker to use with watercolor?

Question

I'm planning on doing a series of watercolor paintings. I would like to use some sort of pen or marker or whatever to define details and lines but I don't know what's best. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

You need a permanent ink that will not be dissolved by the watercolor or bleed along the paper fibers. I like the following two brands of artist quality felt-tipped pens:



(1) Faber Castell PITT artist pens. Four sizes: B, M, F and S (Brush, Medium, Fine and Superfine). Available in black, sepia, sanguine, grays and variety of colors and sets.



(2) Pigma Micron archival ink pens. Six sizes: 005 = 0.20 mm, 01 = 0.25 mm, 02 = 0.30 mm, 05 = 0.45 mm, and 08 = 0.50 mm. Available in black and a variety of colors.



Accent lines are most effective if used sparingly. For example, do not draw the entire length of a telephone wire or roof line, but rather hint at it with broken lines here or there.



As others have replied, also consider just using straight watercolors, with a rigor brush or liner brush, and a dark paint (such as a mixture of French Ultramarine Blue and Burnt Sienna). Or watercolor pencils, which can be used dry or wet, and on dry or wet paper, for a variety of effects.

Answer 2

Best Marker Paper

Answer 3

There are a series of pencils that act like watercolors...they're great for definition. You can draw what you want, and when you brush over it with water, the line will blur a little bit, in the same effect as watercolors.

Answer 4

Use a small liner brush to high light your edges, and to add details. Just make sure that the under lying paint is dry before you start to add the details. If it's still wet, the paint will run, and blend. If you have to, use a hair dryer to dry the paint. It shouldn't take too long. Good luck!!

Answer 5

Indian Ink is good - though you have to get the correct type of pen as it will clog most. The people at any art store should be able to help you get the right thing.

Answer 6

Artists rarely use pens or markers to 'define' lines in watercolour. If you would like to accentuate one part of your painting, just use more paint or in a more concentrated solution.

Answer 7

Sharpie. It's permanent and won't run at all.