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Pentel Pocket Brush

Submitted by jalderman

Type(s): Art Supply
Tags: brush+pen art illustration comics cartooning

http://www.wetpaintart.com/ecommercepentelbrushpen.asp
$16 (US, estimated)

Tool photo.

I was introduced to the Pentel Pocket Brush by a comicker friend, and though pricey for poor students, it truly makes drawing with ink a joy again. Unlike felt-tip brush pens, the Pocket Brush has actual bristles and an ink that dries quickly and is less apt to wash with water. The tip is amazingly fine, allowing deft hands to get line widths that vary from fat and chunky to almost a hair's breadth, and on thick absorbent paper, it's an amazing tactile experience. It's so much fun to hand the Pocket Brush and my sketchbook to people who are afraid to draw, and see them take to it like a child to finger paints.

Don't take my word for it, though; all sorts of artists swear by it.

Some art stores and Japanese supermarkets have them or similar pens, but if you're willing to wait for shipping, you can also find them online: http://www.wetpaintart.com/ecommercepentelbrushpen.asp http://www.islandblue.com/catalogue.cfm?main_id=17&sub_id=87&product_id=25 http://www.johnnealbooks.com/ http://www.quietfiredesign.com/byhandproductscalligraphybrushes.htm#pentelpocketbrush Prices range from around $15 to around $20. (You'll probably pay more once you factor in shipping.) Those in Minneapolis can probably see if Zander Cannon has any to sell: http://www.cartoonistconspiracy.com/blog/2005/04/pentel-pocket-brush-pens.html

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Pentel Brush Pen
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I have been using these beautiful tools since before they were released to the market 17 Years ago. They are portable way of expressing oneself, well. Neat ‘Hack’ to try: they are compatible with most art pen siphons which means you don’t have to depend on the cartridges. I use a ROTRING Art Pen siphon [http://www.dick-blick.com/items/208/19/20819-0000-3ww.jpg] but others are compatible. The only issue is the brush itself is made of UHDE and while it is really really slippery [That is why the brush works so well] if you use a non water based ink, like India Ink, you have to take care to keep it clean. It will come clean if it dries, but it is a pain.
Regards Martin G. Smith
Posted by RedSevenOne on July 14, 2006 at 16:50:40 Pacific Time