While I realize it’s neither Epiphany nor officially the 12 days of Christmas, our darling Tina created a special ink review for Inkmas that, because Tina was so efficient, I forgot about it. So, without further adieu….
Review by Tina Koyama
Although the Caran d’Ache Chromatics ink series has been around for a while, I’m still tickled by its unique and funky bottle. It raises eyebrows and receives double-takes when it casually sits on a desktop. Some even find its Pisa lean a bit disconcerting, but it’s especially appropriate in a world that has been trying to right itself after nearly two years of being askew.
My favorite in the line is Delicate Green, which I received a few years ago as a Christmas gift. I don’t think of it as delicate; it’s a fresh, bold green that evokes early spring foliage.
Since I tend to favor greens on the warm side, I found several in my Col-o-ring book that are similar; TWSBE 1791 Prairie Green is probably closest.
The fine nib dip pen I used on the Col-o-ring card makes the green a bit too pale for writing. I prefer to use it with a big, fat nib, like my Franklin-Christoph Model 20 Marietta with a fude nib, which reveals no sheening but a little shading. I made a sketch of the bottle, which turned out even wonkier than the real thing!
At $37 a bottle, the Chromatics are on the pricey side (as most Caran d’Ache products are). As a unique and distinctive desk piece, though, it’s a good reminder to keep a cockeyed view of life.
Tina Koyama is an urban sketcher in Seattle. Her blog is Fueled by Clouds & Coffee, and you can follow her on Instagram as Miatagrrl.
“Some even find its Pisa lean a bit disconcerting, but it’s especially appropriate in a world that has been trying to right itself after nearly two years of being askew.”
Great visual metaphor. That is a cheery, hopeful green. Thanks for the review!
🙂