Abacus Creative Essentials drawing inks are highly pigmented and vibrant and ready for immediate use. All colours are intermixable to create a vast spectrum of shades, the opacity can be reduced by diluting with water. The colours dry smoothly within minutes. Different techniques can be used on a variety of surfaces, to create fine lines or colouring large washes, using brushes, calligraphy nibs, airbrushes, bamboo pens and more.

Available in 500ml bottles in 11 colours, Black, White, Brilliant Yellow, Brilliant Red, Brilliant Blue, Brilliant Green, Viridian, Lemon, Violet, Burnt Sienna & Turquoise.

One main benefit of Abacus Creative Essentials drawing ink is that they are bleachable. Many different techniques and art styles can be used and created when combining ink with bleach. Perfect for adding light to art work on pieces such as landscapes and skyscapes. Also experimenting by adding bleach to paper and layering the ink over the top. Another way of using it is with a bamboo pen or brush and creating images with bleach over washes of ink. Consider what paper to use, the texture, colour & absorbency will have on impact on how the ink will behave. Watercolour paper could be a good place to start as it will hold wet work such as 220g Abacus Cartridge Paper or Mixed Media Pad. Take extra precautions when using bleach as it is toxic, make sure you wear appropriate PPE and work in a well-ventilated room or even better outdoors.

Can drawing ink be used in calligraphy pens?

Yes drawing ink can be used for calligraphy, this will open up a vast range of colours and interesting effects that can be created using the translucency of the drawing ink. Whereas Calligraphy ink is opaque and comes in a more limited and traditional range of colours.

What other ink do you stock?

Winsor & Newton Ink

Winsor & Newton drawing inks are formulated from series of soluble dyes in a superior shellac solution. They can be applied with brush, pen or airbrush. The range comprises 26 colours including Liquid Indian Ink, a solution of traditional Chinese stick ink, which is not water resistant. When dry, these inks are suitable for light washes.