…at home I think. I’m still feeling rather worn down by the cold. Not really ill anymore - which is good - but washed out and listless. Consequently I’ve been spending far too much time online and been very weak-willed, spending money on Amazon and at the excellent Heaton Cooper Studio.

Unable to give up my Pen Search I bought myself a new Rotring Art Pen - an extra fine nibbed one this time. I’m liking it so far. I’m retrying my bottled Rotring drawing ink in both my Art Pens. The flow seems very good at the moment. If that stays the case it really does fit all the things on my pen wishlist and could be a Rapidoliner replacement afterall. Could my search be over? Time will tell.

A few days ago I did think I’d already replaced the Rapidoliner in my affections. I bought a pack of Rotring Xonox graphic pens. They look good, feel lovely and most importantly draw well. They’re not refillable, but are cheap enough for that not to be a problem. Sadly I’m just too heavy handed and broke the nib on the 0.1 very quickly. I think the wider nibs are more likely to stand up to my less than gentle touch, but I do still love the reliable thin line on my smallest Rapidoliner.

My over indulgence on the internet did throw up this excellent article by Danny Gregory. It’s terribly comforting to hear that he has had his fair share of crises of confidence - comforting but very surprising. His drawings look so confident, accomplished and very him. Interesting that even after publishing Everyday Matters he still had problems believing he really could draw. I do suspect that my constant searching for the perfect pen is just my way of avoiding my own fears and lack of confidence. Perhaps it’s time to stop searching…