@mxcrobiotick.bsky.social
No work talk, just fountain pens, fountain pen inks, pen and inksketches, crudely drawn cartoons, cooking, sumo, and occasional arthropod macrophotography.
For now on Instagram: at mxcrobiotick
For now on Instagram: at mxcrobiotick
I pre-ordered two bottles of ink in December and they came yesterday. Since the afternoon temp was supposed to be below 10, I made sure to pick it up as soon as I got back. I experimented with Puuurfectly Insane on TR and Strathmore 400 CP paper, mixed w/ water, bleach, gum arabic, and gouache.
January 22, 2026 at 3:57 AM
I pre-ordered two bottles of ink in December and they came yesterday. Since the afternoon temp was supposed to be below 10, I made sure to pick it up as soon as I got back. I experimented with Puuurfectly Insane on TR and Strathmore 400 CP paper, mixed w/ water, bleach, gum arabic, and gouache.
a combination of sumo, art burnout, and social dismay/outrage means less art right. Here are a couple of sketches.
media: ink, watercolor and ink, gouache, liquid pencil.
This pen had a dry nib. I tried multiple inks & finally had to add a touch of White Lightning to help the flow.
media: ink, watercolor and ink, gouache, liquid pencil.
This pen had a dry nib. I tried multiple inks & finally had to add a touch of White Lightning to help the flow.
January 20, 2026 at 2:07 PM
a combination of sumo, art burnout, and social dismay/outrage means less art right. Here are a couple of sketches.
media: ink, watercolor and ink, gouache, liquid pencil.
This pen had a dry nib. I tried multiple inks & finally had to add a touch of White Lightning to help the flow.
media: ink, watercolor and ink, gouache, liquid pencil.
This pen had a dry nib. I tried multiple inks & finally had to add a touch of White Lightning to help the flow.
Just received plushie Vampurr! Cuter than advertised. Look at those to beans! Designed by @poorlycatdraw.bsky.social and made plushie by @makeship.bsky.social
January 11, 2026 at 4:26 PM
Just received plushie Vampurr! Cuter than advertised. Look at those to beans! Designed by @poorlycatdraw.bsky.social and made plushie by @makeship.bsky.social
It's #Sumo time! I may disappear to avoid spoilers, but #sumosketches will pop up from time-to-time. Not happy that Mita is still out, but I'm hopeful this will be an exciting basho, hopefully with minimal injuries. (some swatching to find the ideal ink for the sketch--chose "A certain candy"
January 11, 2026 at 3:00 PM
It's #Sumo time! I may disappear to avoid spoilers, but #sumosketches will pop up from time-to-time. Not happy that Mita is still out, but I'm hopeful this will be an exciting basho, hopefully with minimal injuries. (some swatching to find the ideal ink for the sketch--chose "A certain candy"
A study in watercolor of a little fox.
The day before Christmas I went for a run and spied this little fox. It had been cold and wet, so it was enjoying the sun that day, but was surprised by me. I stayed far away when I took the reference photo and zoomed in later.
#watercolorsketch
The day before Christmas I went for a run and spied this little fox. It had been cold and wet, so it was enjoying the sun that day, but was surprised by me. I stayed far away when I took the reference photo and zoomed in later.
#watercolorsketch
January 11, 2026 at 3:10 AM
A study in watercolor of a little fox.
The day before Christmas I went for a run and spied this little fox. It had been cold and wet, so it was enjoying the sun that day, but was surprised by me. I stayed far away when I took the reference photo and zoomed in later.
#watercolorsketch
The day before Christmas I went for a run and spied this little fox. It had been cold and wet, so it was enjoying the sun that day, but was surprised by me. I stayed far away when I took the reference photo and zoomed in later.
#watercolorsketch
01/05/2026 #inkandgouache
#catsketch using a mix of Holbein and Davinci gouache; Waterman Black in Mabie Todd Swan pen
#catsketch using a mix of Holbein and Davinci gouache; Waterman Black in Mabie Todd Swan pen
January 7, 2026 at 2:39 AM
01/05/2026 #inkandgouache
#catsketch using a mix of Holbein and Davinci gouache; Waterman Black in Mabie Todd Swan pen
#catsketch using a mix of Holbein and Davinci gouache; Waterman Black in Mabie Todd Swan pen
January 4th 2026. Doggus carries around the most recent Lambchop. she usually waits a few months before dissecting them to remove the squeaker.
This year I'm going to explore using gouache and mixing it w/ my favorite multi-shading inks. Also only posting/sketching when there's time
#inkandgouache
This year I'm going to explore using gouache and mixing it w/ my favorite multi-shading inks. Also only posting/sketching when there's time
#inkandgouache
January 6, 2026 at 4:34 AM
January 4th 2026. Doggus carries around the most recent Lambchop. she usually waits a few months before dissecting them to remove the squeaker.
This year I'm going to explore using gouache and mixing it w/ my favorite multi-shading inks. Also only posting/sketching when there's time
#inkandgouache
This year I'm going to explore using gouache and mixing it w/ my favorite multi-shading inks. Also only posting/sketching when there's time
#inkandgouache
Happy New Year! It's been a hard, but short winter break. The first two days were fine, but the remaining time was spent caring for a bedbound family member. It's exhausting for an 8-person tagteam--not sure how she's going to handle this alone. Some sketches from the trip
January 5, 2026 at 2:54 AM
Happy New Year! It's been a hard, but short winter break. The first two days were fine, but the remaining time was spent caring for a bedbound family member. It's exhausting for an 8-person tagteam--not sure how she's going to handle this alone. Some sketches from the trip
Happy Day 25th of #inkvent2025
Myrrh the Merrier. This ink is heavily saturated and pinky sheen, has some nice chromo with enough water, and pretty blue chameleon. frustratingly, i couldn't capture the shimme, but it's pretty in person.
Image is pure catitude. He's had enough of 2025
Myrrh the Merrier. This ink is heavily saturated and pinky sheen, has some nice chromo with enough water, and pretty blue chameleon. frustratingly, i couldn't capture the shimme, but it's pretty in person.
Image is pure catitude. He's had enough of 2025
December 26, 2025 at 4:10 AM
Happy Day 25th of #inkvent2025
Myrrh the Merrier. This ink is heavily saturated and pinky sheen, has some nice chromo with enough water, and pretty blue chameleon. frustratingly, i couldn't capture the shimme, but it's pretty in person.
Image is pure catitude. He's had enough of 2025
Myrrh the Merrier. This ink is heavily saturated and pinky sheen, has some nice chromo with enough water, and pretty blue chameleon. frustratingly, i couldn't capture the shimme, but it's pretty in person.
Image is pure catitude. He's had enough of 2025
Day 24 of #inkvent2025 was "Antler", a pigment ink. I didn't like most of the pigment inks, but this one was a little easier to use. Tried Let it snow for sky(Ref: @artinpec - sandbanks Beach, Prince Edward County week 45 @drawdailytogether)
#fountainpenink #penandinksketch #diamineinkventcalendar
#fountainpenink #penandinksketch #diamineinkventcalendar
December 24, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Day 24 of #inkvent2025 was "Antler", a pigment ink. I didn't like most of the pigment inks, but this one was a little easier to use. Tried Let it snow for sky(Ref: @artinpec - sandbanks Beach, Prince Edward County week 45 @drawdailytogether)
#fountainpenink #penandinksketch #diamineinkventcalendar
#fountainpenink #penandinksketch #diamineinkventcalendar
Day 22 of #inkvent was "Pineapple spritz", a chameleon pigment ink. Forgot to post this a couple of days ago. I'm not a fan of this ink. I did some practice sketches but it was hard to move or dilute.
#fountainpenink #penandinksketch #diamineinkventcalendar
#fountainpenink #penandinksketch #diamineinkventcalendar
December 24, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Day 22 of #inkvent was "Pineapple spritz", a chameleon pigment ink. Forgot to post this a couple of days ago. I'm not a fan of this ink. I did some practice sketches but it was hard to move or dilute.
#fountainpenink #penandinksketch #diamineinkventcalendar
#fountainpenink #penandinksketch #diamineinkventcalendar
Day 23 of #inkvent was "Let it snow", a chameleon ink. That chameleon shimmer is pretty (see close-up). The ink is not something I would use daily--I don't normally use this color, but it would be good for sea or sky. Here are some otters wishing you a happy holiday season.
December 24, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Day 23 of #inkvent was "Let it snow", a chameleon ink. That chameleon shimmer is pretty (see close-up). The ink is not something I would use daily--I don't normally use this color, but it would be good for sea or sky. Here are some otters wishing you a happy holiday season.
#inkvent2025 Day 21 "Chaos", Extreme Sheen ink
I did a #sumosketch of Tobizaru having his hair styled by the tokoyama. (This was mid-styling so not sure if it was the ginkgo (Ōichō) or topknot (chonmage)).
I prefer the pencil sketch, but this ink has nice chromo & blends well with gouache
I did a #sumosketch of Tobizaru having his hair styled by the tokoyama. (This was mid-styling so not sure if it was the ginkgo (Ōichō) or topknot (chonmage)).
I prefer the pencil sketch, but this ink has nice chromo & blends well with gouache
December 22, 2025 at 2:44 AM
#inkvent2025 Day 21 "Chaos", Extreme Sheen ink
I did a #sumosketch of Tobizaru having his hair styled by the tokoyama. (This was mid-styling so not sure if it was the ginkgo (Ōichō) or topknot (chonmage)).
I prefer the pencil sketch, but this ink has nice chromo & blends well with gouache
I did a #sumosketch of Tobizaru having his hair styled by the tokoyama. (This was mid-styling so not sure if it was the ginkgo (Ōichō) or topknot (chonmage)).
I prefer the pencil sketch, but this ink has nice chromo & blends well with gouache
I don't think I hit post yesterday, so here are the sketches with #inkvent2024 Day 21 "Ambience"
It was a little bit like Pumpkin Glow, but more red and with a nice warm chromo. Once again I didn't capture the shimmer. i think it's more evident in large pools.
ref: semi-feral ornament hunter
It was a little bit like Pumpkin Glow, but more red and with a nice warm chromo. Once again I didn't capture the shimmer. i think it's more evident in large pools.
ref: semi-feral ornament hunter
December 21, 2025 at 7:23 PM
I don't think I hit post yesterday, so here are the sketches with #inkvent2024 Day 21 "Ambience"
It was a little bit like Pumpkin Glow, but more red and with a nice warm chromo. Once again I didn't capture the shimmer. i think it's more evident in large pools.
ref: semi-feral ornament hunter
It was a little bit like Pumpkin Glow, but more red and with a nice warm chromo. Once again I didn't capture the shimmer. i think it's more evident in large pools.
ref: semi-feral ornament hunter
#inkvent2025 Overcast, standard, but a multi-shader. I thought it was similar to Dominant Industry's Soleil du Couchant, but on comparison, Overcast is more blue. I mixed it with gouache and I like how it blends.
ref: Week 45 @drawdailytogether @smidovalucia - Flower chaffer beetle model
ref: Week 45 @drawdailytogether @smidovalucia - Flower chaffer beetle model
December 20, 2025 at 2:19 AM
#inkvent2025 Overcast, standard, but a multi-shader. I thought it was similar to Dominant Industry's Soleil du Couchant, but on comparison, Overcast is more blue. I mixed it with gouache and I like how it blends.
ref: Week 45 @drawdailytogether @smidovalucia - Flower chaffer beetle model
ref: Week 45 @drawdailytogether @smidovalucia - Flower chaffer beetle model
#inkvent2025 Day 18 , Extreme Sheen
Inspired by the third ghost (Christmas Future)
The ink was heavily saturated, but dilution brought out a bit of the chromo. I think it would have worked better on watercolor paper. i just don't have the time today.
#fountainpenink #diamineinkvent
Inspired by the third ghost (Christmas Future)
The ink was heavily saturated, but dilution brought out a bit of the chromo. I think it would have worked better on watercolor paper. i just don't have the time today.
#fountainpenink #diamineinkvent
December 19, 2025 at 3:57 AM
#inkvent2025 Day 18 , Extreme Sheen
Inspired by the third ghost (Christmas Future)
The ink was heavily saturated, but dilution brought out a bit of the chromo. I think it would have worked better on watercolor paper. i just don't have the time today.
#fountainpenink #diamineinkvent
Inspired by the third ghost (Christmas Future)
The ink was heavily saturated, but dilution brought out a bit of the chromo. I think it would have worked better on watercolor paper. i just don't have the time today.
#fountainpenink #diamineinkvent
#inkvent2025 Day 17 Gala, Standard
Here's a quick sketch of one of our walks. I got a bit lazy with the trees, but the sorghum field is really there.
This ink shades a bit, but there is little or no chromatography. It's not my favorite, but it's not terrible.
#fountainpenink #penandinksketch
Here's a quick sketch of one of our walks. I got a bit lazy with the trees, but the sorghum field is really there.
This ink shades a bit, but there is little or no chromatography. It's not my favorite, but it's not terrible.
#fountainpenink #penandinksketch
December 18, 2025 at 5:10 AM
#inkvent2025 Day 17 Gala, Standard
Here's a quick sketch of one of our walks. I got a bit lazy with the trees, but the sorghum field is really there.
This ink shades a bit, but there is little or no chromatography. It's not my favorite, but it's not terrible.
#fountainpenink #penandinksketch
Here's a quick sketch of one of our walks. I got a bit lazy with the trees, but the sorghum field is really there.
This ink shades a bit, but there is little or no chromatography. It's not my favorite, but it's not terrible.
#fountainpenink #penandinksketch
#inkvent2025 day 16 Ruby Taffeta, chameleon.
This ink I like. The amount of shimmer was just right, but it seemed heavier because it would quickly settle as soon as I stopped shaking the bottle. Bleach changed the color from red to pink, so I opted to just focus on layering effects.
This ink I like. The amount of shimmer was just right, but it seemed heavier because it would quickly settle as soon as I stopped shaking the bottle. Bleach changed the color from red to pink, so I opted to just focus on layering effects.
December 17, 2025 at 1:35 AM
#inkvent2025 day 16 Ruby Taffeta, chameleon.
This ink I like. The amount of shimmer was just right, but it seemed heavier because it would quickly settle as soon as I stopped shaking the bottle. Bleach changed the color from red to pink, so I opted to just focus on layering effects.
This ink I like. The amount of shimmer was just right, but it seemed heavier because it would quickly settle as soon as I stopped shaking the bottle. Bleach changed the color from red to pink, so I opted to just focus on layering effects.
#inkvent2025 Day 15 Frostbite was ...fine. the shimmer was a little hard to see, the saturation was significant, and I guess teal is expected but...
It's also possible that the coming holiday season is just wearing on me. All I can muster is a cartoon for today
It's also possible that the coming holiday season is just wearing on me. All I can muster is a cartoon for today
December 16, 2025 at 3:54 AM
#inkvent2025 Day 15 Frostbite was ...fine. the shimmer was a little hard to see, the saturation was significant, and I guess teal is expected but...
It's also possible that the coming holiday season is just wearing on me. All I can muster is a cartoon for today
It's also possible that the coming holiday season is just wearing on me. All I can muster is a cartoon for today
attempt 2: day14 (Mittens) of #Inkvent2025. i just don't know how to use pigment inks other than black. I struggled with the inspiration and finally decided on a watercolor painting with the ink as supplement. I used Kuretake granulating paints and then added Mittens for the beak.
December 15, 2025 at 2:27 AM
attempt 2: day14 (Mittens) of #Inkvent2025. i just don't know how to use pigment inks other than black. I struggled with the inspiration and finally decided on a watercolor painting with the ink as supplement. I used Kuretake granulating paints and then added Mittens for the beak.
#inkvent2025 Day 13 was Molten Basalt. i did this twice because it was so beautiful. it was a little like Sabimidori, but warmer on watercolor paper
1. image 1 week 44 of @drawdailytogether, @thatpainting.girl - Vienna, Austria;paper: Ro-biko
2. Boothbay Harbor, ME; paper: Fabriano Artistico
1. image 1 week 44 of @drawdailytogether, @thatpainting.girl - Vienna, Austria;paper: Ro-biko
2. Boothbay Harbor, ME; paper: Fabriano Artistico
December 15, 2025 at 12:08 AM
#inkvent2025 Day 13 was Molten Basalt. i did this twice because it was so beautiful. it was a little like Sabimidori, but warmer on watercolor paper
1. image 1 week 44 of @drawdailytogether, @thatpainting.girl - Vienna, Austria;paper: Ro-biko
2. Boothbay Harbor, ME; paper: Fabriano Artistico
1. image 1 week 44 of @drawdailytogether, @thatpainting.girl - Vienna, Austria;paper: Ro-biko
2. Boothbay Harbor, ME; paper: Fabriano Artistico
#inkvent2025 Day 12 Bubbly (shimmer)
The base color was pretty, but the shimmer was the star. There was enough shimmer to easily photograph. It took a little more effort to clean it, but not as bad as the pigment inks. Reaction to bleach was nice--I got the desired effect of pale blue for the sky.
The base color was pretty, but the shimmer was the star. There was enough shimmer to easily photograph. It took a little more effort to clean it, but not as bad as the pigment inks. Reaction to bleach was nice--I got the desired effect of pale blue for the sky.
December 14, 2025 at 3:02 PM
#inkvent2025 Day 12 Bubbly (shimmer)
The base color was pretty, but the shimmer was the star. There was enough shimmer to easily photograph. It took a little more effort to clean it, but not as bad as the pigment inks. Reaction to bleach was nice--I got the desired effect of pale blue for the sky.
The base color was pretty, but the shimmer was the star. There was enough shimmer to easily photograph. It took a little more effort to clean it, but not as bad as the pigment inks. Reaction to bleach was nice--I got the desired effect of pale blue for the sky.
#Inkvent2025 Day 11 Brrr!/Pigment shimmer, glass nib
I don't think i like these pigment inks as i normally use them, but they are very resistant to bleach and water once dry, so for lining they'd be a nice change .
sketch of faceplanted cat snoozing
#penandinksketch #fountainpenink
I don't think i like these pigment inks as i normally use them, but they are very resistant to bleach and water once dry, so for lining they'd be a nice change .
sketch of faceplanted cat snoozing
#penandinksketch #fountainpenink
December 12, 2025 at 3:47 AM
#Inkvent2025 Day 11 Brrr!/Pigment shimmer, glass nib
I don't think i like these pigment inks as i normally use them, but they are very resistant to bleach and water once dry, so for lining they'd be a nice change .
sketch of faceplanted cat snoozing
#penandinksketch #fountainpenink
I don't think i like these pigment inks as i normally use them, but they are very resistant to bleach and water once dry, so for lining they'd be a nice change .
sketch of faceplanted cat snoozing
#penandinksketch #fountainpenink
#Inkvent2025 Day 9 Nostalgia/Chameleon with Hunt drawing nib. This was one of the trolls at the Coastal Maine Botanic Garden from our summer mini trip.
I wasn't able to capture the chameleon shimmer, though I tried 3 sources of light. I don't prefer shimmer, but this one is nice.
#penandinksketch
I wasn't able to capture the chameleon shimmer, though I tried 3 sources of light. I don't prefer shimmer, but this one is nice.
#penandinksketch
December 12, 2025 at 3:26 AM
#Inkvent2025 Day 9 Nostalgia/Chameleon with Hunt drawing nib. This was one of the trolls at the Coastal Maine Botanic Garden from our summer mini trip.
I wasn't able to capture the chameleon shimmer, though I tried 3 sources of light. I don't prefer shimmer, but this one is nice.
#penandinksketch
I wasn't able to capture the chameleon shimmer, though I tried 3 sources of light. I don't prefer shimmer, but this one is nice.
#penandinksketch
#diamineinkvent #inkvent2025 days 6-9
d6 Fir and Fog/Chameleon--Nice ink, bad sketch
d7 Blush/std--meh, bled to next page
d8 Dream Catcher/Extreme sheen--Sheen is dramatic in this contour sketch. i was afraid to test chromo and ruin the effect)
d9 Bittersweet/std --OK chromo/bleach
d6 Fir and Fog/Chameleon--Nice ink, bad sketch
d7 Blush/std--meh, bled to next page
d8 Dream Catcher/Extreme sheen--Sheen is dramatic in this contour sketch. i was afraid to test chromo and ruin the effect)
d9 Bittersweet/std --OK chromo/bleach
December 12, 2025 at 3:17 AM
#diamineinkvent #inkvent2025 days 6-9
d6 Fir and Fog/Chameleon--Nice ink, bad sketch
d7 Blush/std--meh, bled to next page
d8 Dream Catcher/Extreme sheen--Sheen is dramatic in this contour sketch. i was afraid to test chromo and ruin the effect)
d9 Bittersweet/std --OK chromo/bleach
d6 Fir and Fog/Chameleon--Nice ink, bad sketch
d7 Blush/std--meh, bled to next page
d8 Dream Catcher/Extreme sheen--Sheen is dramatic in this contour sketch. i was afraid to test chromo and ruin the effect)
d9 Bittersweet/std --OK chromo/bleach