Have just treated myself to and tested four new(ish) Noodler’s inks: Aristocracy, Bluewaves, Brexit and Squeteague. I have to say, in light of all the nonsense going on here in the UK politically – and the long term consequences it’s going to have both here and abroad – the ink couldn’t be less exciting, if it tried!!!! Blue Waves likewise. What a shame.

Squeteague, on the other hand, is lovely, just look at that colour and such a subtle reaction to the bleach – I will be conducting further experiments with it. BUT the outright player in the pack is Aristocracy. There are apparently 3 versions available. I think my one is the darker plum version and just look at it! A gorgeous brown plum colour washing out purple greys with pink and the bleach gives neon gold and pink! The test art, ‘Chicken and Tomatoes’ gives you an idea of what this ink can do! I can feel some hand lettering just itching to be created. It’s already on my hit list and a great find so early in the year. Check it out!

All tests on Bockingford 200lb watercolour paper using a Desiderata Daedalus and a Noodler’s Ahab.

Just for the record – I do this for myself, I receive no remuneration what-so-ever and I tell it exactly how I see it.