Artist Showcase

Andy Hopp
Andy Hopp is a professional illustrator who uses the Pigma Micron 005 exclusively for all his work. See his art at www.andyhopp.com.

For more information and to view more of Andy's work
< < click on the image.

Barbara Summers

"Since discovering the Gelly Roll Pen, I'm able to include amazing color to my stippling and scratchboard drawings. I have been using Sakura products for years, like the Micron pens .005 for outstanding stippling and also the watercolors for gouache paintings. The technique I used in the "Forever" drawing is stippling with the Gelly Roll pen. Thousands, upon millions of tiny dots to form colors, shapes, and finally an image. Acrylic wash was used for the background.

Acrylic wash is like watercolor, except with acrylic, the color stays in place once dry and when adding more color. I used the same stippling technique for "Gilda" except it was with the Micron .005 instead of Gelly Roll."

"I love that I can now show what I feel in beautiful color. For those who love bright, rich colors and high contrast, you will like my art. Enjoy!"

For more information and to view more of Barbara's work
< < click on the image.

Bemin Jackson
I use different micron pigma pens but I have to say that 005 are by far my favorites. I get to do the details I just can't get with any other pens, it's precise and clean. I've worked at places were they don't provide micron pigma pens, so I end up buying them myself. My work is not going to suffer just because they don't know any better.

For more information and to view more of Bemin Jackson's work
< < click on the image.

Bill Haney

When I first started, I tried all kinds of pens and found that Sakura Microns worked the best for me. They were the smoothest, easiest to use, and they were easily available in different point sizes and colors. When they dry out, I keep them to use as a dry brush!

For more information and to view more of Bill Haney's work
< < click on the image.
Brian Buck

In order to get the level of quality and detail in my pointillisms that I want, I require the smallest dots of ink. I've tried expensive reusable pens from several companies, but either the ink dried up in the tip or they were too fragile and had to be replaced. Most were just a mess to deal with and could not be taken far from the studio. With Sakura's Pigma Micron .005 I get the smallest dots possible, without having to worry about any mess, hassle, or having them break down. They are so bomb-proof I can take them anywhere and work where ever I want. Nothing I've tried has yet surpassed the value, reliability and quality of Sakura's products. They have helped me win awards and commissions, and will for some time to come. I wouldn't use anything else!

For more information and to view more of Brian Buck's work
< < click on the image.
Carol Heady

I use Micron Pigma Pens by Sakura exclusively in my drawings. I find them fast, easy and convenient to draw the lines that make up a drawing. Permanence and clarity are my way to experience the "Power to Express" when I am in the wilderness with my pack mules or in my Studio C. drawing flowers. .

For more information and to view more of Carol's work
< < click on the image.
Carol Whitley
As an artist, I am always looking for a good sketching pencil so I wanted to give the SumoGripTM pencils a try. I use the SumoGrip pencil in my sketching and drawing and really enjoy the feel of it as well as the nice eraser.

For more information and to view more of Carol's work
< < click on the image.

Chuck Trunks
Since I was a kid, I've always had the ability to draw straight lines and fairly perfect circles without the aid of rulers or templates. I can remember grade school art teachers looking at my work and back at me like I was from another planet. They told me I was either going to be an artist or a brain surgeon. The question usually is, "How do I create my originals?" Remember that steady hand? Well, it's not as good with paint brushes so I use the 005 and 01 Pigma Micron pens to do all of the outline work as well as the busy mosaic backgrounds found in my compositions. Yes, it's great to have the fluidity of a paint brush but I love the fact that I can use Sakura pens to maximize my need for excruciating detail and exactness! Just recently, I started using the Gellyroll pens to add color and mood to my art work. I love the Gellyroll pens because they offer a wide variety of the colors I like to use but best of all - the inks in these pens dry with superior uniformity.

For more information and to view more of Chuck's work
< < click on the image.

Craig A. Anderson
Permapaque markers are my personal favorite. I use these alot, and like how they have the punch of normal permanent markers, yet allow over painting with out bleeding through. I use layering quite a bit, so this is helpful. And they don't stink! Kudos!

For more information and to view more of Craig Anderson's work
< < click on the image.

Dan Price
Dan Price, aka hoboartist, has been using Pigma Micron pens for 17 years. During those years Price has been publishing his illustrated travel journal Moonlight Chronicles. "When I was learning to draw I went through a lot of pens and the microns were the only ones that would hold up to my rough usage. It's also important that they are archival and permanent so my originals will last a long, long time. I began to keep a journal after having kids. Every day seemed too wonderful not to document. And even now after they have left home I continue to draw and write about anything and everything. I call it finding the magic in the mundane. Drawing has been a special companion and never ceases to make me happy in a sometimes difficult world." See Dan's site for all his publications www.moonlight-chronicles.com

For more information and to view more of Dan Price
< < click on the image.

Deanna Moore
"For my artwork I need pens with good color saturation that flow well and evenly without clumping up or "missing." Since I go through quite a few pens every month, I've tried lots of different brands. Through trial and error I've become pretty choosy about which brands I use. Gelly Roll pens work quite well for my needs, have a nice smooth fee l & are a joy to work with." deanna moore - Graphic Designer.

For more information and to view more of Deanna's work
< < click on the image.

Diana Gessler
Artist Diana Gessler captures the color and character of America's most populous state. She uses Pigma pens exclusively for all her pen and ink sketches for archival quality and with watercolors because Pigma inks are waterproof. Click to see more Pigma sketching tips!

For more information and to view more of Diana Gessler
< < click on the image.

Diane Nicolaci
A self-taught artist from Ohio, Diane Nicolaci has always loved drawing, especially fine line drawing with pens & pencils. She currently works designing ads/art on a computer but creating art by hand is her passion. About a year ago she discovered Tagua Nut Art, of which there's a long history. Diane uses Pigma Micron 01 and Pigma Brush pens because, as she says, "it allows me to draw everything from light/dark lines & shadows to the tiniest details in the eyes with its fine point and flowing ink. I use Sakura Brush Pens for color. I always keep several new Micron 01 pens on hand at all times." Click on the link below to see more of this intriguing and original art.
For more information and to view more of Diane's work
< < click on the image.
Don Pedicini Jr.
I have been using Sakura Micron Pens for over 10 years exclusively. I have used Rapidiograph pens before that, but had constant problems with the flow of ink from excessive ink flow to none at all. A fellow artist told me about Microns at a comic convention and when I got back home I purchased several pens. I have not purchased anything else since. They are great to use since they are extremely waterproof and hold up to Copic markers and watercolors being used directly over them. They are very consistent in having a very high standard of usage. I am a freelance illustrator whose clients include Topps Trading Cards Strictly Ink, and Upper Deck. I am also a Lucasfilm Approved Sketch Card Artist and Microns were used for the creation of many of my sketch cards for such licenses as Lord of the Rings Masterpieces 2 set, Indiana Jones Heritage set, Marvel Masterpieces Set from Upper Deck and from Strictly Ink the CSI NY and Miami sketch card sets.

For more information and to view more of artwork
< < click on the image.

Elissavet Vinston
'Elissavet Vinston studied Art at Chestnut Hill College, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and Windham College where she graduated in Studio Art - Cum Laude. At Windham, she studied under Peter Forakis and David Rhoan. The past two years she has been experimenting with Gel Pens and has gotten very good results with hundreds of Gel pen pieces in her collection. She has her personal website at: http://www.pixagogo.com/3126355104 Her MSN group which is primarily for gels http://groups.msn.com/TheBackstageARTIST

For more information and to view more of Elissavet Vinston's work
< < click on the image.

Frank Balaam
My first choice in oil pastels is Cray-Pas. I enjoy their brilliance, texture and the variety of colors available. Cray-Pas oil pastels are very high quality at a very affordable price. I travel a great deal and often my portraits are spontaneous. Consequently, I continuously appreciate the flexibility of Cray-Pas and their availability anywhere from the corner shop to the finest art suppliers.

For more information and to view more of Frank Balaam's work
< < click on the image.

Fran Saperstein
As a mixed-media artist and painter, sometimes I need to do some detail work to make my art “pop”. Sakura’s Gelly Roll pens never disappoint. They are consistent in how they work and they allow me the freedom to choose any color combination for my artwork! The opacity and texture of the Soufflé and Glaze pens add dimension to my canvas projects without having to pull out the heavy and slow-drying acrylic mediums. And for highlighting detail, nothing beats Pigma Micron Pens!

To see more of Fran's work, visit her online gallery at: http://www.artsyfran.com

Given Campbell
The coverage and quality I get from using Micron Pigma pens is extraordinary, I never have to keep going over the same design more than once to get the perfect saturation. I love these pens, and after 8 years I still feel the same way.

For more information and to view more of Given's work
< < click on the image.

Greg Hanlon
New York born Greg Hanlon worked his way through college doing various part time work including auto lot assistant, auto parts sales, data input, pizza chef and newspaper sports reporter. Greg went back to school to study computerized automotive technology. With this degree, he worked as an auto technician, technical writer and software trainer until 2000.

Looking to fuel his passion for drawing, Greg took his first drawing class at an Encinitas community cultural center in 2001and hasn't stopped drawing since.

Greg uses various Micron point sizes from 005 to 05 and has started using Micron Brush. He does most of the drawing with 005s for fine details in wood grain on the woodies and delicate shadows in headlights, chrome, etc. "I love the precision and quality of the Micron pens over anything else I've tried. They are the best!" For more information and to view more of Greg's work
< < click on the image.
James Culleton
I've been using your pens for a few years now, and they are the best tool for the drawings I do. I do blind contour drawings, drawing without looking at the paper, and I've tried lots of pens, but I find the Gelly Rolls are the most fluid, and quick-drying pen I've ever used. The tip is sturdy and I especially like to see when I'm out of ink, and the clear pen cases are perfect for that. I just wanted to say thank-you for an excellent tool!

For more information and to view more of James Culleton's work
< < click on the image.

James G. Mundie
Since 1998, Philadelphia artist James Mundie has been working on a series of portrait drawings called "Prodigies". The subjects of his drawings are those that would have once been called "freaks", performers from the bygone days of the circus or carnival sideshow. As one reviewer wrote, "By inserting his subjects into historical contexts, Mundie tests his audience's tolerance for aberration. His beautiful renderings of bizarre figures transform them from sideshow performers into empathetic characters."

The drawings in the series are small, intimate depictions that force the viewer to get up close to appreciate them. Many have remarked that the lush textures of stippling and crosshatching evoke rich aquatint etching or lithography. Mundie's exclusive drawing implement for this series has been Sakura's Pigma Micron pens for their "crisp, delicate line. . . I've tried many other brands, but Pigma Micron is unmatched."

For more information and to view more of Jame's work
< < click on the image.

Jerry DeCaire
Largely a comic book artist by trade, Jerry DeCaire's website also features his fine-art, portraits, caricatures and scientific illustrations. Some of the Marvel titles Mr. DeCaire has drawn for include X-Men, Wolverine, Conan the Barbarian, The Mighty Thore, Iron Man, Hawkeye, and the resurrected Green Hornet comic series. Currently, Mr. DeCaire is illustrating books for Moonstone Publishers for White-Wolf Game Products. He is also finishing up another of The Cisco Kid series for Moonstone. Soon, he will be delving into The Phantom, the popular Sunday morning comic-strip.

For more information and to view more of Jerry DeCaire's work
< < click on the image.

Joe Edwards
I prefer the Micron pens because they give a consistent dense line, are inexpensive, and they provide consistent very fine lines and stipple detail I have drawings that are over fifteen years old that look as good today as they did when I finished them.

For more information and to view more of Joe's work
< < click on the image.

Joe Kowalczyk
"I do landscape/forest illustrations entirely out of micron pens. I love these pens and use them for the size variation, archival quality, and darkness. I even find that the old faded microns are just as useful to get subtle, very soft grey tones. In other words, they're useful unless they're totally worn! Please feel welcome to have a look at my website (www.joko.us) and look under "Landscape Illustrations." There you'll find a good handful of images made with Microns. If you have problems viewing the images for any reason I'll be happy to email some samples directly."

For more information and to view more of Joe's work
< < click on the image.

Katie Sehr
I record small rhythmic movements on paper. The time invested results in an animated landscape. In the private act of drawing one gesture leads to another. Choreography uses the mind, the body and the grid. Writing uses the mind, the hand and the grid.

I have used Sakura Pens for the last three years. I use them for their unique properties and the fact that they are archival. I have used the classic metallic Gelly Roll pens, Gelly Roll Stardusts, Gelly Roll Moonlights and Microns. I enjoy the quality of ink and the endless varieties available.

For more information and to view more artwork
< < click on the image.

Kevin Smith
I really enjoy working with Micron pens because of the consistency of their ink flow. "Mountain Man" truly shows how intricate one can draw with the Microns. It was done entirely with Micron .005. It took 75 hours to draw on 8.5 X 11. There are over 100 different species of animals, plants and insects in the picture.

For more information and to view more of Kevin's work
< < click on the image.

Kim Hughes
I have designed numerous fonts for Creating Keepsakes and I use a Sakura (03) Micron pen every time. I draw each character by hand and submit each font for consideration. I have tried many black writer pens but have found that the Sakura Micron pen writes more smooth and consistent than the others. Sometimes I color in the letters to make them bold and these pens are perfect for blending. For me, there is no better black writer pen than the Sakura Pigma Micron.

For more information and to view more of Kim's work
< < click on the image.

Louise Pryor

Louise (Lu) Pryor was born in Sheffield, England, and lived in Uganda, Kenya, Mauritious, London, and New Jersey before moving to Northern California. After being a full time mom for 10 years, she went back to school to study art and psychology, earning degrees' in Applied Art and Design, and Multi Media Design. She uses the Permapaque opaque archival quality markers, which are an amazing tool to achieve the bold, colorful effect she wants in her portraits. Although she has tried many different kinds of pens, these are the only ones she has found that are truly opaque, with the lighter colors able to draw over the darker. The animal portraits are painted in acrylic paint, using Permapaque pens for the detailed areas. The people portraits are done primarily using the Permapaque pens, with acrylic used to cover large areas of shadow.

For more information and to view more of Louise's work
< < click on the image.

Maelynn Cheung
I'm a "no-rules" scrapbooker with a passion for penwork. My favorite pens - ones I wholeheartedly endorse in my classes - are the Pigma Micron pen (in .05 and .08) and the Soufflés. The Pigma Micron is a must for that perfectly smooth, pure black line. Souffles give that gorgeous, completely opaque line of color over even the darkest of patterned and solid papers. I can't remember the last time I created a page or project without using something from Sakura.

For more information and to view more of Maelynn Cheung's work
< < click on the image.

Maria Thomas
Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts believe that life is an art form, and that Zentangle is a perfect metaphor for deliberate artistry in life. Their talents combined together to create Zentangle, an easy to learn method of pattern drawing. Creating and manipulating repetitive patterns has been a human tradition throughout all times and cultures. Zentangle is a method to lose yourself in the process of creating patterns unencumbered by concerns of final outcomes. It is entrancing to experience beautiful deep black ink flow from your Pigma onto this paper. The Zentangle kit contains Italian mould-made archival print paper die-cut into 3.5 inch “tiles.” Pencils, an instructional DVD, an instructional booklet and Sakura’s Pigma 01 Micron are included. Zentangle is about the ceremony of putting pen to paper. Excellent tools, help both for ease of function and out of respect for yourself and for your art. If you’re going to do anything, then use the best materials you can afford. Maria Thomas is a renowned lettering artist and entrepreneur. Her award winning invitation and stationery designs have established new traditions in her field. Maria has been a working artist for over 40 years. Maria started Pendragon Ink, Ltd., a stationery design company in 1978. Rick Roberts continues to enjoys many interests including printer, flute designer and maker, recording artist (that’s Rick playing flute on Zentangle’s DVD), photographer, writer, corporate sales and marketing, and for many years, monk.

For more information and to view more of artwork
< < click on the image.

Mark Reep
"I use black Sakura Pigma Micron .005 drawing pens to stipple most black-inked passages, beginning with the lightest edges, working into the darker values. They are the most precise, reliable and valuable inking tools I've used, and I recommend them to any artist working in ink."

"Although the finished image will be relatively small, I begin with the biggest sheets that will fit comfortably on my drawing table, so that the drawing will have room to grow in any direction it wants. Most of the drawings quickly take on a life of their own, and surprise me- Some many times. This is a good thing. For me, the joy of the work lies in the process of continuing exploration and discovery- And hopefully, something of this remains for the viewer to share as well." - Mark Reep, 2002

To see more of Mark's work, visit his online gallery at: http://markreep.net
Questions and comments are welcome. Email Mark at: info@markreep.net.

Melissa Schatzmann
I have been using Sakura Pigma Micron pens to create my pen and ink drawings for a number of years. They have several qualities that I, as an artist, appreciate. They don't need to be refilled and they are long lasting. I love that they don't blotch and they do produce a very dark mark; plus, the ink doesn't fade and it is waterproof!

For more information and to view more of Melissa's work
< < click on the image.

R.D. Atkins
Out of the wilds of Wyoming comes R.D. Atkins' beautiful landscapes and animal pictures created with Gelly Roll Metallic pens. Definitely check these out.

For more information and to view more of R.D. Atkin's work
< < click on the image.

Robert Bisbo
I started using Cray-Pas oil pastels in the early 60's. Being a self-taught artist, they seemed to be the best medium for me to experiment with, giving me real freedom to create!

For more information and to view more of Roberts work
< < click on the image.

Sharon Silver
I have been an incessant doodler for years, drawing elaborate words and designs on any blank surface that crossed my path. I've found the metallic pens on black and metallic papers to have a tranquilizing effect on me....almost a meditative experience...as I watch the light ink flow onto the dark surface and observe the emerging images. "Ice cream smooth" is no exaggeration when describing Gelly Rolls.

For more information and to view more of Sharon's work
< < click on the image.

Shawn Paul Martin
See Shawn Paul Martin's detailed pen and ink drawings done with Pigma Micron. Shawn is able to capture the rugged detail and character of Newfoundland where he lives. Shawn has illustrated numerous books, including "What's New?" for the Newfoundland and labrador Federation of Argiculture, "Tales told by teachers" a compilation of stories from the Retired Teachers of Newfoundland and Labrador, and others.

For more information and to view more of Shawn's work
< < click on the image.

Tom Lohre
For the last twenty years Tom has been trying to develop an art making robot that would see something and then paint it. The problems were many but when Lego came out with it's RoboLab software, he succeeded. The robot is a simple x,y table using novel screw treads to position the pigmented wax crayon. The math on such formulas to position the pigmented wax crayon according to the image's x,y coordinates systems is doable even if the accuracy is not all that great. Tom mixes his own colors by melting down the Cray-pas Expressionist oil pastels and making his own color sticks. The paintings are made by melting the color sticks on the surface of the canvas. Baby Bear, made with the assistance of a Lego Robot ©2007

For more information and to view more of Tom’s work
< < click on the image.

Traci Bautista
“Glaze and Soufflé pens are my favorite tools for doodling over my mixed media paintings and journal pages, they create vibrant lines and fun accents to my artwork. To add a touch of sparkle to my paintings, my choice is the Quickie Glue with ultra fine glitter.” Traci Bautista, Mixed Media Artist and Author of Collage Unleashed.

For more information and to view more of Traci Bautista's work
< < click on the image.

Violet Clark
I'm a creative spirit who facilitates Visual Journaling classes as well as illustration which appear in several “art magazine” and books. My favourite Micron pens are 05 and 08. I love them because of their continuous fluid line.....no feathering or bleeding. Also the ink is permanent and allows me to go over the lines with my watercolours. I rarely go anywhere without my micron pens.......they are like gold to me!

For more information and to view more of Violet Clark's work
< < click on the image.

Wolf Noble
From the expensive, drafting pens, I moved to try Sakura's Micron line of pens. I was amazed. the ink flowed consistently, with the entire range of sizes. And I could take the pens with me, wherever I wanted to go without worrying about getting ink everywhere.

For more information and to view more of Wolf's work
< < click on the image.

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