Quick Review Of Robert Oster's Summer Storm

[cellardoor04]

I recently got in an order of Robert Oster inks and decided to try out the new Summer Storm. I don't know much about it other than it was given to some Australian FP users as an "Unnamed Blue-Grey" for them to come up with a name. "Summer Storm" definitely evokes images of stormy rain clouds, but whether they appear only in Summer, I'm not sure

 

Here is a quick writing sample using a Pelikan M800 B on white Tomoe River:

 

http://imgur.com/TIbxco3.jpg

 

Here on Maruman Report Pad paper and on Rhodia Dotgrid paper:

 

http://imgur.com/wTk6Cg5.jpg

 

The shading is good, and the ink is quite light and reminiscent of Iro Fuyu-Syogun. Lubrication is not the greatest, it feathers some on Maruman and Rhodia, but has nice shading. I like the look of it most on Tomoe River compared to the other 2 papers. It goes down leaning more towards blue, but as it dries a tinge of lilac comes out.

 

Overall, I feel this is a nice ink, but not a must have. I'm a much bigger fan of some of the other inks from this line. As for blue-greys, I prefer other inks to this as well.

 

This is my first review, apologies if it is lacking

[Cyber6]

For writing is not my kind of hue... but for sketching.. is WONDERFUL !!!!...

 

Here is my artist-in-residence sketch with Summer Storm.. she personally thinks this is his best ink.... (LOL.. kids... you know... )

 

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1182242928462658&set=p.1182242928462658&type=3&theater

 

 

[Cyber6]

I almost forgot.... .GREAT REVIEW NYX !!!

[cellardoor04]

For writing is not my kind of hue... but for sketching.. is WONDERFUL !!!!...

 

Here is my artist-in-residence sketch with Summer Storm.. she personally thinks this is his best ink.... (LOL.. kids... you know... )

 

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1182242928462658&set=p.1182242928462658&type=3&theater

 

 

 

Oh, so your daughter is the artist Rob posted on his Instagram! Her art is wonderful and she really shows off the ink well! I must agree with her, this makes a great sketching/drawing ink (of course it helps that her drawing is amazing..). But as you said, not so much for writing. Thank you for your kind words too

Edited August 2, 2016 by nyx_h

[Cyber6]

You know.. this ink (Summer Storm) and Viola... remind me of the latest Kobe Inks.... #56 and #57... They are all the rage in Asia. They do like those soft unsaturated colors.

 

 

http://i0.wp.com/www.calligraphynut.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_4695-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C605

Edited August 2, 2016 by Cyber6

[mmg122]

Far too bland and flat for my tastes. Your AIR (artist in residence) is correct...great for drawing! She is very talented.

[lapis]

Nice review, nice ink. Reminds me of Old Man Winter, well, at least it's in the same ball park.

 

Mike

[migo984]

Thanks for your review. I didn't like this one very much when I tried it.

 

However, if you like interesting grey inks Oster Purple Rock is a fabulous colour. It's just like Welsh slate roof tiles when they are wetted by rain. The very subtle mauve tones of the dark grey are just gorgeous.

[cellardoor04]

Thanks for your review. I didn't like this one very much when I tried it.

 

However, if you like interesting grey inks Oster Purple Rock is a fabulous colour. It's just like Welsh slate roof tiles when they are wetted by rain. The very subtle mauve tones of the dark grey are just gorgeous.

 

I have a sample of Purple Rock that I put off in favour for Summer Storm. After reading your description, looks like I'll be inking another pen tonight!

[migo984]

I have a sample of Purple Rock that I put off in favour for Summer Storm. After reading your description, looks like I'll be inking another pen tonight!

 

Let us know what you think when you get a chance to try it. I've had it in a pen constantly since I got it........

Edited August 2, 2016 by migo984

[visvamitra]

Looks rather flat...I believe I wouldn't enjoy it.

[inkstainedruth]

This ink reminds me of the Monteverde "custom color" ink that was swag from DCSS a couple of years ago. Hmmm. Maybe I should try drawing with it.... As for Summer Storm, I think I'll pass on the ink.

Thanks for the review, though.

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

[ENewton]

It's a bit dim for my old eyes. Someone on another thread thought it might be similar to Kyo-iro Soft Snow of Ohara, and its true that the hue is similar, but Soft Snow is much more saturated.

 

I agree with others that sketching might be the best application for Summer Storm. As for writing, I look forward to trying Purple Rock.

[Cyber6]

It's a bit dim for my old eyes. Someone on another thread thought it might be similar to Kyo-iro Soft Snow of Ohara, and its true that the hue is similar, but Soft Snow is much more saturated.

 

I agree with others that sketching might be the best application for Summer Storm. As for writing, I look forward to trying Purple Rock.

 

As usual.. pen(nib) makes a HUGE difference... here is on my well known wet broad... I don't have Snow of Ohara, but on my screen they look with the same level of saturation.

 

[visvamitra]

I believe Soft Snow of Ohara leans more toward pueple. Also it has great flow - I've filled Pilot CH 92 with it and while I'm still not crazy about the color I enjoy writing with it.

[cellardoor04]

 

As usual.. pen(nib) makes a HUGE difference... here is on my well known wet broad... I don't have Snow of Ohara, but on my screen they look with the same level of saturation.

 

If I had seen this before I bought this ink, I probably would have still bought it. I love the depth and colour of it out of this nib! Too bad I don't have any nib like that

[Cyber6]

Too bad I don't have any nib like that

 

That's part of the fun... hunting a specific kind of nib...

 

 

Most vintage flex nib will give you that kind of line variation (even more if you go for a fine flex) and will dump ink on the paper.

Hunt for the nib, not the pen... you could get yourself an amazing ugly duckling with a fantastic nib

 

 

 

C.

[cellardoor04]

However, if you like interesting grey inks Oster Purple Rock is a fabulous colour. It's just like Welsh slate roof tiles when they are wetted by rain. The very subtle mauve tones of the dark grey are just gorgeous.

 

Just inked up a 580al 1.1 with this. It was a mistake, because now I am regretting not adding this to my order, instead of Summer Storm.

[migo984]

Just inked up a 580al 1.1 with this. It was a mistake, because now I am regretting not adding this to my order, instead of Summer Storm.

 

It's a lovely colour, isn't it? I love the subtly of it - nuanced without murkiness. The depth of colour & shading looks great in any nib.

[cellardoor04]

It's a lovely colour, isn't it? I love the subtly of it - nuanced without murkiness. The depth of colour & shading looks great in any nib.

 

Agreed. It has a nice complexity to it, dark enough to be professional yet has some interesting shading and undertones.