Disclaimer: I take no responsibility for pen envy or impulse purchases resulting from viewing this post.
Per usual, you can click on the images to view them larger. I do my best to provide you with high-quality pen porn. 😉
Having shared my three Intwana pens — Chameleon, Seahorse, and Kitten — it’s time to share the pen Jim ordered, Renée Gerstner’s Penguins.
Before I get started, I want to make sure you know that, while the Koi, Phoenix, and Seahorse designs are not currently listed on the SPS website, the Chameleon, Dragon, Giraffe, Kitten, Llama, and Penguins designs are all still available.
360° views
Per usual, I’m starting with the 360° views. I’ve included one of the images Stanford Pen Studio had as part of their crowdfunder campaign (left) and my own 360° view of Renée’s art.
The Art
There are two penguins on this pen. I believe the penguin looking at the monarch butterflies is an African penguin, given its markings and the pinkish area around its eye. I’m not sure about the penguin wearing the floaties. The orange feet point to a Gentoo penguin, but it doesn’t have the orange on its beak. Then again, it could be an African penguin wearing flippers to go with the floaties.
Looking closer, the tiny monarch butterflies have a surprising amount of detail despite their “sketchy” design style that evokes movement. I love being able to see brushstrokes in the background and on the penguin’s belly and legs. And look at the little pebbles!!
The penguin wearing floaties has even more visible brush strokes. This poor penguin has such a stern expression. I wonder if the floaties have gotten stuck and upset it. Even with the closer look at its feet, I’m still not sure if it’s wearing flippers. The pebbles near its feet are just as cute as the ones near the other penguin.
Signature
You know I love to focus on a signature. Renée’s signature is easy to spot, which I appreciate, without becoming obtrusive. I like how it’s nestled into the pebbles, but also extends past the painted area, breaking the “frame” of the artwork.
Final Thoughts
I really appreciate that Jim, independently, purchased a different pen than me. It’s fabulous to add another artist’s work to the household.
What do you think of these adorable penguins? Do you own any pens with Renée’s art on them? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear from you.
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