Robert Oster - Sydney Darling Harbour

Robert Oster - Sydney Darling Harbour - Ink drop

This is Robert Oster Sydney Darling Harbour. Originally released as the 2019 Sydney Pen Show ink, it has since taken its place as a Signature series standard ink.

Robert Oster - Sydney Darling Harbour - Color Range

The base color is something of a dusty slate-forest green. There is some shading, but rather than really lighten, I’d say it gives more of a weakened saturation and a clouding in light areas. It’s different, and in its own way quite appealing. As the splatter shows, there are some not so subtle hints of peachy orange-pinks that swirl in wet and wide application. I see touches of blue, as well. With water, these influences really come to the surface, bringing the somewhat subdued green to life. In general, the undertones are more prominent on coated papers, and with time, it’s the green base that strengthens on uncoated papers.

Robert Oster - Sydney Darling Harbour - Shading and Edge

This is a somewhat dry ink. It’s a nice writing ink, but it needs to be paired with the right pen and nib. Although it’s more expressive and interesting in wider nibs, I preferred it in finer nibs for writing, due to some slight feathering and bleed-through on cheaper uncoated papers. On coated papers, this wasn’t particularly a problem. As expected, drying time was quick with this one.

Robert Oster - Sydney Darling Harbour - Ink Swatch Card

This is an unusual ink, and the coloration really grows on you. I have a couple of inks that are lighter with subtle brown undertones, but nothing quite like this slate green and peach combination. I think this is the kind of ink that really divides an audience. Most will either love it or hate it. Which one are you?