Elusive Gel Pens

Students are currently working on their Hidden Lizard Drawings. We color the background and leave the creatures blank at first. Once the background is done, they can visualize and make a more informed decision about what to do with the design on the animal itself. At this time, I discuss some of the materials and techniques to help point them in the right direction. During the last couple of days on the drawing, I like to provide some white opaque pens so the students can add a few highlights to the animals such and reflections in the eyes and on the skin texture.  This is getting more challenging because my favorite pens for this are getting more difficult to acquire. The Signo UM-153 white is more opaque consistent in its flow that others I have used. Unfortunately my suppliers have stopped carrying them. From what I can piece together, Uniball discontinued and then re-established production but some suppliers have not restocked. They are available from a number of online retailers to be sure but, if buying doesn’t lend itself to the school purchase system, well…no help there. White paint pens can work but bring their own complications. I’d be interested to hear about a successful campaign to get a dealer to restock formerly dropped items…Or maybe someone has an suggestion for a comparable replacement pen.