The Paperwhite’s Update #1

Posted on by
Reply

It’s been two weeks since you saw the first images of the daily documentation of my little Paperwhite’s growth. It’s been growing gangbusters now that it has its roots firmly entwined among the glass beads.

These daily ink and watercolor sketches just prove that art can be made in the briefest of time. These rarely take more than a half hour of my time but give me immense enjoyment.

That’s a good trade off any day!

Testing the Clairefontaine Watercolor Sketchbook

Posted on by
2

Back in May 2019 I was asked by Roz Stendahl to be one of a few artists to help her test an A5, landscape format, Clairefontaine Goldline Watercolor Sketchbook provided by the Clairefontaine representative.  Roz started out the testing before sending the book along for each us to fill a few spreads using various techniques and media.

I decided to fill a signature by testing assorted techniques: watercolor, water-soluble inks, gouache and watercolor pencils.

I was the fifth to work in the book and unfortunately by the time I received it the stitching was coming undone and the book pages and signatures were separating. I really enjoyed working in it but even the best watercolor paper can’t overcome poor construction. This can be seen in the video Roz posted in conjunction with her comprehensive review of the book. You can also see Roz’s testing and the testing from the other artists at the same link. Their work is exquisite and their comments enlightening.

This was a great opportunity for me to clarify what I look for in a visual journal. I know I’ll continue to experiment with commercially bound books because it’s just too much fun not to… but I also won’t give up binding my own books with my favorite papers in my favorite formats either!

Thanks Roz!

Best Two Bucks I’ve Spent

Posted on by

I finished the second spread of Paperwhites the other day and was so pleased with my photo editing I just have to share!

I edit ninety percent of my photos on my iPhone using a few select apps, yet as much as I appreciate what I can do with PhotoToaster and Snapseed… TouchRetouch is absolutely magical… just look at the before and after.

Before:

After:

$1.99 in the Apple App Store and I believe it’s available at Google Play too… best two bucks I’ve spent.

I broke a couple of roots as I took it out of its glass pebble-filled jar. I won’t be doing that again.

The Paperwhite’s Progress

Posted on by
1

This little fella was a holiday gift from a dear friend who’s dealing with some health issues this winter. What started as a project to draw its growth once a week quickly morphed into a daily meditation as I paint and send out prayers and positive vibes across the universe.

The growth is heartening, although in a day or so, I’m betting the roots will be too long for me to continue to remove it from the vase for its modeling session. Even though I’m already looking forward to many happy hours painting flowers I need to remember… first things first… live in the present and document today!

Fast and Unobtrusive

Posted on by
Reply

This is Jane.

Jane never knew I was sketching her as I waited to be called for my appointment.

Why? Well, this sketchbook is small, only six inches square and I had it tucked behind my bag on my lap. I also used one of my clutch pencils with a soft and silent lead. No scratching sound to alert her.

A few days later I took the same set up to a basketball game and among other figures, sketched a fellow sitting diagonally ahead of me.

He never suspected.

I even played a bit with a child’s multicolor pencil but gave up on it almost immediately. I wanted that smooth buttery feel of soft graphite sliding across the paper.

I think this set up will be my daily carry as I leave my large A4 journal in my studio. I’m looking forward to traveling lightly for a while.

Strathmore 400 Drawing Paper 300 gsm / 80 lb.