It's been a while since I last dropped a comment. Well, today is a good space to do that.
Maybe, I'll do bullet-point comments. Ha.
1. Tools. I think mostly only the artist would notice the output of using different tools to create. The rest, just enjoy looking at the created piece. But, I'd understand the horror of leaving your fav pen behind when you are *suppose* to be on a sketching trip.
2. Tools again. This week, I retrieved the 1st watercolour brush I bought, (which is a waterbrush), and placed them in my pencil and everything case, together with my watercolour travel kit. And. I have been gleefully sneaking in drawing and painting in 10 minutes chunks; before bedtime, while waiting for my husband's doctor's appointment...All because the barrier to making art has been lowered so so much, and the tools are easily accessible. I kept the water brush aside after hearing from some sketchers who swore by not using waterbrush, deeming them as non-brush. As a rookie, we lap up everything said by those who are more experienced. Well. The more I explore with different mediums, different tools, different ways to compose a line drawing, or to paint, the more I found out—there's no one way. There is a foundation, a technique. And then, you are on your own. Which is perfectly fine by me. Make your own rules.
3. IG. I try to keep myself sane by not looking at the insights per post or analysing to death why one post sunk and another one is doing well. The webby part for me, is the comparison syndrome. That one, I am careful to quickly get out as quickly as I fell in.
OK, we all love our art supplies like we (mostly) love our family members. BUT...your choice of such a small-format sketchbook makes me wonder: why? It’s awkward to work around the crevice in the middle, and it means you can’t easily reproduce those images in other media. So what gives? Why not a 7x10 sketchbook to render your urban scenes and tiny people? I must know!!!
Haha, that is a good question. There are two good answers.
(1) I like to switch things up. Every time I use a larger sketchbook, I want to use a smaller one after that is completed. In this case, I had not anticipated how awkward the crease in the middle would be. Stillman & Birn is a worse offender than some other brands in this respect. Note to self for future!
(2) Small sketchbooks enable 5-10 minute drawings, and are easier to work with when standing.
That said, I went to the art store yesterday and got myself an 8x10" toned sketchbook and a 10x14" white sketchbook. So new days are on the horizon!
And don't get me started with artists who work via tablet. I'm so curious about that! I have a friend who's a big-deal cartoonist and he swears by them. But I'm terrified.
I agree! B5 size sketchbooks are the ultimate--not too big, not too small. My favorites are made by Northbooks, great paper for fountain pens. They can be easily held on my forearm as a support. My hand always gets achy holding a small book open.
Northbooks are the best! I’ve even done watercolor washes on the paper without trouble, and most fountain pen inks I’ve tested don’t even ghost much to the other side.
Those cheap blue and purple markers created a damn masterpiece! I feel like Dorothy waking up in Oz.
Haha that is very kind, Amie. I am taking inspiration from Eleanor and Jenny to be more creative in my (minimal) use of colour.
Hey friend,
It's been a while since I last dropped a comment. Well, today is a good space to do that.
Maybe, I'll do bullet-point comments. Ha.
1. Tools. I think mostly only the artist would notice the output of using different tools to create. The rest, just enjoy looking at the created piece. But, I'd understand the horror of leaving your fav pen behind when you are *suppose* to be on a sketching trip.
2. Tools again. This week, I retrieved the 1st watercolour brush I bought, (which is a waterbrush), and placed them in my pencil and everything case, together with my watercolour travel kit. And. I have been gleefully sneaking in drawing and painting in 10 minutes chunks; before bedtime, while waiting for my husband's doctor's appointment...All because the barrier to making art has been lowered so so much, and the tools are easily accessible. I kept the water brush aside after hearing from some sketchers who swore by not using waterbrush, deeming them as non-brush. As a rookie, we lap up everything said by those who are more experienced. Well. The more I explore with different mediums, different tools, different ways to compose a line drawing, or to paint, the more I found out—there's no one way. There is a foundation, a technique. And then, you are on your own. Which is perfectly fine by me. Make your own rules.
3. IG. I try to keep myself sane by not looking at the insights per post or analysing to death why one post sunk and another one is doing well. The webby part for me, is the comparison syndrome. That one, I am careful to quickly get out as quickly as I fell in.
Thanks for writing.
Good to hear from you, Melinda! I think the water brush is great. Many artists I love use it!
Nice drawings as usual. Keep up the great work! You just proved that you can do it with any pen you get your hands on.
This newsletter is such a joy! Thank you for so generously bringing us along with you!!
You are most welcome, Denise! :)
Thanks for sharing your trip! I really love your fountain pen line work and the way you combine colors of ink in your drawings.
You're welcome, Mallory!
OK, we all love our art supplies like we (mostly) love our family members. BUT...your choice of such a small-format sketchbook makes me wonder: why? It’s awkward to work around the crevice in the middle, and it means you can’t easily reproduce those images in other media. So what gives? Why not a 7x10 sketchbook to render your urban scenes and tiny people? I must know!!!
Haha, that is a good question. There are two good answers.
(1) I like to switch things up. Every time I use a larger sketchbook, I want to use a smaller one after that is completed. In this case, I had not anticipated how awkward the crease in the middle would be. Stillman & Birn is a worse offender than some other brands in this respect. Note to self for future!
(2) Small sketchbooks enable 5-10 minute drawings, and are easier to work with when standing.
That said, I went to the art store yesterday and got myself an 8x10" toned sketchbook and a 10x14" white sketchbook. So new days are on the horizon!
I just hope the bigger sketchbooks don't ruin your career. I mean...dance with the guy what brung ya, and all that.
And don't get me started with artists who work via tablet. I'm so curious about that! I have a friend who's a big-deal cartoonist and he swears by them. But I'm terrified.
iPads are great! I have learned so much from drawing with the Apple pencil.
😱
I agree! B5 size sketchbooks are the ultimate--not too big, not too small. My favorites are made by Northbooks, great paper for fountain pens. They can be easily held on my forearm as a support. My hand always gets achy holding a small book open.
I have never used Northbooks. Will check them out! B5 is my ideal size as well. :)
Northbooks are the best! I’ve even done watercolor washes on the paper without trouble, and most fountain pen inks I’ve tested don’t even ghost much to the other side.
https://gonorthbooks.com/products/3-pack-of-b5-blank-sketchbooks
Now we sit patiently at the feet of the master, awaiting his wisdom on the way-too-small sketchbooks from which he launched his fabulous career.
You are clearly an extraordinary talent. Congrats!
Ah thank you, Jim!
I love how you cope with problems……….Jeannette
Proof that it is not entirely the tool (pen), but the artist! Well stroked...
Thank you very much!