Moleskin Journal.
Image 4×7
Drawing Talent Series
I’ve been itching to do watercolor studies of local places. Why haven’t I? Priorities!
But, yesterday an opportunity presented itself and I jumped on it! My husband and I visited his favorite park – anywhere! Lithia Park in Ashland, OR. It was a lovely morning and I was happy to take the opportunity to sit down and study the local environment.
I did a study of what is called “the upper duck pond”. Yes, there is a lower duck pond. The upped duck pond is bigger and has turtles in addition to the ducks. As I was working, people walk by, sit on the bench or not and wander off.
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I find this type of watercolor painting thoroughly engaging. I like to equate it to running on ice. My focus is intense as I try to capture an impression before the light changes. It’s all about making the paint dance.
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Recently I have come across some interesting articles and websites about landscape paintings.
Landscape Atelier had a recent article: “Why ‘Paint What You See’ is Not Good Advice”. The big message to me was that you have to learn to see before you can paint what you see. It sounds odd, but the more a persons draws and paints, the better one sees. I figure I’m in the learning to see a landscape mode.
The Artist Daily had a quick slide on pocket sketching.
Urban Sketchers and the Seattle Sketchers provide plenty of inspiration. I like the loose, simple work of the watercolor study.
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If you’d like to see more of my “Drawing Talent” watercolor sketches, check on the blog posts by category on my side bar.
Thanks!
Peggy, I enjoyed this post. Reminds me to do more sketching. I’m interested in knowing your process – do you put a sketch (pencil or pen) down first or do you start with wc shapes on paper and sketch in last or is it a combo? I usually pencil in first, then paint, then finish with thin tipped sharpies. I think everyone has their own style. Thanks for reminding me – I’ll take my journal along when we travel next month.
Hi Sandra, my process is similar to what you have outlined. I usually lightly draw in pencil. Then, either I use ink then paint; or paint then ink.
Yesterday, I painted before I added the ink line drawing. It was warm enough that the watercolor dried pretty quickly. When I put ink last, I try to keep it to a minimum. The advantage of the ink first is I can cross hatch to explain the light pattern.
I have never tried putting watercolor shapes first while I’m on location. I have done a few in my studio that were drawn and painted all in watercolor. It was kind of fun and I liked the results!
I was extra pleased because I’m getting my travel watercolor tool box arranged and its working. This particular study was done in a Moleskin watercolor sketchbook. I have a couple of Stillman & Birn journals that I like as well.
Oh, I use Faber Castell or Micron achival/acid free ink pens when I’m doing the watercolor sketches. I like them.
Have fun on your travels! I look forward to seeing what you do!