Challenging Art Principles - Sketchbook Practice - Drawing & Painting Tips

When you work on your Art Practice, do you think of the Principles of Art? 
I can’t say I do.  Well not specifically. 

Certainly though, they are on my mind as I design and execute my piece 

ENJOYING THE MOMENT - Sketchbook Practise

 

But by ‘thinking about the Principles’ I mean really focusing on them.

My latest Sketchbook activity has pushed me into an intense Battle with them. 

It started out innocently enough. I thought to prepare for a 2 day class I am taking with Linda Bell in February.  The topic ’Playing with Abstraction’. 

Started with a simple, familiar subject

****Special Note:
1. There are still 2 Spot left.  Workshop hosted by Surrey Artswest Art Group, February 8 & 9, 2024.  2 Days with Linda Bell SFCA - $105.  Contact me to grab a spot. 
2.  Registration Now Open for my Online Drawing Classes in February - 3 Classes - Line, Shape & Shadows.  See below for more information ↓↓↓↓****

I know this is a bit of a strange place for a realistic, wildlife artist like myself to be.  But I like her work and thought I would like to learn more about her choices in colour and patterns.  Abstracted Art, it seems can be anything along the continuum of  Abstraction to Representation.  Me, I tend to be very representational. But this definition seemed to have room for me as well.  I thought I would try stepping out of the box a bit.  

 Hence my snowman. 

 I thought to try something simple, easy to whip up and reflect some of the things she would be talking about in her class.  You know, rev the motor and take things for a test run. 

I decided my snowman needed a bit of a backdrop so gave him a few trees and hilly ground.  Then I started to work on adding some patterns and colours to my piece.  Shapes and values, rather then realistic landscapes. 

Added some washi tape so I could paint. 

 My thinking being, real or abstract the balance has to be there. All the Principles still apply.  When working from life, shapes, shadows and colours are dictated to you.  Breaking away from that takes you into NEW WORLDS. 

 Suddenly those Principles of Art stand up . .  . .  They want to be noticed!! 

 

Painted my Snowman and decided to leave the washi tape as part of my patterns

I began to Question things:

Am I creating rhythm and movement in my picture?  Is there enough places that are fast and busy and yet others that are slow and contemplative?? 

Is there a balance between the patterns, the colours, and the shapes?  Does one pattern, shape or colour take over and monopolize the eye?

Started adding some other colours and patterns

Do I have enough contrast to catch the eye, and hold its attention?

Do the proportions make sense? Should somethings be bigger, something smaller?

Is there a sense of Harmony in the work? Do the patterns come together? Do they feel like they’re working together or apart?

Do I have enough variety in colors, shapes and lines. For example: the snowflake pattern.  Is it too much. It adds to Harmony but could other things be just as affective, add more to the variety of mark making? 

Really challenged with what to put in empty spaces- lots of thinking time

My simple little project has made me think. Made me question how I use the Principles in my work.  There is lots to learn and practice here.

Enjoying the Moment - Personal Peace

Take the challenge.  Put your snowman in a new place. Brake a few of your own rules!!

Note: Information on Online Drawing Classes for February 2024 and CONTACT ME to get on my Waitlist for Summer Outdoor Sketching Classes and June's Four Day Outdoor Sketching Retreat in the Shuswap.  

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During your Lessons You will:

- Learn when it’s best to erase and when to wait

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- Nail down that perfect perspective and proportion

- Use lines, shapes, and shadows to guide your viewer’s eyes and keep them engaged in your work

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Have a great Artful Day,

  

Wendy

Finding Your Way in the Colour Mixing World of Paint - Painting & Drawing Tips

Do you have a favourite Colour?
Does it vary with the seasons?  Has you always favoured the same colour?

As you may have guessed, my favourite colour is Purple.  Not just any purple.  It is one that leans more to Fuchsia than the deep dark royal purple.  

EARLY SNOWFALL - Newest Piece to my Deep in the Forest Series. 
 Matted 14 x 11 $225

Do you struggle with the whole Colour Mixing Thing with your Paints?  One day your feel you haven't and then suddenly your in trouble again.  That's how I feel.  

I have worked on colour mixing, read books, watched tutourials and done samples.  Still at times I feel a little lost.  

Wendy - My kind of Purples!!

My new series "Deep in the Forest" has sparked some new discoveries for me and helped to cement some ideas.  The whole "Purple Thing" turned into a bit of a battle.  I did my practice pieces with different pinks, blues and reds to find the purple I wanted.  I finally settled on a combination of  Ultramarine Blue and Permanent Rose.  I was feeling good again.  

Much later,  I found out why those colours worked for me.

  

I get a regular e-newsletter from Carol McIntyre, of Colorado.  She does amazing things with colour and has written a book I Just Want to Paint: Mixing the Colors You Want! I think her title does recognize the problems with mixing colours.  Her discussions resonate with me and have been very helpful in my journey into mixing colours.  

Close Up of EARLY SNOWFALL - Note the colours and the depth they give on the left side of the squirrel.  (See the original)

She looks at colours as having a colour bias.  So for example my Ultramarine Blue has a blue red bias as opposed to Phalo Blue which has a blue yellow bias.  Therefore since I was looking for a clean bright purple I needed to mix it with a blue with a red bias and a red with a blue bias.  Which is exactly what my tests told me.  When I mixed my Ultramarine (blue red bias) with Quin Red ( Red Orange bias) I was not happy with the colour I got. The Orange bias in the red moved it away from the mauvy purple I wanted.  (See Carol's post here for more information.) 

Using her method also means you are not trying to memorize a lot of different colour recipes.  You just need to look at the colour, decide on its bias and work with it.  It just seems to make more sense to me.

When you look at my Close Up of Early Snowfall you can see why I love that combination of colour for my purple.  Not only does it give you a clean warm glow,  But look at the depth of colour and all the variations it breaks into, when you let it.  I find that very interesting and a great background to compliment my subject.  

Hope this moves you along in your Colour Mixing Journey. 

 

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Have you felt THE POWER OF A LINE? - Painting and Drawing Tips

As a Pen Artist I am keenly aware of sharp, crisp lines.  I am constantly amazed at how powerful a line can be.  

An Activity that lets you FEEL the POWER OF A LINE

I tried to think of real life instances that give you an idea of what I mean.  Two come to mine.  

Yellow tape  . . . .

You see it often.  Acting as a barrier.  Where to go.  Where not to go.  It is a thin, fragile piece of plastic but powerful.  You react physically as your eye sees and follows it to a destination point.  But also psychologically by identifying the inside space as being different from the outside space.  

Golf Tee boxes . . .

I know, I often have examples from golf.  (But I do love golfing and it is the season right now.)  When I stand up on the tee box to drive my ball, I pick my line of sight and mark a tree or bush in the distance as my guide.  The reason I do this is, the tee boxes have subtle lines: the brow of the raised ground; the markers; the direction of the cut grass.  These lines grab you both physically and psychologically.  They subtlety line your body up and that may or may not where you want to hit. If my line of sight is quite different from the lines on the tee box, I can feel their pull as I hit. They have great powers.  

Lines have power in Life and in your Art Work . . . .

Join me in this Art Activity which really makes you Feel and See the Power of a Line. This activity can be viewed in video format in the Arts Council of Surrey Instructional Series - The Power of the Line by Wendy Mould  See video here.  

Pick 2 or 3 colours and paint an interesting abstract on the paper

1.  Put paint to paper:  choose 2 or 3 colours that look nice together and paint an abstract painting on your page.  I try to make interesting shapes, have a bit of a focal point near the bottom right or left, leave some white space, let things flow. 

Skunk Cabbage - my subject for my drawing

2.  Pick a subject to draw: Don't bother 'looking' to see what you can see in your colours, just pick a subject to draw.  I chose to draw a skunk cabbage plant I had seen on my walk.  I love their bright green foliage with large bright yellow flowers.  Such a sight in early spring.  

  

Layout and Draw your subject 

3.  Layout and Draw: Use a pencil to set up your drawing.  I use only a few simple shapes in pencil before I pick up my pen.  But go ahead and layout basic shapes in a little more detail.  Do what is comfortable for you.  If you are starting to draw detail then that is certainly a signal to pick up your pen.  I used a 05 Pigma Permanent Ink Pen to draw with.   

Draw Away - This is the fun part!!

4.  Draw Away: For me this is the fun part.  I hope you enjoy it as well.  I love working with pen.  Don't worry if your marks are not lining up with different colour shapes.  Just focus on the drawing part.  You can see things are already getting interesting with some of the colours in the leaves.  

Finished Drawing - Time to Evaluate

5.  Finish Up: Once you are finished sit back and take a look.  There will be many amazing things happening that will really change your perspective.  Note the Power of the Line.  It grabs colour and makes it part of the subject and leaves the rest behind as background.  It creates interesting tension for your eye - grabbing your eye and moving it about when all the time your eye wants to look at the colour patches.  The line also emphasizes just how dark your shadow values have to be in order to bring your work to life.  The crosshatching in the shadows does not look harsh and out of place with the other values in the piece.  

Two interesting by products of the activity are: 

a.  It gives you some ideas how suggestive shapes can form your background.  It doesn't need a lot of detail.

b.  It gives you examples of how 'new colours' can be introduced to your work.  Instead of using the literal colours in your subject you can infuse new colours to "liven things up". The pinks and blues look interesting and happy to work with the greens in my drawing. 

See more examples of this activity on my video in the Arts Council of Surrey Instructional Series  - The Power of the Line by Wendy Mould.  See video here.  

Have fun and don't hesitate to share your work with me.  I would love to see it.  

Outdoor Sketching Classes !! ***Last chance this summer

Ready to go out and do some sketching?  Have fun painting and sketching while learning new tips and techniques. Capture a moment in time without worrying about the World and the crazy problems of today.  Come Join me for a session or two.  Beginner to Advanced are welcome.

Class Size: max. 3.   Rescheduling for Bad weather.  Covid  Rules and Social Distancing will be followed.  

Sessions 2.5 hours, in local North Surrey Parks, Tuesdays 10-12:30 or Set up Special Times for yourself and a friend or two

Cost: $45 tx incld

September Dates: Tuesday Sept 8 & 15  Time:  10-12:30:pm

Save a Spot Now. Contact Wendy    More information: artbywendy.com 

 Do you have big/small projects on the go?  

Looking for a sounding board, help, suggestions, techniques. You and your Inner Critic looking to expand your discussions.  I am available for Online Coaching/Teaching  (3 sessions 30 minutes each $75). more info here.   

  
Many find this post helpful: Turn your Inner Critic into your BFF

 

Be sure to like and share my posts.  You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email 

Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy  

Take Your Art Making Outdoors - Painting & Drawing Tips

Do you hike up a trail, pause at the spectacular view, take a photo and walk on? 

Does it feel there is something missing from that moment?  Somehow, you want to feel more, taste more, capture more.  

That's how I feel. . . 

Outdoor Sketching Class - June 27: I love to capture mini environments. A baby Barred Owl watched us as we painted by this little stream.   

I take my photo but it doesn't always give me that sense of fulfillment.  I feel not ready to move on but don't  know what else to do.  

That was before I started Outdoor Sketching.

It was exciting to just stop and spend a bit of time sketching in the Roman Forum. I knew this was my one chance to capture this memory.  

Now, when I wonder about and reach a spot that is special, I sketch it.  Capturing that moment doesn't have to be exotic, like this scene from my trip to Italy.  It can be a moment that is special.  

Rocks on Erickson Beach, Texada Island. - 5 x 7, ink & watercolour. SOLD

I loved this little sketch from Erickson Beach.  I really like the movement of colour in my rocks and the line work echoing and flowing in the sky. 

But not only that. . . .

I remember the other artists that were with me.  It was a beautiful sunny day by water and 5 island artists joined me for a Paint Out.  I loved painting, talking, sharing stories and ideas.  Also, there was a heron that hung out with us for hours and I got some awesome shots of him.  An eagle swooped down on the water to fish, seals were bobbing up and down.  So many memories with that painting.  

Memories aren't made with a quick photo and moving on . . . 

MORNING CALM, Texada Island.  - 4 x 4 - Watercolour - SOLD - The view from our campsite early in the morning before the sun was high and hot. We watched a mother seal teach her baby to swim as they went back and forth across the bay.

Capturing a fragment of the moment brings back so many memories.  Sitting for an hour or two to sketch or paint means you see things you would have missed with just a quick visit.  

But to Capture the Moment you must be ready. . .

When time is of the essences, it helps to be prepared. Many years ago I was canoeing with a group of 12 on a 10 day trip.  I learned early on that if I wanted some time to sketch I had to 'get to it'.  No looking through bags and packs for my paints and brushes. Just grab. Open. And paint.  

Since that trip I have tried several combinations for my travel kit.  Each one a little smaller than the last. I am really not sure there is a perfect kit but the one I have now is 2 years old and seems to be still working.  My post:  My Really Smallmendous Art Kit. will tell you all about it.   I have tried several mediums but have finally settled on ink, graphite and watercolour.  These are all found in my kit.  Have a look.  It may help you in putting yours together.  

Since I paint a lot on the go I am often writing about it.  Here are some other posts that others have found helpful in organizing their materials: 

Travel Kit Saves the Day - looks at different types of small travel kits for painting and sketching

What does a Plein Air Trip Look Like - how to plan for a lengthy trip which will involve lots of Plein Air Painting.

What does a Plein Air Trip Really Look Like - how to enjoy outdoor sketching and painting on a trip when you travel companion doesn't paint.  

Good luck with your Outdoor Sketching this summer.  You are welcome to join me for a few outings.  I will be taking small classes out each Tuesday, starting July 28, 2020.

 Do you have big/small projects on the go?  

Looking for a sounding board, help, suggestions, techniques. You and your Inner Critic looking to expand your discussions.  I am available for Online Coaching/Teaching  (3 sessions 30 minutes each $75). more info here.   

  
Many find this post helpful: Turn your Inner Critic into your BFF

If you are looking for Live Outdoor Sketching Classes they are now underway.  See info below.  Contact me to set something up. 

Outdoor Sketching Classes !! 

Ready to go out and do some sketching?  Have fun painting and sketching while learning new tips and techniques. Capture a moment in time without worrying about the World and the crazy problems of today.  Come Join me for a session or two.  

Class Size: 3  Rescheduling for Bad weather.  Covid  Rules and Social Distancing will be followed.  

Sessions 2.5 hours, in local North Surrey Parks, Tuesdays 10-12:30 or Saturdays 10-12:30.  

Cost: $45  

July Dates: Tuesday, July 28, 10-12:30pm

August Dates: Tuesday August 4. 11, 18, 25: 10-12:30:pm

Save a Spot Now. Contact Wendy    More information: artbywendy.com 

 

Be sure to like and share my posts.  You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email 

Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy  

Secrets Hidden in the Shadows of Your Paintings - Painting & Drawing Tips

Studio painting is the new norm.  And Studio painting means using photographs for reference.  I love them.  I have huge amounts of Gigabytes dedicated to Photo References.  

But photos don't tell the whole story. . . .

MAGNOLIAS - Making Shadows with White

What colour is an Orange?  

Of course you know what an orange is.  And when you direct a light on it, there is a lovely highlight on the light side.  But now wonder over to the shadow side. That's where the secrets are.   

An ORANGE- from my sketchbook practice (Betty Edwards - Colour, a Course in mastering the art of mixing Color

In actual fact, very little of an orange is REALLY orange.  Right now I am focusing on improving my work in the shadows.  I can see from the ORANGE painting above that there are lots of colours in the shadows. A brown yellow as the light moves to shadow, red orange, then yellow orange, soft mauve and finally really dark purple.   No sold black shadow as your photo will show. 

Looking closer I can now see that I missed putting in reflected light in my shadow.  There should be a bit of green from the lime on the left and pink from the grapefruit on the left.  I did put the darker red orange reflected on the right side from the orange there. 

Lots is happening in the shadows. . . .

LIGHTHOUSE AT AMPHITRITE POINT, UCLULET, BC - Note the shadow colours of the rocks 

Rocks are a fun place to really play with shadow colours.  In this sketch I used lots of blues, purples, pinks and some green to make the shadows.  The order of the colours chosen was based on their value.  The deepest purples for the darkest spots and the others placed for mid and light tones. 

Black and White Version shows how the value of each shadow colour was used to sculpture the rocks.  

Looking at the Black and White Version of the Lighthouse really makes it clear how the value of the colours created the shadows in the rocks.  I chose my colours based on the reflected light and my own preference.  The colours blended well because they were consistent throughout the painting.  And the colours were repeated in many areas.  I think now as I look back on it, there should have been more greens in the shadows. 

Magnolia Reference - Gray shadows on White

Rocks are fun but what about the WHITE STUFF?  

Here is my photo reference of the Magnolia flower (see above).  Gray to black shadows.  Not nearly as much fun as my finished piece.  ( I like my little sketch, hope you do too). 

I am using my sketchbook to practice working with shadows. My goals are:

- use 2 or 3 different colours to make the shadows
- look for places to add reflected light
- try different colours (not my usual ones - turquoises is not a colour I use a lot but I really love how my whites seem brighter with it in the shadows)
- be more adventurous!!  (Probably the hardest thing to do.)

MAGNOLIAS - Black and White version of my painting 

A quick check of my painting in Grayscales shows my shadow colours are the right values. 

Check out the Shadows of other paintings and see what secrets are hiding in their shadows.  Two BC artists I like to check out are Marney Ward, a watercolourist specializing in flowers and Perry Haddock, who does landscapes and portraits mostly in acrylic but some watercolour as well.

Have fun in your sketchbook and see you next week. 

You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email  and Be sure to like and share my posts on Facebook - Art by Wendy.  

Further Reading: 
The Trouble with Photo References: Talks about the issue of Shadows with many photos taken from the Internet. 
Meet the Terminator: Looks at the principles of Shadows in a painting or drawing. 

WENDY MOULD IS ONLINE:  

I 'm Now offering Private Mentoring/Coaching ONLINE

Want to make pictures that sing?  Move your Art Career forward?  Get a handle on your art business?

Let's Talk

Imagine, your own personal coach, in discussion with YOUR images:  Discussing your goals; Ways to move your artwork forward.   Sessions: 30 minutes each

Package: 3 session: $75 + tx       Flexible Booking Schedule

Contact Wendy to book your session - Send me your pictures and let's Get to Work!

Get a Taste for Online Learning with my Blog & Video Combos: 

1.  Have you tried Monotypes?   - Blog post with video link on how to do Monotypes and ways to incorporate it into your art. 

2.  One Awesomemazonly Sketchbook Activity - Blog post with video link on a great Sketchbook Activity to inspire and challenge you.  

 (Be sure to like and comment while your are there. 🤗)

There is something you can do . . .

I am thrilled to be named a Finalist for the YWCA Women of Distinction for Arts, Culture and Design for my volunteer work.  Although there is no public voting for these awards there is one part of the event that is a People's Choice Award. 

It is the Connecting the Community Award.  (🡨link) 

It's purpose is to create awareness for the YWCA Community Programs.  This award is by People's Choice.  So follow the link and vote for me and my choice "Reducing Child Poverty".  Vote as many times as you like, results tallied April 24.  Thanks for your support.

When Life settles down: 

Art by Wendy Studio/Gallery is always Open

Looking to move your Drawing Skills to the Next Level?

Book a 3 Pack of Private Lessons with Me - 3 Lessons 2.5 hr each $225

Drawing/Painting lessons in graphite, ink, watercolour, watercolour pencils or coloured pencils Or any combination of these.
Flexible Schedule, at my Studio/Gallery, N. Surrey. 

Gift Certificates Available 

Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy

When is your Painting/Drawing Finished? - Painting & Drawing Tips

When is your picture Done?  Finished?
 What does DONE mean to you?
 How do you tell when your picture is finished?

VARIED THRUSH: DOWN FROM THE MOUNTAINS
 12 x 15 Varnished Watercolour on Board $400

For me,  the question is 'have I said what I want to say?"  I have goals for my work.  My first goal is to my subject, My Wildlife. I want my viewers to experience a special moment with my birds and animals.

I do a lot of hiking, boating and beach combing.  For me there is nothing more special then turning the corner on the trail and seeing a Varied Thrush perched on a branch, a heron fishing the tide line or a deer resting under a bush.  Somehow it is a piece of Magic to experience nature in the wild.  I want to present that moment to my viewers. Make them feel how special that is.   

But that is only part of my goal  . . .

VARIED THRUSH, DOWN FROM THE MOUNTAINS: WIP 1
(I tend to work already my picture so I can get a feel for how my plans are working

I have goals as well, about the type of work I am doing.  My favourite mediums of choice are graphite, ink and watercolour.  I work with them separately and together.  As many of my readers are aware, my pen work has been drawing me more and more.  Combining my ink with watercolour is something I really enjoy doing.  However, usually it is my watercolour that shines and my pen work takes a back seat.  

My pens are not happy about that . . .

VARIED THRUSH, DOWN FROM THE MOUNTAINS: WIP 2 
I decided I needed a few more branches in the background as I wanted to leave the back white

This has lead me into several directions.  My abstract work combined with my ink work is one direction that I have followed. See Juncos at the Feeder below.   (See more in this series here)

JUNCOS AT THE FEEDER - 8 x 10 Vanished watercolour on Wood Cradle - $200

Another way of mixing my pen work with watercolour, is my more realistic drawings in ink surrounded by watercolour. See Pacific Harbour Seal: Sunbathing below.   In this series, only the setting has been painted.  The birds and animals are untouched.  I liked this, as it really brought my inkwork into the more primary role. (See more in this series here.)

PACIFIC HARBOUR SEAL: SUNBATHING - Matted 8 x 10, Ink & Watercolour.  $130

In my picture Varied Thrush: Down from the Mountains, (at the top of the post) I feel I have taken things one step further. Both my ink and watercolour are given staring roles.  And, there is a bonus.  It feel like you get a peak at the creation process as well.  I love this kind of feel. Its like you can see and feel the back story to the piece.  

So yes, I feel Varied Thrush: Down from the Mountains is finished. How do you feel?  Finished or Not?  In the end it is personal, the Artist makes the call. 

NB: Learn more about Vanish Watercolour on Board here

Have fun with your art work and see you in 2 weeks.  I will be busy next week with my show.  See Below.   ↓↓↓↓

Looking to move your Drawing Skills to the Next Level?

Book a 3 Pack of Private Lessons with Me - 3 Lessons 2.5 hr each $225

Drawing lessons in graphite, carbon, ink, watercolour, watercolour pencils or coloured pencils.
Based on your Schedule at my Studio, N. Surrey. 

Gift Certificates Available 

Christmas Comes early at Art by Wendy:Thurs Dec 5 to Sat. Dec 7, 10-4pm

Paints’n Bloom Workshops & Show & Sale

Mandeville Gardens, 4746 Marine Dr, Burnaby.

Featuring Artists Wendy Mould, AFCA & Audrey Bakewell
 in Support of the Alzheimer’s Society of BC.

See you there!!

My Etsy Store is always OPEN: Etsy - WendyMouldsArt

Originals, Prints, Commission Work and Instant Printable Cards for all Seasons available.

Be sure to like and share my posts to keep me coming into your box, 

You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email or Like my Facebook Page.

Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy

Is Your Sketchbook Lonely? Painting & Drawing Tip

Does your Sketchbook lay in a dark and lonely place? 

Does it make you feel guilty whenever you see it?
  

Does its clean, white, unblemished pages scare you? 

I know how you feel.

 

MOUAT BAY - See below for the SECRETS of this Page

Life is short. Things to do. Always something more important. Promise myself I will get to it later. Too busy. Too tired. Not inspired. Been there, done that. 

I think part of my problem was I didn’t think it was important. 

I felt if I was drawing and painting, it had to be Special. Perfect. Salable. 

Sketchbooks are Not a Finished Studio Work of ART.

They are for fun, adventure, memories, experiments, practice, challenges, . . . .

Here is how FUN in a SKETCHBOOK can really look - Check out the SECRET part of my Moat Bay Sketch.

ISN'T THIS FUN!!

 

WHAT A NEAT SURPRISE, EH?!

PUTS A WHOLE NEW TAKE ON YOUR LINE DRAWING, EH?!

I love the ink and watercolour combo.  I enjoyed the challenge of planning the full spread.  I even used different parts of the shoreline for the watercolour section to make you feel like you were walking along the beach. 

Super Fun. 

I feel happy whenever I look at it.  It is exciting, inspiring, full of memories and helpful.  Check out my grey logs and sand.  They were part of my summer Challenges. (See more about my Challenges  HERE). I completed this project as I was working on my Grey Challenge.

Blubbler Bay, Texada - WIP

How much Time did it take to Make my Mouat Bay Project? 

Well for you, that might be a problem.  I certainly didn’t complete it in one Outdoor session.  When we are camping we stay for several weeks so I have the luxury of returning the next day to finish a drawing/painting.  Also, Max and I hike around a lot and I use a lot of that time to think about my projects and figure out what to try/do next.  (Max is pretty quiet on our walks so there is lots of thinking time.) I also take photographs and upload them to my iPad to study them and decide what works.  

Blubber Bay, Texada - Playing with Line and Colour 

Was my sketchbook Project a waste of time?

Yikes!! You are probably saying.  Why on earth spend all that time on a few pages in your sketchbook? 

For several reasons:

1.     Tried different ways of making grey logs, rocks and sand. Literally just threw down different colours to see what would happen.  Sketchbooks give you permission to play and do that.

2.    Worked with foreshortening logs.  They really worked well, but please ignore the breakwater for the log sort in the left corner.  It probably looks fine to you as you don’t know what it should look like.  😝

3.    Practiced drawing a complex scene

4.    Experimented different ways to make values to create depth

5.    Played with my colours for water (See my post “What Colour is Water? For more on that)

6.    Plugged away on my composition skills - really tried to make a pleasing, interesting, waterscape

Van Anda Harbour, Texada - Trying out my Lamy Pen with a midsize knib

7.    Had fun thinking & playing with ink and colour- I know, I need to get a life.  But I enjoyed the challenge of the project once I decided to do it.  I even looked for a special area along the shore and waited for low tide so it would be more interesting. 

Van Anda Harbour, Texada - WIP

  So No, not a waste of Time.  

Rummage through your drawer, dig into your cupboard and get out your sketchbook.  The weather is perfect for getting out and doing some sketching/painting.  Keep it simple or make it complex, regardless, you will enjoy yourself.  And I guarantee you will learn a few things. 

Are your sketchbooks calling you?  Looking for more practice.

If you live in the Fraser Valley, think about joining me this summer for a Morning of Outdoor Sketching.  An easy way to immerse yourself into sketching with ink and watercolour.  See the info below ↓  ↓  ↓  ↓

OR Book a 3 Pack of Private Lessons with Me.

Join me for a morning of  Outdoor Sketching: 

Small group Outdoor Sketching Classes on Tuesday morning, August 13, and 20.  Only 2 sessions left

The classes will be small, max  5.  We will meet at 10-12:30 in a few of the local parks in North Surrey.  ie. Bear Creek Park, Tynehead Park.  The cost is: $45 tx incld. per session. Bring your own supplies.  This is what my kit is like, see HERE
Contact Me to register.   and for more information. 


Or A Day at the Farm - Art Jam at the Farm - Sunday, Aug 11

A full day of ARt here in East Langley, BC

I will be one of the morning instructors with a Outdoor Drawing Session but there will be other sessions as well.  All Sessions are 3 hr.  Cost $100 before Aug 8 & $120 after

Morning Sessions  - Still time to sign up

• 
  
• Collagraphs with Edith Krause
• Drawing with Wendy Mould
• Afternoon Sessions - Lunch Provided

• Life Drawing (from a clothed model) with Claire Moore
• Collagraphs Continued
  

Registration and More Information HERE

My Etsy Store is always OPEN: Etsy - WendyMouldsArt

Originals, Prints, Commission Work and Instant Printable Cards for all Seasons available.

FYI
Plein Air Event at Kilby Historical Site - August 16 -18, 2019

215 Kilby Rd, Harrison Mills, BC – approx. 1.5 hr drive from Vancouver
(or stay our there. I like to camp at Kilby Campsite but there are lots of  places to stay close by.  Makes for a great little adventure.)

 On Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning, painters will be capturing  breathtaking historic vistas, 1920s farm equipment, historic buildings, lush gardens & orchards, delightful farm animals and surrounding mountains.  Not hard to find something to catch your eye.

This is a fun, outdoor adventure for everyone.  Sunday afternoon, brings live entertainment and awards ceremony.  There is a competitive and non-competitive part to the event, so great prizes for everyone.  Cost $15 Registration: events@kilby.ca  more info: kilby.ca

I have been part of this event since it started 5 years ago and I never get tired of wondering the grounds and finding little vignettes to paint.  I know you will enjoy yourself.

If you decide not to join us to paint, come out and see the fun.  On Friday and Saturday,  Artists are set up all over the grounds working away or come see the 'Showing and Sale' on Sunday.

Be sure to like and share my posts.

You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email or Like my Facebook Page.

Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy