Catch the Sketchbook Habit - Painting & Drawing Tips

SPECIAL NEWS - I'm NOw TEACHING ONLINE!!!
 See more at the the end of the POst. 👇👇👇👇

Bunny from 100 Dots with Noah Scalin  - Sepia Pen and coloured pencils

Are your cupboards full of unused Art Supplies?  Do sparkly bright colours call to you?  The pens, the paints, the powders. . .

Deer in the Field - this is more typical me - Wildlife with watercolour  

I must confess. . . .

I have been lured away from the straight and narrow by luscious colourful pens, creamy smooth pastels, even a few acrylics!! (I know you are shocked.) Me enticed by acrylic mediums, gels and paint..  How the mighty have fallen, eh?!

Well they are no longer 'layabouts' in my cupboards. . .

Deer in the Forest - Black pen and Acrylic  Monoprint. This is definitely something I want to do more of.  

I have cracked open my shiny new DIY Sketchbook (see last post here on how to make your own sketchbook)  Now I am taking some of those shiny new materials for a ride. How did it happen, you ask.  Well,  It all started innocently enough.  I joined Karen Abend, from Italy, for her Sketchbook Revival 2020.

Now I trying everything!!

Cupcakes - Sketching Food with Charlie O'Shields - Black pen & Watercolour

Sketching different subjects, trying new approaches, experimenting with different colours.  (BTY, Cupcakes are not a good subject when you are trapped in your house!! Had to stop and do a bit of baking.)

Really enjoyed learning about different Lettering with Amanda Arneill - Black & Sepia Pens and coloured pencils

Once into a project I am into my cupboard hauling out stuff I have never used before.  Having fun.  

Squirrels in the Park - black ink with acrylic blobs - with Carla Sonheim.  Of course I had to incorporate animals in my blobs.   

But the Project that really took me over the top was The Garden with Karen Stamper.  I was using stenciling, charcoal pencils, charcoal sticks, pastel pencils, Indian Ink, pens. . .   Even used a water-soluble oil pastel stick.  Don't even know where it came from!!?  But it sure did some neat mark making. (That is the blue streaks you see, touched up with a bit of water)

The Garden - So much fun!!  I gathered sticks, ferns, leaves and branches from the park to help with inspiration and Ideas.  

And the best part is the projects are done in a day or so.  Then just turn the page and move on. Very happy with the size I choose to make my book.  (Special Note: The Garden is 4 pages, I taped an extension to the page in my book. It is really neat to open it up.)

In total there will be 28 sessions with 28 different Artists that like to sketchbook.  I am sure you will find something that interests you.  Check out the sessions here.  They will be available till April 26.  You can see some of the other creations from the sessions on Facebook - Sketchbook Revival.  

So, Catch the Sketchbook Habit and Dive In.  Soon you will find there is "Just not enough hours to the day!!"

Happy Sketchbooking and see you next week.

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 in early May 2020.  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 

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

Have You tried Sketching with Ink?- Painting and Drawing Tips

Are you afraid of permanent ink?

Does a strong black line scare you?

Once it hits your page, it’s there for life. Can’t be erased. Can’t be hidden.  
Scary, Yes.

Sketchbook Work: Trees and Moss - a real West Coast Scene, eh?!  I really enjoy this mix of ink work with only part of it painted in watercolour.  

I know many of my readers who read my report on sketching in Italy this spring, (see post Here) were surprised when I suggested as a time saver to ‘just go straight to ink”.  When drawing a street scene, I skipped the pencil layout and jumped in with my pen.  It really made for fast work.  With my sisters hot on my tail to move on, I needed lots strategies to finish my drawing and not keep them waiting too long.  Grabbing my pen and running with it, was a real time saver. 

Yes, you are right.  It is easy for me.  

But it was not always that way.

 It definitely took lots of practice.  Practice brought on confidence.  And that was the game changer for me. 

Why use pen for your Outdoor Sketching?

It gives you a quick dark, creating more drama in your drawings.
It gives you a lively line, that is full of life, doesn’t look contrived. 
It is quick, moving you into the fun stuff of drawing. 
It looks great on its own but with a bit of colour it makes your work shine.
It gets you drawing with a looseness that will show up in all your work. 
It can’t be erased, leaving you free to draw rather than trapped in the erase/correct mode. 

Ok, I know, I am prejudice.  I personally love the crisp dark line on white paper.  I enjoy the feel of my pen jumping and gliding across the page.  I love the way the dark lines give my work that extra dimension of depth.

Getting started

Supplies: 
a. Use a 03 Pigma or Steadler pen.  (a good size for a 5.5. x 8 in sketchbook.  Bigger book, use a 05).  Permanent Ink, of course.  These pens come in other colours and by all means, pick a colour you like.  I use other colours as well but Black is my favourite. 

Pens are inexpensive, come in different sizes and colours. 

b. Sketchbook. I suggest a Mixed Media Book as then you are free to add watercolour to your line work if you wish.  They also seem to have the whitest paper, which appeals to me.

c.  Other supplies: See my post "My really Smallmendous Art Kit"  This has everything I need for working in the field with my sketchbook.  

Pick User friendly Subjects:

Yes, there is such a thing.  Subjects that let you take your pen and run with it.  A chance to enjoy the drawing rather than worrying about being exact.  A fence post is one of my favourite User friendly subjects. 

Step 1: Grab your pen and draw along with me

When restating the edges of the post, be sure to cross over your initial line.  Go inside and outside of it making the edges of your post ragged and weathered.  

Step 2: As you work, feel the movement of the pen to paper, there is a real sense of freedom

As you work grain lines into the post and add your grass, notice the power of mixing thin lines with thick lines.  With the grass, notice the power of a few dots at the end of a stroke, suggesting seeds or flower husks.  And most of all, notice the power of the broken line.  These are the secrets of line work that can add new dimensions to your work.  

Step 3: Add your own little details, flowers, leaves . . .  

After adding your details go back and add the shading.  Note how I have suggested my post is round by just having a soft shadow line. 

Step 4: Added shadowing in the grass brings out more depth

Here is my little fence post finished.  Did you feel the looseness of your pen work?  Did you notice the life that your line work had, when not dictated to by pencil lines.  (Don't get me wrong, in a more complex drawing there is a need for some pencil layout.  My goal is to reduce that layout as much as possible and jump to my pen)  Oh, btw, did you notice that your original layout lines have 'disappeared'.

A Final Touch: A BIT OF COLOUR

Step 5: Just for fun, dropped in some colour

Just for fun, I added some colour and a few random strokes in the background to give a little depth.  (This is the beauty of those permanent ink pens, the ink dries quickly and wont run when you add water. ) If you do decide to add some watercolour, let it flow as well.  You do not need to 'paint inside the lines'.  Especially in the grass.  Bits of green outside the grass offers another value and more depth to your work. 

Is your pen starting to call to you?  Looking for more practice. If you live in town, 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.

My Etsy Store is always OPEN: Etsy - WendyMouldsArt

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


Join me for a morning of  Outdoor Sketching: 

Small group Outdoor Sketching Classes on Tuesday morning, July 30, August 6, 13, and 20.

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  Book all 4 sessions for $150. Bring your own supplies
Contact Me to register.   and for more information. 

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

Plein Air Festival at Kilby - Full Report - Painting & Drawing Tips

Can it really be over already?!

Just got home and unpacking from 4 days at Kilby Plein Air Festival. Steve, Max and I had an awesome time.  Lots of old friends from other years and new ones too.

Jayden with his winner - PEPPERMINT

 We started off Friday & Saturday as two glorious painting days.  11-4pm.  How can it go so fast?
There was so many interesting setups and different mediums.  It was fascinating just to walk around and talk with all the artists.

Terry works large on Yupo paper with Acrylic

Kilby had lots of umbrellas up for shade and were quick to move them when needed.

Nika worked every day on her great painting of the Milk House - Amazing work from one so young.

Kerry busy painting the Kilby Cafe, set up by the gas pumps

Food was available right at the Cafe and they had a wonderful spread.  We placed our order and they brought it right out to our spot.  Who wants to stop working just to eat!!

I was busy as an Organizer and Judge so did not have time to really sit and paint.  However, in keeping with my focus on ink drawing this summer I decided to work on some ink Portraits. 

ERNIE - My first attempt.  Encouraging, eh?!

 I know, you are wondering, when did that start.  Well, there were so many people there in period costume wanting to be models so I thought I would give it a try.  My first one went way better than I expected.  It looked like a person and even my model could recognize himself.  I was encouraged and tried a few more.  

Portrait #2 - little bigger and a bit of colour

My second was Jo-Ann.  I got brave and added just a hint of colour. 

Jessica was very patient with me while I worked on my drawing.

For my third one with Jessica I really got a bit carried away.

JESSICA -  Portrait #3 - more colour, stronger values 

Sunday was wrap up Day at the Festival.  Artists were sneaking in before the gate open at 11 to get their paintings done.   1 pm saw paintings handed in. Time to look around and see what had been accomplished.  Some had finished 2 or 3 paintings others only 1.  Didn't matter.  It was all in the spirit of the event.  

Bruce Coughlan sang all afternoon - so nice to hear his music under the trees as we picnicked on the grass

Jurying happened at 2 and Prizes and Awards at 3.  Jayden won the big prize - a night at Harrison Hot Springs.  People's Choice was Awarded and then Draw Prizes for everyone.  Suddenly it was all over. 

Max is getting pretty good at this kayaking thing.  We were out on the Harrison River several times over the weekend. 

Don't think Painting was all we did.  Several of the artists like myself, stayed at the Kilby Campsite on the river so it was walks, swims and kayaking for us well into the evening.  Kilby Campsite takes reservations so keep that in mind if you plan on joining in next year. 

A special thanks to the Kilby Staff for making this such a successful event. This was the 4th year and certainly a very successful one.  

Have you tried Plein Air Painting or Drawing?  Time and worries just melt away as you get into your zone.  An awesome way to spend the day.  I have one more outing set up this month, see info below if you would like to join me.

Etsy Store: WendyMouldsArt  is always open and new things added all the time.  Original Artwork, commissions and prints and cards of Art by Wendy's Work

One More OUTDOOR SKETCHING DAY - Tuesday, Aug 28, 9:45- 11:45pm

Capture the sun filtering through the trees, flowers blowing in the breeze, or lazy water trickling in the creek.  Bring you sketckbook and paints and join me in a morning of relaxed drawing and painting in the park.  Beginners to Advanced Welcome - Small Group and Lots of Instruction.  Cost $36.75  Bring your own materials.   Contact Wendy to save your spot

SAVE THE DATE:  

Open Studio at Art by Wendy Studio/Gallery

 Sun, Sept 30, 10-4pm 

Special Hands-On Drawing Demos: 11 am & 1pm 

Artists reading this also find the following valuable: 
The Story of a Painting in 3 Parts,  from start to finish - starts here

How to Paint/Draw Soft & Fluffy Animals, 2 Parts - starts here

How to Find Your Starting Point in a Drawing - here

 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

Have you been on a Tangled Adventure? - Ink Drawing Techniques

NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF ART BY WENDY

Some say it is meditative, relaxing, calming 

but I say it is fun!

 ….Sharp, crisp lines of black, dancing and swirling on the page

…Long even strokes, short choppy ones, marching down the line

…Splash of colour, well maybe more than a splash,

What could be more fun!!

Day 3 - Tangles: Poke Root, Festune, & Hollibaugh with shading (an enhancer) and colour

Zentangles have taken over the world and although I have been slow to join I am now ‘on that bus’. 

First created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas in 2005, as a way to teach and encourage others to experience a sense of focus, well-being and relaxation through art.  Almost like meditation. “A zentangle is a collection of patterns not meant to represent anything.  It is created on a 3.5 x 3.5 piece of art paper called a ‘tile’. “ (One Zentangle a Day by  Beckah Krahula)

There are no mistakes, takes little time, always looks great - What more could you ask for?

Journal Page with Zentangles - for the early lessons you learn 2 or 3 tangles a day. Each day brings new surprises!! 

September was here, I was feeling like new beginning so I decided to see what this Zentangle stuff was all about.  I bought Beckah‘s lovely book, it is actually a 6-week course giving you a mini lesson each day.  No, I am not doing it every day.  But it is such a treat to sit down when I have a moment, open my book and work through another lesson.  Each time I learn a few new tangles (patterns) or some ways of enhancing my patterns (enhancers).  I am not sure if I am in a meditative state when I work but I certainly feel focused, positive and relaxed.  When the tangle is done, you definitely feel success.  They are right, everything looks good.  Even that little mark you thought was wrong!

My first Tangle with patterns Static, Tipple and Crescent Moon.  (Note my new Tangle signature. Just part of the Zentangle fun)

As I learn more about the tangles I can see that the patterns have really been with us all the time.  They are the random patterns of life, the cultural patterns of beadwork and paint, and the woven patterns of needle work all mixed into one. 

If you want to board the Zentangle bus and head out for adventure, I do have a few suggestions for your set up:

A few basic supplies for your Zentangle Adventure

A Journal : as you know, not all journals are the same.  You need paper that will take ink, felt pens, and light watercolour  ( I said you were going to have fun so of course you need some colour!!)

Pigment Permanent Pens:  Yes, you can use a plain pen or pencil but if colour is in your plans a permanent pen means things won’t run and you are not waiting for drying time

Sharp Tip/brush tip felts:  Ok, you can use anything really, coloured pencils, felts, crayons, paints but a nice set of dual tip felts will really get you creative.  You can add intense colour to those tight little circles and brush colour on large background fill area. 

A Guide: If you are new to Zentangles it is good to have some kind of reference.  There are hundreds of tangles and lots of “enhancers” to make your  zentangles sing.  The internet is full of demos, guides and sample lessons so check them out.  I personally like to work off-line at times so I am really happy to have a book.  I am enjoying Beckah Krahula book (from Chapters) but I know there are several more out there. 

So get out and start your  Zentangle Adventure today!

Day 7 - Altering tangles I have learned and adding colour.  Awesome shape, eh?!

Next post, my Zentangled inspired art.  (You knew I couldn’t just leave it on a 3 1/2 inch tile!!)

 Be sure to like and share my posts. You won't miss a single one if you follow by email or Like my Facebook Page. Keep up with all the art events by joining my email list (see sidebar)
Have a great artful day,
Wendy
Not too late for that special Christmas Gift, a pet portrait of your best friend, order today. More Information

Beware: 5 Health Hazards of Plein Air Painting!!!

NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF ART BY WENDY

Yes I know, You think I am crazy!

What could possibly be bad about Plein Air Painting??

Fresh clean air

 relaxing atmosphere

away from the hustle and bustle of life

Being "At One with Nature" !!

I am tucked in close to the cliffs, out of the wind but note that foot!!

 

I have just got back from a 3 weeks trip, painting up a storm: 

on the beach

 in the forest

 on the bluffs

 painting everywhere!!

However, You will be amazed at the Hazards!!

Part of the problem I think is that artists are crazy people.  As artists you get all excited at some of the goofiest things: the light falling on the water; waves pounding on the beach; the tall, old growth firs standing quietly on the trail.  You grab your gear, set up and start to work.  Your family knows you are lost for hours, maybe even days!! 

But are you prepared??

1.    Sunburns - (Probably the first thing you would think of) Even if you start in the shade the light will change and sooner or later you are in the sun.  I am usually pretty careful: hat, long sleeves, shady spot but watch out for your feet. I was working away and quickly shifting when my work was in the sun but who thinks of your feet!  My sandal feet got burnt!!

I was lucky when I worked on this forest scene - no mosquitoes!!  

2.    Bug Bites - I am more a spring to fall Plein Air painter so the bugs are out when I am out!! You never know when those guys will get you.  Again, those sandaled feet, sitting on a log and painting; who knew there were such things as sand fleas!!  Later, Sitting on the rocks, surf is pounding in, painting a lighthouse.  Medium breeze off the water so no bugs right?  Well, except for the few hiding behind my ears out of the wind!! Let me tell you, their bite meant business!!

3.    Eye Strain - This is an issue - Sunglasses or no Sunglasses?  I am in the sunglasses camp.  When I paint, I am usually there for hours and the glare off the paper and the scenery can be brutal. Yes, I do agree that sunglasses change your colour perspective a bit.  Definitely not the time to have those rose coloured glasses.  I find if I start the picture with sunglasses it is better to finish it with them.  That way the colours are consistent!!

Yes that is Rusty sitting on my lap.  This weekend he turns 19.  He still likes to curl up and keep me company when I paint.  However, he sleeps for more than 1.5 hours now!!  We were both in trouble!!

4.    Muscle Strain - So easy to do!!  You find your spot, set up and you are away!!  Who pays attention to time!  You are in The Moment!!  Hours can fly by and you haven't really moved.  Your arms, back and feet can scream their head off but you know what it's like.  "I will just finish this spot, then break, wait, I need to darken that spot, okay, no that line is too sharp . . ." 
I have been lucky.  My dog Rusty, paints with me.  Either on my lap if I am sitting or at my feet.  He has a 1.5 hr limit and then he says we need to stretch.  He is soooooo right!!

Easy to forget time here!!

5.     Heat Stroke/Frost Bite/Dehydration - Again this is so easy to do!!  Remember, we are in The Moment!!! Am I thirsty? Cold? Hot? Who thinks of these things when the light is changing!! The excitement of moving in on a picture is all you feel.  Then suddenly you are done, you step back to admire your work and OMG!!!  "I am cooking and I haven't had a drink for hours!!"  Like I said, part of the problem is Artists are crazy people!!

      Of course there are more hazards: bear bits, cougar attacks, . . .  When Rusty got restless and wanted to go I realized the coyotes were vvvvvvvery close!

  (Actually I realized they had been making a noise for some time, I just hadn't really paid any attention)   We got out of there very quickly!! 

Douglas Firs on the Trail - 5 x 7 - Ink

BUT despite the hazards the adventure is worth it!!

Spending time observing and painting life is and experience like no other.  Every picture definitely has a story!!

Rough Waters - 3 x 7 - Watercolour

Head out and paint but remember, like any outdoor adventure you need to be prepared!!

Tell me about some of your adventures.

Have a great day,

Wendy

See Lots more info on my  Plein Air Page

OMG!!! Is This Neat or What??!!

NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF ART BY WENDY

You know Journal are my Thing!

I have tried lots of different ones.

But, I think even for me,

This Journal is Over the Top!!

To begin with I had a Problem.

It was with my Artist in Residency at Revelstoke National Park this summer.  They wanted a Journal for our time in the park. It was only a short time so I really didn’t want to start one of my usual books.  What would I do with the rest of the book?  (I know, a bit of my thriftiness there!)  So I decided that I needed to make my own Journal just for that event. 

Basic travel kit for my Journal

I settled on a flip type journal.  The pages are like an accordion and you can make it as long or short as you like.  It worked great!  I attached it to a little clipboard and as you can see all my materials fit into a small ziplock bag:  small, compact, easy to carry and easy to use.  The pages are just right for a quick note or sketch, 3.5 in by 5.5 in.  My favourite medium is ink with graphite. ( You can do quick sketches and then get lots of values with your pencil, much faster than crosshatching with your pen.)

Front Cover: Balsam Lake

Back Cover: Mountain View from the Summit

 Of course my little journal needed a front and back cover and that is where the real fun began!!  I decided to use 4 x 6 in.  canvases that I have been holding on to forever.  I treated them with gesso and absorbent ground so I could use watercolour and then started painting.  It was so much fun to make little coloured pictures to go with the black and white pages.  (You know I love miniature things so this was all right up my alley!)

The finished pictures then had to be varnished to protect them, would you believe 6 coats?  After that I glued it all together with a cord to close it and my Journal was complete!

 Very neat eh?!!

Sorry to say I have to say good bye to my Journal for awhile it will be part of my work for the "Art in the Park 2014" show which will open Nov. 7- Dec. 5, 2014 in Revelstoke, BC.  The show will then travel for a year promoting the 100th Anniversary of the Park and the Parks Program in Canada. If you are in the area check out the show!

For more ideas for Plein Air work or Journaling see my Plein Air Adventures Page in my blog.  

Special Note: To learn more about the Residency see my first three August 2014 Posts beginning with this One.