Paper and Threads

 

We took a long walk through Belgravia on our last day in London and I sketched the huge basket of flowers that hangs from every light pole in these areas of London and one Hibiscus flower that was blooming in front of a terrace house.  In spite of higher than normal temperatures, these baskets always looked fresh and beautiful. 

Posted by Shirley at 3:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

We've returned from our wonderful London visit and this morning I scanned some of the sketches that I did of buildings.  These include:  the house that my daughter's family is renting, clouds overhead after a rainy day with details of their balcony, my 3 year old grandson's nursery school, Greene & Stone arts supply store, and Osborne & Little's windows.  All of these places are on or near King's Road in Chelsea.

This was a full family vacation and for much of the time I was with one or both of my grandchildren - ages 'just 3 and 19 months.  I carried my supplies with me and tried to make very quick sketches and then added watercolor washes - both from memory of the colors and occasional photos taken immediately before.  The clouds (EDM Challenge #74) need a little tweaking after scanning, but I have no time at the moment to do it.

The journal was a linen watercolor by Cachet (7 x 10" spiral bound).  I used Pigma Micron pens, Niji waterbrushes (small and medium) and a Daler-Rowney travel watercolor set.  Since my goal when I started sketching recently was to be able to keep an illustrated travel journal, I am pleased with my progress.  I purchased Graham Byfield's "London Sketchbook: A City Observed" before we went and realized very quickly that wonderful watercolor paintings of major London sites probably take days and days en plein!  I love looking at his magnificent book, but can't imagine creating it.

Posted by Shirley at 8:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)

We are enjoying a holiday in London with our two oldest grandchildren, age 3 and 18 months.  Although I am sketching more, and finally using one of my nicest watercolor journals, I don't have access to a scanner.  All of my sketches are 5-10 minute quickies as we travel around the neighborhood and the city.  Today I quickly sketched a huge triceratops skeleton head as my husband and grandson toured the remaining dinosaur exhibit.  If I can also photograph my subject, I can paint it later when time permits.  I may try to upload digital photos of my sketchbook so I have some memories of these wonderful days. 

Posted by Shirley at 5:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)