Paper and Threads

I just finished making my second watercolor journal using book cloth that I made from dye painted fabric (procion MX dyes and corn dextrin resist).  The first one can be seen here.  This 6 X 8"book is made using 140 lb Fabriano soft press watercolor paper and consists of 6 signatures with two folios in each.  I'm thrilled to complete another one.

The Book Cover - made with blue and purple dyes.

The End Papers

 Australian Reversed Piano Hinge Journal

I made a second watercolor journal this week - using Gwen Diehn's instructions for a sketchbook with removeable pages.  EDM Members can access these instructions in a file on the message board.  This looked like a fun technique to know - even though I like working in journals that can be numbered and stored on a shelf.

Exterior of 5 X 7.5" Book:  Made with Fabriano Artistico (8 folios in 4 signatures) and TexLibris bookcloth.

Open Book - showing the spine:  The watercolor paper was used as end papers to insert the page block into the cover, so only one of the folios in each of those two signatures are removeable.

The Concertina and Flat Hinge: 

There is supposed to be a peper hinge which goes through the concertina tunnels to hold each folio in place.  I just happened to be in the New York Garment District, and saw the perfect size "bones" to use instead.  Here is a photo showing the bone passing through 3 concertina tunnels and fixing the folio.  Each folio makes 4 pages in the book.

Posted by Shirley at 2:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

My opinion of this pen is still open, I find it impossible to draw with but easier to use after I have done a quick pencil sketch.  So in my daily sketches, I'm trying to periodically use it instead of the Sakura Pigma Micron or Zig Millenium pens. 

I copied another Rembrandt drawing, in pencil first, because he achieves so many line widths in his drawings.  My biggest discovery was - this is watersoluble ink in the Pentel pen.  So now I know it will never be my regular pen for pen, ink, and watercolor wash drawings.

I then decided to use it on one of my own sketches, instead of practicing from Rembrandt.  While my baby grandson was asleep I sketched the top of the NYC Soldiers and Sailors monument - which can be seen out of my son's apartment window.  Zachary is a master of 30 minute naps, so I knew that I had limited time to do the pencil sketch and then complete it with the Pentel pen.  It was fast, loose, and fun.  But I had to be very careful adding a little watercolor because the ink is not permanent.

Posted by Shirley at 10:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)

 I thoroughly enjoy my monthly figure drawing sessions - and last evening one of the two models was the lovely pregnant woman from my last session.  The fast, i.e. 2 minute and 5 minute sketches are the most fun for me, probably because I get bored during the 20 minute poses when I think I should add faces and hands.  Feet are rarely an option because I can't see them from where I sit.

2 minute Pose

2 Minute Pose Left and 5 Minute Pose Right

5 Minute Pose

5 Minute Pose Left and 10 Minute Pose Right

I realized that I chose to upload only the drawings that I did of the pregnant model. (there are always 19 total)  She is just glowing - with a beautiful calm face and lovely smile.

Posted by Shirley at 3:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)

Several practice journal pages from this week:

I am having trouble getting used to the Pentel Pocket Brush Pen and decided that I should sketch a few Rembrandt drawings in pencil and then quickly draw them with the Pentel.  I wish that I could control it better, but here they are for all to see.  I tried to copy line for line from the Master from his very quick sketches.

I really liked the exercise described by Joanne last week on the EDM Message Board and finally found a full frontal magazine ad.  My favorite drawing pencil is a Mahogany color watercolor pencil and unfortunately it doesn't scan very well.  But I was pleased with the exercise and will continue to look for more photos.

Posted by Shirley at 6:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

I haven't scanned the last 3 EDM challenges, yet. 

EDM Challenge #255:  Draw the Person Sitting Next to You on Bus, Train, Airplane

The best I could do was to draw the person sitting across from me, at the Society of Illustrators, waiting for the live figure drawing session to begin.  He was reading and therefore didn't know I quickly sketched him. 

EDM Challenge #256:  Draw Something Bubbly

There was a huge Kandinsky exhibit at the Guggenheim, and I was inspired by one of his paintings to draw these bubbly-looking circles.

EDM Challenge # 257:  Draw a Houseplant

This bamboo plant was a gift from students to my husband, and I'm amazed at how big these plants can grow from this tiny ceramic container and only water. 

Posted by Shirley at 1:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)