Paper and Threads

Accordion Sketchbook with Fabriano Artistico 140lb Soft Press paper:  I made 3 of these and used them for sketching during NYC Urban Sketchers meetings when weather permitted.  This is one of those three.

I am teaching a friend from NYC USK how to make books and last week, in lesson 4 - (first 3 lessons: pamphlet book, double pamphlet book, recycled book) we made accordion books using Fabriano Artistico 140 lb soft press watercolor paper.  We tore two 8" strips from a 22 X 30"sheet of paper and glued them together with a 1/2" flap.  The pages are 8"H x 7" W for a full length of 56".  I used paste paper I made previously to cover the binders board that I made while she was following along.

Posted by Shirley at 7:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

We gave 4 of our grandchildren new art supplies for Christmas.  Each of them enjoys drawing and painting and I put together a set of NeocolorII watercolor crayons, Albrecht Durer watercolor pencils, a Pelikan opaque paint set, two waterbrushes, and drawing and painting sketchbooks.   These all fit in a plastic Art Bin so they can keep all their own supplies together in their room.

I spent several mornings with them making sure they knew how to use the sets. While they drew and painted, I sketched and painted with them and then forgot that I had these two pages in my sketchbook.   

Cornelius Wishspinner:   Cornelius is also known as the Sandman according to the legend that came with the pattern.  This is a sculpture I made more than 30 years ago.  It is about 8 " tall and is brought out every Christmas for our fireplace mantle.  The clothes are all made of fabrics.  He has a pack of toys on his shoulder and a leather pouch around his waste.

After artist Giorgio Morandi:  I grabbed some jars and bottles from one of our dining room shelves and painted them, thinking about Morandi.

Posted by Shirley at 7:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I am not doing as much drawing this month while I catch up with sewing projects.  But it is easy to do my quick gesture morning figure drawings, and I collaged another group of drawings, sketched on paper, into my sketchbook.  I usually try to do more drawing and painting each week, but volunteer activities and some hibernation due to cold weather and sewing makes these quick figure drawings perfect when time is limited. 

Posted by Shirley at 7:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We took our Granddaughter back to Washington DC on New Year's day and spent two days there as the Government shutdown spread to the Museums - our usual happy places when we visit.  But my favorite place is Capitol Hills Books, a used bookstore across from Eastern Market in Capitol Hill.  I've sketched/painted it once from the front, and this time sketched the 3 buildings on that side of C Street.  It takes me several hours to pick out books, and I never return to NYC with fewer than 4.

C Street Banner design and there was one on every lamppost on one block.  I keep a separate sketchbook for my DC grandchildren, which I started when our first DC grandchild was born.  I am now on Sketchbook #2 and this was the page I did for this trip. 

Posted by Shirley at 1:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

More of my "after breakfast" line of action drawings.  My models are photo images from The Human Form in Action and Repose by Phil Brodatz and Dori Watson (1966).  I use one-quarter of a page of scrap copy paper, draw a quick line of the gesture/action in pencil, and then draw the full figure with ink and a gel pen.  I cut out the painted figures and collage them in my sketchbook.  The pencil lines are visible in the closeups in the final two images. 

Left Page of Spread

Right Page of Spread

Posted by Shirley at 8:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)