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Rewatching “Death in Paradise”
In January I started rewatching “Death in Paradise.” It’s a “murder/detective/fish-out-of-water” show that I have enjoyed since first seeing it on PBS several years ago. I don’t want to give significant details away about the whole arc of the series, but basically an English policeman, not well liked at home for being a bit fussy […]
Another Portrait on Canson Heritage Watercolor Paper
One thing I found that I really liked with Canson Heritage watercolor paper was the way a wide range of pens worked beautifully on its surface. (I was testing the hot press surface.) In this portrait I used a fountain pen filled with Platinum Carbon Black and two Sakura Pigma Professional brush pens with solid […]
Stonehenge Aqua Review Part 2—Ink on the Cold Press Surface and Binding
This is part two of a multi-part review of Stonehenge Aqua (hot and cold press) 140 lb. watercolor papers. Please see part one (which contains a recommendation summary) at this link. While I may have started as a child with color pencils I quickly transitioned to pen and ink. As a result of that I’ve […]
In Context—The Loose Line and Thoughts on Villainy
“In Context” posts are meant to be “no writing” and an unedited, un-redacted spread from my journal. So click on the image to enlarge it so you can read.
In Context—Just for the Fun of Feeling the Paper
I was having so much fun with this sketch on real watercolor paper, that I forgot to write down the date and time on the page! That’s a lot of fun. I started working late one night in one of the 9 x 11 inch watercolor journals I bound last fall. It contains Fabriano Artistico […]
Sketching Warm Up—A Quick Approach
Just as it is important to do your daily exercises, go for your walk, ride your bike, it’s important to do your drawing warm up. These can be done very quickly. The sketches on the above page spread were done in less than 12 minutes. That’s how long it takes to make my breakfast noodles. […]
The Field Artist Watercolor Journal: A Review
It has been several months since I first picked one of these up. This review will be heartbreaking for me to write. They came so close with this commercially bound journal—sewn signatures, paper that actually liked watercolor, several convenient sizes, a covering material that’s pleasant to hold… So What Is Wrong With This Book? The […]
Dark Skin Tones on the Old Gutenberg Paper
I love painting on the OLD Gutenberg paper. (See note at end of post if you don’t know why I’m calling it “old.”) Even the lightest weight Gutenberg came in would take watercolor beautifully; it just might buckle a little, but the heavier weights of the paper took water even better. The yellow-cream of the […]
Dogs—Paws On Grand Is Coming Up
This year, because of bronchitis I’m not going to be able to sketch dogs at Wet Paint for Paws On Grand. But I wanted to give you a heads up about this event because there are going to be some great artists on hand ready to make quick portraits of your dog, cat, […]
Storing My Montana Acrylic Markers
I am frequently asked how I store my Montana Acrylic Markers. As you can see from the photo I use a cleaner’s caddy. I cut stiff cardboard dividers to insert into the two main wells. These dividers are held in place with tape on both sides so that they don’t move. (See the side of […]