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Sketchbook and watercolors on location

Hi all… I am beginning to resurface and return to being me…what a concept!   After the tumult and demands of the past four years,  it appears I was up for a change of pace.  I NEVER do stuff spontaneously…just too much to do, too many obligations.  Then I saw Jane LaFazio‘s Facebook post about her new Joggles class, Sketchbook and Watercolor:  On Location, two days before it was to begin.  So I signed up, that day! Fortunately, I had most of the supplies on hand.   In something that hasn’t happened in about two (or more) decades, I am actually doing a class, doing the homework/assignment the week it is assigned!

Our first “location” was an easy one:  home!   We were to sketch keys, journal style…. I missed that part.  The Journal, not a whole shebang thing.  I was so excited I took plenty of time and really worked at it, and am thrilled.  My ability to draw is still tentative, but I worked at it enough to get it!

In utter decadence, I sat on the front porch, taking my art supplies with me in a basket. I used a journal sketchbook as a plain background to better see the keys.

Next, I sketched, taking my time:

Here, I have sketched the exercise in pencil, inked over it, and begun erasing the pencil marks. My 5x7 "block" of watercolor paper hadn't arrived yet so I used some student-grade watercolor paper I had in a pad in the studio.

Then it was time…GULP… to start with the watercolors.  I have two travel sets…one larger, one smaller.  I used the larger one since I was at home:

This set is "Yarka St Petersburg" which I must have ordered from Dick Blick. They seem to have a high pigment load...must have been a good price. And the blue thing is a Niji waterbrush...LOVE them!

So I started coloring in…what a different using watercolor paper makes!  It doesn’t bleed!  You get edges you can control!!!!!!

Not bad... this might have been a good place to stop as a "journal" exercise.....

But I kept going.   Learning how the colors would look on the paper was, well, a learning exercise!  I used the bottom of the page to test color:

Mucking about with the colors to see what combinations would make the color I wanted. I need to do more of this.

Not quite done…. colors need tweaking in this next photo:

I thought originally that I wanted to use my favorite Caribbean bright and clear colors. Wasn't working for me. So I went over the backround to blend in the shadows, and over the pink wihich was too little-girl bright. If you look at the key on the right, you can see the original pink next to the key and the washed-over / toned-down on the outside.

Finally, done, and I’m happy:

Done!

So far I am loving the class.  Lots of good participation by the students which makes the class even better.  Also, I really like Jane’s replies.  She comments on each and every effort posted.  And she doesn’t shy away (as some teachers do) from making suggestions or commenting when things are off.  Her replies are always kind and courteous, but you learn so much MORE when the teacher will point out what is amiss and how to fix it.  She also shared this blogpage where she lists *her* favorite supplies.  Most helpful!  Anyway, I’m having a BALL!  What an utter job to be able to relax, learn, muddle around with art, and take some time for myself.  I am sincerely hoping that the stress and tumult of the past four years are over, and I can return to something resembling normalcy.   I said in a post to the class that I feel like I’ve been in a years-long drought and have just found a spring of water and nourishment.

10 Responses to “Sketchbook and watercolors on location”

  1. Sarah Says:

    Awesome work! I love working on watercolor paper with watercolor/aquarelle pencils. It’s amazing how something as simple as this can make you feel “centered” again 🙂
    PS-I’m a Sarah Ann too! Yay for multi-disciplined artists 😉

  2. Gerrie Says:

    FANTASTIC!

  3. Linda Says:

    I love your watercolor,I have been doing a little bit of watercolor lately as well. Like you, I was surprised with the no bleeding.
    Thanks for sharing

  4. kathy Says:

    This is very impressive! Maybe I’ll come with you when you do the cafe one?

  5. JACQUIE Says:

    Okay — now you’ve energized me to do the work for my Quilt University class!
    Glad you have some time for YOU!

  6. Debby Harwell Says:

    Love your “keys” and they look so real! I almost thought the key on the right was layed on the paper for perspective! I’ve taken all of Jane’s Joggle classes and they are life transforming! I never knew I could draw until taking those classes! What a confidence builder! She is indeed a great teacher! We’ll be looking for more of your lessons as you progress along, and welcome back to normal! HaHa! I’m not so sure if we’re ever really normal, what’s that anyway? But so glad to hear that you’re able to take some time for yourself!

  7. Linda Moran Says:

    Good for you! With retirement I’ve been taking some art classes also – working on my second one from QU. I’m thinking about Jane’s class, especially since I see the GREAT work you’ve done!!

  8. Sally Says:

    I admire your ability to jump into using other mediums for your work. I just signed up for a class in painting with acrylics sponsored by our local College’s continuing educ. dept. Looking forward to it. Instructor supplies everything (for a fee of course) but at least I can get to try it out and see if painting is something I want to pursue. Perhaps watercolors will come next. You always inspire me to push my boundaries. Thanks. Sally

  9. Maggie Szafranski Says:

    Totally awesome! I keep looking for a local course in elementary drawing, but I need to have my chaotic life slow down to be able to enjoy learning a new technique!

  10. Wolfie Says:

    I’m totaly blown away by your talent!! No matter how many classes I would take, I would never reach your level of artistery. Good to be home – heh?
    Hugs