161. Happy Tuesday!

Schmincke Soft Pastels on Clairefontaine Pastelmat Paper, 7" x 9.5"

160. Potential

Derwent Graphic 9B pencil then Staedtler 0.05 Pigment Liner,
Tombow brushpens, Neocolour II and Uni Pin 0.5 Fineliner pen

in Handbook Travelogue Journal, 5" x 5" (x2)

Even the seemingly mundane holds bags of potential. (You can tell my writing as it suddenly takes off uphill - LOL!)  Happy sketching and painting everyone.

Work in progress images…

159. Decaffeinated English

Pilot G-Tec C4 water-soluble pen and Tombow brushpen

in Handbook Travelogue Journal, 5" x 5"

A bit too much fiddling with this, methinks! I got caught up in a march by accident and my usual 'haunt' was heaving so I popped into this place and had the loveliest pot of tea.  (Photographed on my phone, rather than my usual camera, so I may re-post.)

158. Sneaky

Pilot G-Tec C4 pen in Notebook

Been in a couple of meetings today but I did manage to sneak this sketch this afternoon by holding my notebook close to my face while everyone was distracted watching a short DVD. It helped that I was farthest from the screen!  :D

157. Ocean Bottle Gift

Faber Castell 0.7 HB pencil then Staedtler 0.05 Pigment Liner,
Tombow brushpens, Neocolour II and Uni Pin 0.5 Fineliner pen

in Handbook Travelogue Journal, 5" x 5" (x2)

Our pre-school children's group made 'ocean bottles' yesterday and I was thrilled to be given one as a gift - it's a fascinating object containing two types of gel, sea creatures, rocks, etc. I should add that the bottles were taped tightly and securely (mine in red). I had to start with pencil as it was a little complex. The WIP images are below.

Thank you Helen and your lovely crew!

I achieve straight lines by running my hand along the edge of the pages using my little finger as a 'clip'. (This only works for me on A4 or smaller sketchbooks.) A tutor once refused to believe that I hadn't used a ruler but it's quite easy once you get the hang of it.

(Move the bulldog clips first though.)

Bubbles, rocks and creatures added.

Pen added with tiny dots to remind me of where the highlights and reflections need to be.

Pencil removed with putty eraser.

Two Tombow brushpens used to add the tonal values.

(Forgot to include the shadows before photographing it.)

Water-soluble wax pastel added.

All done!

156. Cool Dude?

Faber Castell 0.7 HB pencil then

Staedtler Pigment Liner 0.05 pen and Tombow Brushpen (x3)

in Handbook Travelogue Journal, 5" x 5" (x2)

Here he is with tonal values added. Looks quite sombre now but maybe that's right for an iron?

155. A Very Warm Friend

Staedtler Pigment Liner 0.05 pen

in Handbook Travelogue Journal, 5" x 5" (x2)

Unfinished as I have to get to an early meeting. Will add the tonal values this evening; the model promises to stay still.

154. Vits!

Faber Castell 0.7 HB pencil then Staedtler Pigment Liner 0.05 pen,

Tombow Brushpen (x2) and Caran d'Ache Neocolour II

in Handbook Travelogue Journal, 5" x 5" (x2)

Happy Monday!

153. Post-Op Park

Faber Castell 0.7 HB pencil then Staedtler Pigment Liner 0.05 pen,
Tombow Brushpen (x2) and Caran d'Ache Neocolour II
in Handbook Travelogue Journal, 5" x 5" (x1.3)

Sometimes you just have to perform surgery on your artwork if it isn't right. You can see from the initial line drawing below how much I sliced off. I'm happier with it now.

Before surgery…

152. Inside the Pink Gallery at the RA Summer Exhibition

Faber Castell 0.7 HB pencil then Staedtler Pigment Liner 0.05 pen,
Tombow Brushpen (x2) and Caran d'Ache Neocolour II
in Handbook Travelogue Journal, 5" x 5" (x2)

Yesterday, inside the Pink Gallery at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. (Academicians' works shown here are by J McFadyen, F Bowling, H Ocean, I McKever, J Camp, T Jaray and Michael Craig-Martin - the Exhibition's Chief Co-ordinator.)

We were allowed to take photographs of most of the exhibition and of course they include lots of people. I was especially intrigued by this dear elderly gentleman standing by these paintings and was compelled to sketch him when I got home.

Thank you so much to my dear friend Azra for inviting me along to this super exhibition and for such a lovely day. Congratulations on the sale of your wonderful painting (and so quickly)!

151. John Constable's House, Hampstead

Faber Castell 0.7 HB pencil then Staedtler Pigment Liner 0.05 pen,
Tombow Brushpen and two Derwent Coloursoft Pencils in

in Handbook Travelogue Journal, 5" x 5" (x2)

This sketch was done at the Sketchcrawl on Saturday in pencil at the scene then I went over it in pen at home. I got the idea of only adding colour to the door and the blue plaque from another sketcher there on the day who did a beautiful pen and ink drawing of the house. There are so many benefits to be had from creating alongside others - especially such seasoned artists, one of which is learning new ideas and techniques that can be used to enhance and progress your existing style.

Below is what I finished on the day:

The drawing was accurate at this stage (although I've moved the right-hand pillar slightly to the left) but what a difference the tonal values make! I love pen and ink.

150. Musician

HB Pencil on A3 Newsprint (folded to A4)

Hi folks.  Here is a bonus sketch for you.  Last night, we had an event at church and I was able to do a couple of sketches. I was looking at the 'neck' of the instrument head on which is why you can't see it and I know I captured this guitarist's stance correctly. However, I knew the facial likeness must be slightly off when, having drawn him, another guitarist said afterwards "Oh, you drew me!" LOL!

149. Sketchcrawl - Opposite the Flask Pub

Pilot G-Tec C4 Watersoluble pen, Staedtler 0.1 Pigment Liner,
Tombow Brush Pen and Caran d'Ache Neocolour II

in Handbook Travelogue Journal, 5" x 5" (x2)

Lots of errors being corrected here, as you can see, but that's the beauty of the sketchbook - try and try and try again until it's right then be honest enough to share for the encouragement of others. See, Azra, Julie and Rolina - I'm learning!!! Thanks to each of you for your very kind words that changed my thinking and helped me to see sense.

148. Trin's Cake

Pilot G-Tec C4 Watersoluble pen,

Staedtler 0.1 Pigment Liner and Caran d'Ache Neocolour II

in Handbook Travelogue Journal, 5" x 5" (x2)

Yesterday, five of us went to the Hampstead Sketchcrawl with Urban Sketchers London. Lunch was at the Buttery Cafe and one of my friends had this lovely-looking cake. One of the great advantages of these days is having the opportunity to do quite a few en plein air sketches. I also sketched outside the Flask Pub and finally John Constable's house - I'll post these over the next few days.

147. Wheelchair and Scarf

HB Pencil and Pilot G-Tec C4 

in Handbook Travelogue Journal, 5" x 5"

Not sure why I started this in pencil but I've now been over it in pen. There was also a nurse sitting to the right of the pillar but the lady was wheeled away, then I had to go, so it remains unfinished.

I know this one is from a back view but I'm amazed at how easy it is to sketch people waiting for something as often they are trance-like.  I've recently been sketching people as I wait at the train station for my husband - they generally don't notice me because they are focused on their own car, relative or friend and they keep repeating the same poses which helps.

Have a lovely weekend.

146. Ten-minute Pears

Pilot G-Tec C4 Watersoluble pen, Tombow brushpen

and Uni Pin 0.5 Fineliner pen in

in Handbook Travelogue Journal, 5" x 5" (x2)

Knocked this out this morning on the way to a meeting and have only just found time to post it. They are from a really yummy pack of pears that each have a lovely blush on them.

145. Gerbera and Rocket Fuel (Oats with Cranberries)

Pilot G-Tec C4 and 

Caran d'Ache Neocolour II 

in Handbook Travelogue Journal, 5" x 5" (x2)

Started this before work then came home late and very tired so it has become overworked. If it were a painting, I probably would not have posted but it's in my sketchbook so here it is. I promise to do better tomorrow!

144. Pink Lady Yumminess

Pilot G-Tec C4 and 

Caran d'Ache Neocolour II 

in Handbook Travelogue Journal, 5" x 5"

Before diluting with water

143. Garden Tulip in Pastels

Schminke and Unison soft pastels on

Clairefontaine Pastelmat, 9" x 12" (cropped to 8" x 8")

Don't you just love soft pastels? The colours are simply delicious. However, my fingernails are a very interesting colour right now - time for a mini manicure! Happy painting everyone!

Detail

142. Bouquet with Colour Added

Pilot G-Tec C4 and 

Caran d'Ache Neocolour II 

in Handbook Travelogue Journal, 5" x 5"

As promised, I've added some colour to yesterday's sketch and here it is.

Thank you to those of you who have left comments on this blog; I find it very encouraging and am grateful to each of you for taking time out of your busy day to say such lovely things. Happy painting! xx

141. Bouquet - Initial Sketch

Pilot G-Tec C4 and 

Caran d'Ache Neocolour II 

in Handbook Travelogue Journal, 5" x 5"

A couple I know surprised me by turning up at work with a gorgeous bouquet for me; these are some of the flowers. I'll add a bit of tone and some colour but this is the initial sketch. I always like to sketch and/or paint flowers that are given to me to make them last even longer.

140. Geranium Buds

Pilot G-Tec C4 and 

Caran d'Ache Neocolour II 

in Handbook Travelogue Journal, 5" x 5"

There are also some red ones which I may post up tomorrow. I'm really enjoying doing these sketches but I can definitely hear the oil paint calling...

139. Blue Vase with Roses and Freesias

Pilot G-Tec C4 and Caran d'Ache Neocolour II 

in Handbook Travelogue Journal, 5" x 5"

(after diluting with water then adding another layer of blue)

Below,

this is before adding water…

138. Disappearing Celery

HB Pencil, Pilot G-Tec C4 and Caran d'Ache Neocolour II 

in Handbook Travelogue Journal, 5" x 5"

(after diluting with water)

Below,

this is before adding water…