Avenue Ste. Anne
Posted: April 22, 2013 Filed under: Uncategorized 19 CommentsWhen pressed for time (which seems to be most days!) I often start my daily sketch with an ink line and add colour to the drawing. This is much faster than building up areas with watercolour alone, and if need be, can be completed later in the day. I find that the Fabriano Artistico hot pressed block takes the ink line really well but you can end up with some unusual wash effects on this smooth paper. I’ve never had this happen before but today the French Ultramarine pigment that I used was super granulating, especially in the shadow area in the lower left of the sketch. I’m not sure if this is the brand of paint (Daniel Smith) or simply the paper. I don’t mind it because it adds a kind of weird texture to the asphalt but I might find it undesirable some other time.
This is smashing. I thought you said you were intimidated by drawing cars? As we say in southern Ohio, Pshaw! Are you familiar with a book by William Lawrence, titled, “Painting Light and Shadow in Watercolor?” I just came across it at our local public library and I have learned so much about how to think and perhaps a bit about how you compose as well.
Lee, Skip Lawrence was one of my teachers! I studied with him in Boothbay Harbour, Maine. Not only is he a wonderful teacher and painter but he’s a really nice guy. He also studied with my most memorable teacher, Ed Whitney. There is a website devoted to Mr. Whitney if you are interested: http://edgarwhitney.blogspot.ca/
I remember his big old station wagon that he would take to Kennebunkport every summer and I still use my Whitney bag when I go out painting. You can see photos of Skip on this site.
Lordy, what a small world. I am amazed. Are you familiar with Diane Gessler – perhaps I spelled her last name incorrectly. Anyway, I am attending a workshop on travel journaling this Friday. I think her approach is a light one, but that’s OK. One can always learn. Now I am going to see if William Lawrence has a web page. Of course I am familiar with Edgar Whitney. You were lucky to have met him and be taught by him. I think his lineage (artistically) goes straight back to William Merrit Chase, N. C. Weyeth, and Pendergast. Wow. Lucky you!
Yes. I was so fortunate Lee. And so much of what I learned from him stayed with me even after a long break from painting. That’s how good the teaching was.
I will have to look up Diane to see what she does. I’m sure you will learn a lot.
Hi, thank you for sharing. If you would like to try some excellent paint try Graham’s. I obtain it from Dick Blick art supplies in the states. Available on the web. All colours available. No trouble shipping to canada
Thanks Diane. I’ve never tried M.Graham but I have ordered supplies from Blick. Thanks for the tip!
I liked the shadow too.
It made me remember how I feel outdoors, when I am not standing in the sunlight.
Thanks Chris!
I love this..to me everything is just right..the lines..the shadows..the asphalt..it has been raining here…not today..
PS is that a Fiat at the back?
I have ordered from Jerry’s and Dick’s..but both times delivered in the USA..Very good..both
Thanks Monique!
That is not a Fiat in the back but maybe my excellent car drawing skills make it look like one : )
I do like the light and shadows on that collection of buildings in the background… and the way they are framed by the walls in the foreground. The granulating wash in the bitumen is interesting but a bit distracting… which may be a good thing because you don’t look at the cars for too long. : )
Another insult to my vehicle drawing skills? I may just have to block you from commenting : )
Another??? Have I said something previously? Actually, I was relieved that there wasn’t another Jag parked there… or maybe one of those cars is a Jag? I can’t really tell. : )
And I don’t think you would block me… you absolutely need my comments, because I am the one that stops you getting a swelled head.
Nice w/c, Shari. I love your palette. It looks like your Fr. Ultramarine blue had a bit of burnt sienna, and I think that’s what makes it granulate. Often we want granulation, esp. in landscapes. It might be a bit distracting on the right-hand side of the shadow.
Yes Peggy, there probably was a bit of burnt sienna. I find that on the smooth paper there is a lot of granulation but sometimes it really can be too much.
i came across your site, and the first image i saw, reminded me of softness and the art of being kind. the colours are soft and easy on the brain. my sister in law paints still life, and your style is not unlike hers, and she’s highly regarded. her name is ruth o’donnell, she’s irish. keep it up. art changes how we look at the world, and we never needed to see things differently, more so now than ever before.
Easy on the brain. I like that. And being kind too.
Thanks so much. I had a look at Ruth’s work. Just beautiful but very, very skilled as well. Thanks for sharing her with us.
Just started following recently and really enjoying your posts. What kind of ink do you use?
Jayne Redman
Sent from my iPad
Thanks Janye. For this I use Noodler’s Bulletproof black in my Lamy pen. Sometimes I also use a Pitt artists pen.