Studio stuff
Posted: October 24, 2017 Filed under: Uncategorized 27 CommentsWhenever I clean up my studio I find unopened sketchbooks — usually carted home from a symposium and stored in a drawer — that result in me setting aside my cleaning to starting a sketch. As you know, there’s nothing more inviting than a pristine book of white paper, especially one you’ve never tried before.
I think I brought this particular one home from Manchester last year. It’s a Seawhite Eco Sketchbook with a Kraft paper cover. Many watercolorists have suggested that I try Seawhite watercolour books, but this is not the same stock as that. From the Seawhite website, this particular sketchbook is described as ecological cartridge paper — probably better for pencil or ink work. But I thought I’d give it a try with some light washes to test it out. It breaks the routine to work on different grades of paper than what you’re used to. For this sketch, I started with the very dark areas, using more pigment than water on the brush — and then moved to wetter, more transparent areas. I like the opaqueness of the paint on the paper and the way I could build up several layers, especially with the bright colours. It almost felt like I was working with gouache. In fact, I may try that next time to see what it’s like. If you’ve ever tried this paper, I’d love to hear how you use it.
Shari Blaukopf's Sketchbook 
After seeing this, I think your next Craftsy class should be ‘Painting Reflective and Transparent Surfaces.’ This is stunning!
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That would be a fun one, wouldn’t it? The trick with this is to really abstract the shapes. Look at the lights and darks, and paint around the highlights. Or add them in later with white paint.
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Thanks for the tips, Shari!
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It IS stunning – so clean and fresh and gorgeous – you’ve done it again, Sherri!
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Thanks so much Joan.
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Stunning is most definitely the word. I love this!
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Thanks Lois!
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Amazing work! I second the previous comment about a future craftsy class.
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I will certainly think about that John. Thanks for writing.
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It is a contrast to your other works, certainly beautiful but also different perhaps because your darks are so defined. It is a lovely work. I especially appreciate your detailed lesson in both paper and paint application. Thank you.
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It was a different way of working but I love trying new things like this. I will certainly work with the paper again.
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I love this! And I agree with Vicky Porter’s comment above.
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Thanks Carol. I will keep it in mind!
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Wowser! I agree with Vicky and everyone who said this is stunning. I exclaimed out loud! Not that this is unusual when I open your postings but something about this one really got me smiling on the inside. Your work really lifts my spirits.
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Mary, thanks for this!
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Regardless of the paper or medium, your touch is magic!
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Did you get this book from Manchester? It might have been in our bags.
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‘Mostly Montreal, most of time’ should read ‘Mostly Magic, all of the time’ — no matter the subject, that Blaukopf magic touch is always there. You amaze me.
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Lisa, thanks. I always tell people that it makes me happy to draw every day, and if other people enjoy it too, that is an added bonus.
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Agree with all of the above. Would be another great Craftsy course. Love this painting.
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Thanks so much Judy.
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If I buy the book will I paint like this?:) LOve it.
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Yup, it’s all in the book!
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Beautiful! Love the confident choice of values
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Thanks so much Leslie.
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Wow! nice one. So complex but as usual, perfect.
tim
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So great to hear from you Tim! Thanks.
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