Flats and rounds
Posted: April 24, 2020 Filed under: Uncategorized 28 CommentsExcept for runs, walks with the dog, and a brief ride around the block to draw, today was my first time getting away from the house with the purpose of doing some real urban sketching. It felt strange to drive around Pointe Claire Village and see all the shuttered stores in the middle of the afternoon. There were plenty of people walking, biking and driving but you get the sense that everyone is quickly passing through. Moving with purpose. No one stops to window shop, have a coffee or sit on a bench. It makes me wonder what Montreal will be like when it finally starts to warm up here. It’s going to be a strange summer.
From my car, I did a quick watercolour of a corner on Lakeshore Road that I’ve sketched in all seasons. It felt great to be outside on a sunny day, watch the changing shadows, and draw a familiar scene. There are the tiniest of buds on the trees but no green yet. I’m looking forward to that changing in a week or so.
I also wanted to tell you about a new FREE video “My Five Favourite Watercolour Brushes” that I just posted on my teaching website. The subject is one that I’ve talked about a lot on my blog over the years, but it’s great to be able to finally SHOW how I use each of these brushes.
It’s not a follow-along class like “Sketching Structure in the Garden,” but rather my personal take on brushes, with a short demo of each and a short discussion at the end of how I used all five in my most recent watercolour painting. Have a look here. I hope it gives you a little inspiration for some sketching on the weekend.
Shari Blaukopf's Sketchbook 
Thank you for the tour of your brushes. It was very helpful!
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Thanks Laurie!
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How very generous of you to make this video free, Shari. You always show your generous spirit in your teaching, text, blogs and demos.
It’s extremely helpful besides always yummy painting.
thank you.
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Thanks Soni. Glad you liked it!
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Thank you, Shari! This is a very helpful description and demo of your favorite brushes.. I love the results you achieve with the mop brush in your skies; I think that will be top of my shopping list!
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Always nice to hear from you Nancy. Yes, a mop brush is wonderful! Glad you enjoyed the video, and hope you are well.
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Thank you,Shari . I’m so sad the wonderful trio workshop has been cancelled and hopefully it will be scheduled in better days. Until then… Lynn
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Lynn, I am sad about that too, but hopefully we can reschedule once it gets safer to travel.
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Sheri! I loved taking your online garden painting class, you are the perfect teacher for me… as a beginner I could follow you easily and really enjoyed your style of teaching Can’t wait to take more classes Stephanie Defanti
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I’m so glad you liked it Stephanie! Thanks for writing.
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Great tutorial Shari. I never knew what the different brushes were primarily for. I usually spend my time with pen and ink and maybe a little wash. You are an outstanding teacher and I love your soft spoken instruction.
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Thanks so much Richard. I’m glad I demystified some of those brushes for you. There will be more videos for sure!
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Thank you so Much Shari for such a generous sharing. I’ve learned a great deal working through your follow along series on Sketching Structures in the Garden and will look forward to more.
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Thanks Patricia. There will certainly be more!
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Good Evening dear friend Shari,
Excellent work,natural look, color matching , beautiful lane, buildings, people, cars, etc.
For me the Electric post with Black & White stripes, looks very awesome projecting a very natural look.
Blessings
Uma
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Thanks so much Uma.
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Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge for free.
Mary
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And thanks so much for writing Mary.
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Just watched the brush demo, wow it is good! Thank you for providing this tutorial. I’ve already recommended it to others on Wet Canvas.
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Thanks so much Janine. And thanks for emailing too. I will respond to you today. It was a busy weekend!
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It is so great to see how each of these brushes and how they are used for different purposes. I have most of them brushes but because I really don’t know how to use them, they sit idle. This instructional video is so valuable. Thank you, Shari.
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Patricia, I’m so glad this was useful info! Thanks for letting me know.
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Lovely sketch! I’m glad you were able to get out for a little urban sketching. It looks so strange to see scenes like this without all the vehicles and people. That’s what I find so odd when I drive through the local towns here. Stay healthy and strong. I tried to download your video but it never finished downloading for me. I’ll have to see if I can delete the whole thing and sign up all over again. I want to see you orchestrating with those brushes!
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Hi Joan,
Thanks for trying to watch the video. I hope you were able to watch it. Shari
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Hi Shari — just wanted to let you know that I followed your new online class and I really loved it! The length was perfect, you divided up the content into sizable chunks of information and you really inspired me. Good job and if you are planning on doing another one, I”m in!!!
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Thanks so much Jane. I’m really glad you liked it, and thanks for mentioning it on your post. I will certainly be doing more of these!
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And totally professional too Shari — the 3 cams worked very well!
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Thanks for noticing Jane. My cameraman and editor is excellent and he thinks of all the angles. I will tell him you appreciated it.
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