In my little world today is “Fence Post Friday” day so it is fitting that I create a page in my book to commemorate the day AND to thank Sue Wheeler for her awesome artful snail mail. She sent along a photo she had taken of a fence post from where she lives. I drew up a version of her photo to put on the first page of my new hand bound hardcover sketchbook. Thanks so much Sue! And now I don’t have to worry about that very first page anymore.
Pen (that hadn’t quite dried yet) and watercolour.
Just Be - using a toned tan Strathmore sketchbook and mixed media and implements: brush, credit card, cardboard card. Ink, gesso, white gel pen ink pad through drywall tape and sequin waste ribbon and letter stamps.
Way outside of my comfort zone but inspired by Joan Martin’s art over on Sktchy including this beautiful muse.
This is what I have been working on. This is yesterdays page and it took a few days of labour before I got to the drawing bit.
This is the last page of my current hand bound sketchbook- Strathmore 500 series Aquarius II watercolour paper. The one I bound this morning is hardcover!!
I’m cheating using the beading cord because the thread isn’t readily available for me. And of course I use duct tape on the spine to hide my threads (pamphlet stitch) or in this case waxed cord.
I was happy to find the magnetic sheet I needed to pop into this business card holder. I sprayed painted the inside lid with enamel in the hopes it will work as a mini mixing surface. I don’t do much paint mixing when I carry these little travel palettes. So.... the reason why I like to carry different colours; I like options without mixing.
This is our last camping trip for this summer season here at Silent Lake Provincial Park in Ontario. We are in a rented cabin but there is no water or regular facilities. It seems like a very long walk to the “comfort station” by flashlight!!
Packing up the car for our camping trip. This is my page from yesterday.
When I was in the big city I met my daughter for lunch and then we had “charcoal” ice cream for dessert. I had some that was a berry flavoured and the other half was regular charcoal flavour. I hadn’t realized that this was the latest food fad. Even the cone was black and the napkin.
The words were on the wall in the shop. I’m glad that my husband wasn’t with us; charcoal has a negative effect on heart medications. It was good going in but the next day I got quite the shock when it came out - it was green! Yup! Won’t be having it again but happy I tried it regardless.
My hubby has been away canoeing in northern Ontario and I have been staying with the family in the big city.
Today I visited The Distillery District of historic Toronto. The area was derelict but has now been revived into a vibrant cultural hub. It isn’t JUST about alcohol these days although it is well featured; it is about art in many forms. Today was no different. When I first arrived it was fairly quiet and I had no trouble getting myself situated. However the temperature rose (28C) in the 75 minutes that I spent drawing and painting. Pen only so many mistakes made but I’m good with it just as it is!
The focal piece here was created by artist/sculptor Micheal Christian (who received fame and acclaim from this work when it was displayed in the “Burning Man” in Nevada!) This 40 ft structure has been called “IT” with it’s bulbous head and was made from 10,000 lbs of steel!
I am trying out some new paper in a new sketchbook, a Global Art Handbook -Travelogue series (portrait orientation). Decided to do a selfie since it has been awhile since I have done one.
I drew myself while looking at myself in a tabletop mirror. Although my watercolour technique is a bit lacking; overall I’m happy since I completed my portrait by putting pen to paper ....... without a pencil under drawing.
So far the paper is okay but I’ll know more when I get to the half way point. I’m still working through my handmade one but will give this one a go after it is full.
I love KEMPENFEST! It is an annual open air arts and craft show and I believe it might be the largest open sir show in Canada. By the time I got back to my car and seeing most of the exhibits (my hubby was smart to beg off this year), I felt like “molten lava”!!! My car registered the outside temperature at 36C, I was parked in a gravel parking lot!
This morning I drew my purchases in my handmade sketchbook. Much cooler with the breeze under the shade of our maple trees!
This is my page from yesterday. I used Tombow markers and a kiddo letter stencil.
I am re-reading Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland therefore the inspiration for my title. I had to laugh each time my daughter would say “Off with your head”. It was our granddaughters first time at croquet so I’m looking forward to playing this again.
In my handmade sketchbook with Strathmore 500 series Aquarius II paper.
