It’s been a difficult few weeks and I needed a couple of days down time, so I’ve taken refuge in some no-pressure sketchbook work.
I’ve just started Suzanne Allard’s online course 31 Bright and Fun Sketchbook Paintings. I really like Suzanne’s calm and confident teaching style, and I also like seeing how other artists approach their work. The bright florals are not completely my thing but there are plenty of inspiring ideas and techniques to try, and it’s nice to sit back and watch someone else talk you through their approach to their art. And there’s always something new to learn.
My own sketchbook pages are nothing like the ones in the course, but I’ve been trying some of the layering techniques just for the fun of it.
Without really meaning to, I often find that my sketchbook pages are full of marks that could feasibly become stitches. Not really surprising, given that drawn marks are mainly dots and lines.
One of the things I’ve discovered is that I no longer enjoy using acrylic paints. The ecological aspect has bothered me for some time (as in acrylic=plastic) but having had a little play with them again I find that I really don’t like the slightly plasticky sheen.
Layering or mixing acrylics with gesso makes them less shiny/glossy/plasticky. In the spirit of using what I’ve got, I’ll probably use my existing supply and then not replace them.
I do, however, like acrylic inks – also plastic, but I’m guessing not quite so bad as the paint. I like the inks because they behave like watercolour but they’re not water-soluble once they’re dry so you can easily go over them with other media without disturbing the base layer.
The problem I have with layered backgrounds is that I end up really liking the base layer as it is and I don’t really want to add anything else on top of it. I’ve therefore ended up with a sketchbook full of nice backgrounds, which is also fine I guess.
I’ve had a little tinker in the watercolour sketchbooks as well.
I used low-tack masking tape to divide an A4 page into postcard-sized areas. The marks on the top two were made by dipping a stick in walnut ink and drawing on wet paint.
I’m resolving to make more time for this as it’s something I really enjoy, and besides all work and no play etc. Wishing you an equally playful and creative weekend.
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What fun! I do like how these could inspire stitching! (which is never a bad thing!!) Thank you for sharing!
I really like the way simple marks can cross the divide between drawing and stitch. And yes, it is fun 🙂
Lovely work. I was given a bunch of acrylic inks and don’t know what to do with the. YouTube was no help.
thanks Norma. Lucky you! I use them in much the same way as watercolours. They’re good for creating semi-transparent backgrounds in sketchbook pages. They mix well too, and you can dilute them with a bit of water to make them a bit paler.
Thanks so much. I will give them a try. Right now I am obsessed with alcohol inks and keep getting further down the rabbit hole.
have fun! I’ve never used alcohol inks so you know more than I do there 🙂
Well, I’ve enjoyed seeing what you’ve been doing! I agree about the plasticky feel of acrylics – not at all pleasant!
I used to work with acrylics quite a lot many years ago but haven’t really used them again until recently. Interesting how we grow and change I guess.
Your sketchbook pages are lovely Karen, the course sounds interesting. I’m currently doing a free two week online thing called sketchbook revival, lots of different artists doing workshops and it’s hosted by a lovely lady. Check it out at karenabend.com
It’s full of inspiring and playful stuff from a bunch of very talented people, from all around the world.
Regards
Fiona
thanks so much Fiona – that looks very exciting, I’ll have a better look