Category Archives: pen & ink

USk: Out my New (Studio) Window

I have more space in my studio, and a new window.  It is pouring. My urban sketch today was out my new window looking east on NW Nicolai! All the spring greens against the evergreens, a riot of green and … Continue reading

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Thursday Doors: South Doors Washington Legislative Building

Because we are in the middle of expanding our business studio space (and yes, I get a bit bigger art space to boot) I am pulling up old images with a new twist for Thursday Doors, (Check out Norm’s amazing … Continue reading

Posted in architecture, art, art journal, pen & ink, sketchbook, urban sketchers, watercolor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

USk: Native American Student Center PSU

Above, a quick sketch (with Diamine Ancient Copper ink in a Lamy Al-star) of the Native American Student Center at the south end of the PSU campus, off the park.  Watercolor wash moved the inks: three colors were used: Yavapei, … Continue reading

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VSW: Getty Tomb by Sullivan

Thanks to a tour of Chicago + Louis Sullivan, I found the Getty Tomb in Graceland (which the name always makes me think of Elvis, of course.) I couldn’t get the Getty Tomb out of my head. Best to get … Continue reading

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VSW: Harold Washington Library, Chicago, 2 Watercolors

I added a wash coat of color and a bit of detail to the ink sketches. Being a line-work gal, not sure which I like best…  You? Moleskin 8×11 watercolor journal, watercolor pencils and Pentalic HB woodless pencil, Platinum Preppy … Continue reading

Posted in architecture, art journal, calligraphy, challenge, creativity, pen & ink, process, sketchbook, virtual sketching, watercolor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

VSW: Harold Washington Library, Chicago, 1Ink

I look at my pages now that my comfort with fountain pens and watercolors — my materials — to move my eye to design a pleasing page. I love this postmodern building and had little knowledge of it so this … Continue reading

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VSW: Chicago, 1, Newberry Library

Nice to have Sue lead the Virtual Sketchwalk in Chicago this month.  I’m taking the opportunity to play on Canson Colored papers, ink and watercolor on grey paper! The watercolor buckled the paper, but it stood up to it — … Continue reading

Posted in architecture, art journal, challenge, drawing, pen & ink, process, series, sketchbook, virtual sketching, watercolor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Black HUB IPA Can

Okay, first off, do NOT sketch in a black watercolor pencil when your first coat will be an Indian Yellow or Quin Gold.  Dumb.  I tried to wet and wash it off; alas, it did not work well.  Also, the … Continue reading

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VSW: Chicago, 2, Fourth Presbyterian Church

Continuing the Virtual Sketchwalk in Chicago drawing on colored paper, this time ink and colored pencil on grey paper, with a nod to Pat Southern-Pearce! Canson paper loose to be tipped into my Moleskin 8×11 watercolor journal, Pentalic HB woodless … Continue reading

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Gratitude Journal: Chocolate Bunny

What is it about the power of a chocolate bunny? And more importantly, we’ve had SO many years without them because we stopped eating non-organic sweets!  If we are going to fill our bellies with sugar and all means of … Continue reading

Posted in art journal, color, gods and goddesses, journal, memory, pen & ink, sketchbook, watercolor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

How I Make Creative Decisions

Sometimes it is hard to pick a project, or say no to an opportunity. April is arriving, and I have two art projects on my board in addition to making a living (conserving antiquities — this is what I am … Continue reading

Posted in architecture, art journal, challenge, creativity, drawing, journal, painting, pen & ink, sketchbook, virtual sketching, watercolor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Midnight Palm Full Moon

Been so stressed for so many reasons. Middle of the night drawing.  Moons on my mind. Watching Mitchell breath while painting ocean and palms and moon in her fullness, all calming. I almost woke him bringing salt back to bed … Continue reading

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Recipes, and Taking Classes!

I post this with recipe on my foodie blog, but this is a thanks to Tracey and a commentary about taking classes. I am taking an online class by my favorite Aussie, Tracey Fletcher King, called Delicious Paint. A class … Continue reading

Posted in art journal, class, drawing, pen & ink, recipe, sketchbook, watercolor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Whales and Dolphins and Sea Creatures, Oh MY!

I’m using this “sketch-swim” to loosen up and try new things. I am in love with Reuven Dattner‘s wonderful sketching images. One thing I’ve wanted to try is the use of odd colored or complementary colored inks in a sketch. … Continue reading

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Sugar Corn

Working from an image for the class, yellow watercolor pencil, Platinum Carbon pen…. Layering watercolors, yellow to deeper yellows and greens, to touches of pinks and Paynes grey, salt added, then white Pitt pen and splatters. I am taking an … Continue reading

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Playing with Tracey Fletcher King, 2

My style, but trying to get the layering of watercolors to work from Tracey’s instructions, with under-painting then top detail painting. I am taking an online class by my favorite Aussie, Tracey Fletcher King, called Delicious Paint. Pentalic Nature Sketch … Continue reading

Posted in art journal, class, drawing, pen & ink, process, sketchbook, virtual sketching, watercolor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Eye to Eye with Humpback Baby

Rich German was eye to eye with a baby humpback whale. He took a picture, and allowed me to use it to sketch. I did this very quickly, and am happy with it. I only wish I could have the … Continue reading

Posted in animals, art journal, color, pen & ink, sketchbook, virtual sketching, watercolor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 18 Comments

Playing with Tracey Fletcher King, 1

The great thing about taking a class is what you might be pushed to do if you follow try to follow almost follow another artist’s instructions. I am taking an online class by my favorite Aussie, Tracey Fletcher King, called … Continue reading

Posted in art journal, class, creativity, painting, pen & ink, process, sketchbook, watercolor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments