With a new sketchbook in hand, a break from classes at the same time as yesterday and similar light conditions, I decided to repeat my sketch from the cemetery. In my quest for the perfect watercolour sketchbook paper (I know I could bind my own but I never seem to find the time!), I tried out the Fabriano watercolour book, black hardcover, horizontal format, size approx. 8″ x 11″. I can’t seem to find a photo of it online and the Fabriano website is under construction, so there are no links with photos. My quick tests results: it’s worth painting on again. It’s not as nice as a single sheet of Fabriano paper (that may be because it’s not 100% cotton) — in fact it may be more like student grade paper than artist quality — but it takes the washes nicely, is not overly absorbent nor too textured, and it can take multiple layers of paint. Conclusion: it gets a spot in my travel bag.
Beautiful Shari. You have the ability to make almost any paper work. It’s true that we are always looking for the perfect paper in the perfect size journal. I saw a Fabriano WC journal at a local shop. It had a little window cut out of the front….is this the one?
As I suspected, it is only 25% cotton, which is why it is still not the perfect book. I have the hardcover version, not the spiral bound one.
I like this one better than yesterday’s, but I would have expected that drawing the same thing on a second day would produce better results… so I can’t tell if the improvement is paper or artist.
I think you need to spend more time in the cemetery… you did some really nice paintings in the cemetery a long time ago… the paintings had a lot more headstones and some great shadows.
I remember those cemetery sketches. Those were done in early spring when I could see more from my school campus. I like painting there and I have more school breaks this term so I probably will end up there more often, as long as it’s not too cold out. I can’t park my car in there to sketch. Yesterday I was sitting right on the road, as you can see from the perspective and I was almost run over by a hearse and the procession of cars that followed it!
Oh, so nice. Oh, so skillful. Oh, so beautifully organized. Oh, so Shari. You educate your fans in subtle but powerful ways.
Oh so many thanks to you George.
Shari, may I ask a question? When painting your beautiful florals such as “April Bouquet,” do you do the ink sketch first, or do you add the ink detail after the watercolor? I just discovered your work on Pinterest, and I really love your style!
Of course you can ask a question! I always draw the ink line first. If not, then it seems as if I am outlining the colour. I much prefer a bit of an offset between line and wash.