I mentioned in a previous post, that I’ve been following children’s book illustrator Emma Carlisle on Patreon since the first of the year. Doing so has opened a whole new world for me in my sketchbook by shaking up my approach rather than just stirring around what already works.
I am being introduced to all sorts of different portable drawing/painting media, such as acrylic markers and Neocolor II water-soluble crayons. What I enjoy most, and am trying to learn to push further, are the diverse range of textures and marks that can be achieved.
©2024 Elizabeth Fram, Brush pen, Colored pencil, Acrylic marker, Gouache. I’ve written before about how much light and color represent any locale. When pulling together an art kit before traveling, practice drawings from photos of a specific destination help with deciding on a color palette.
In general, I love the effect of seeing the hand of an artist in their work. And now I feel armed to push against my natural inclination for polish in favor of letting those marks shine. I also can’t help but enjoy the similarities with hand stitching.
©2024 Elizabeth Fram, Brush pen, Colored pencil
What feels most enlightening is that Carlisle drills home by example the notion that there’s practically no limit on the ways that media can be layered and combined. Because I never learned much about the specifics of art materials beyond the basics in school, I am loving this opportunity to explore how they perform and interact, backed up by outside direction.
©2024 Elizabeth Fram Brush pen, Watercolor, Colored pencil, Acrylic marker
I have a trip coming up, so have been sorting through what I want to bring with me. Some of you will understand how much fun that can be. Ultimately, it’s involved a lot of paring down and then paring down again, but at this point I think I’m pretty well set.
I made a sketchbook from a piece of 19.5 x 18 inch Fabriano Artistico paper using this method: accordion-sketchbook-folding-pattern. My little book is about 5″ x 6″ & has 22-pages. It fits easily into my purse. I swatched all the colors/materials I’m bringing on the front cover, making for easy reference both while I’m away and after I get back.
I have a selection of watercolors, colored pencils, gouache and, in an act of supreme self-restraint, only one brush marker. That may sound like a lot, but my kit is pretty compact. As an FYI, I’m leaving acrylic markers at home for fear that TSA might confiscate them.
Anyway, I’m looking forward to seeing how it works out. I’ll get back to you.
Are you showing anywhere for Open Studio?
Carolyn Buttolph
Vermont Hooked Rugs
Unfortunately no, my studio isn’t set up for the general public. But let me know if you’d like to do a private studio visit some time.
Bon Voyage! Where are you off to?
Merci! Berkeley and Kailua, HI
Safe travels! I look forward to hearing about your trip and seeing your drawings from your time away. Enjoy!
Thanks Leslie. We’ve run into a fair amount of rain so it’s been an art-centric adventure. No complaints there!
Yes, those lines you are finding with paints and crayons could easily translate into stitching. I’d love to see you bring your new freer line work into stitching! Keep going. You are an inspiration to us all
Always appreciate your encouragement & feedback Hasso. I didn’t bring a needle and thread, but am anxious to try a few things after we get back
Have a wonderful trip.
Thanks Ellen!!