| Author | Message | ||
  Landscaper Junior Member Username: Landscaper Post Number: 25 Registered: 12-2006 |
Grizrev, I have seen Fabrice Moireau's Loire book, and it is great. I hope to have it someday. Scary's books, I have never seen. I'll look for them, though. | ||
Grizrev Intermediate Member Username: Grizrev Post Number: 54 Registered: 8-2006 |
Landscaper, Have you seen any of Fabrice Moireau's sketchbooks (Paris sketchbook, Loire sketchbook, etc.)? What about Huck Scarry's Dario Romano or Venice Sketchbook? They are some of the favorites in my collection. | ||
Grizrev Member Username: Grizrev Post Number: 48 Registered: 8-2006 |
Landscaper, Thanks for understanding what I "was after." I will look at both Watson and Swenson! Thanks! | ||
Landscaper Junior Member Username: Landscaper Post Number: 23 Registered: 12-2006 |
Grizrev, I am a lover of sketches. I like the spontaniety of a good sketch. James Fletcher Watson worked a lot from sketches, especially later in life when he could no longer work in plein aire. Yet, his sketches were quite simple and pencil only. His video on painting from sketches is amazing. A new book I recently purchased, "Keeping a Watercolor Skecthbook," by Brenda Swenson, stresses using a sketchbook as a memory book. Her ink and washes are especially charming. But, she also shows how she uses sketches as a tool for more complete studio paintings. A nice inexpensive little book. | ||
Grizrev Member Username: Grizrev Post Number: 41 Registered: 8-2006 |
Landscaper, I agree that sketches represent quick personal impressions or memories, and both children and adults are entitled to create them -- no intention to disparage here. At the same time, my grandchild's little crayon sketch, precious as it is to me, does not contain the same artistic insight of a sketch by Charles Reid. As you say, sketches don't have to be "works of art." Nevertheless, I think quick sketches can be fine works of art in themselves, not just "seeds" of true art. I'm just looking for the best artistic sketchers you have discovered.} | ||
Landscaper Junior Member Username: Landscaper Post Number: 21 Registered: 12-2006 |
I agree most sketchbooks are unfinished works, but I don't think you can say they are childish or kindergardenlike. Sketches are first, personal memories, and second, they are an act of seeing and expressing a subject with far more clarity than the typical passerby. It doesen't have to be a work of art. But it could be the seed of one. | ||
Marie Senior Member Username: Marie Post Number: 215 Registered: 8-2006 |
Take a look at Charles Reid's Watercolor Secrets, which has some nice piecees taken from sketchbooks. | ||
Grizrev Member Username: Grizrev Post Number: 34 Registered: 8-2006 |
Most sketchbooks I see contain sketches that appear both hurried and childish (the kind of stuff we might have done in kindergarten). What sketchbooks have you seen that contain truly artistic sketches? | ||
Grizrev Member Username: Grizrev Post Number: 27 Registered: 8-2006 |
SZ, Can you post the web address of that sketchers' site? Others in the forum might like to access it as well. | ||
Landscaper New member Username: Landscaper Post Number: 8 Registered: 12-2006 |
Thanks, SZ. That's a great idea. I will try that. And, Jay, I will look at the dollar tree, also. | ||
SZ Unregistered guest |
Landscaper, one way I've made an "on the go" sketchbook is to cut sheets down to the size I want, generally on the small side, and have them spiral bound at the copy shop. A friend gave me a binding machine this year so the cost went down considerably. | ||
Jay Unregistered guest |
I've been planning to get out & do some plein air sketching, so.... Scrapbook covers are dirt cheap - they have 'em in several sizes & styles at a chain-store here called 'Dollar Tree' (everything's a dollar). The binding is a ribbon or cord you can lace thru holes punched in the page margin, so are expandable. Since most sketching is done dry-brush from a portable (traveler's) pan set, (far's I know...what I'm gonna do anyway) buckling shouldn't be a problem so I bought a few 12-sheet 9x12 student grade w/c tablets I can cut down to fit the cover. Was planning to just take several of the sheetlets along, bulldog clamp one to the back of the cover for back support to paint on....but I found an old legal-size clipboard I had that I'm gonna try (keep from messing up the 'nice' cover). Its clamp plus a bulldog will allow clamping 2 edges which might be better. After painting, those I want to keep can go into the scrapbook cover after I get back home. Sheetlets & pan set & 3-4 brushes (flat, round, rigger) will fit into a gallon-size ziplok freezer bag...clamped onto the clipboard -- an old 2-liter pop bottle carries plenty of water...have a sturdy & comfortable folding chair with arms...good to go. Haven't tried it yet so can't say how well it'll work. But at least, that's my 'Plan 9 From Inner Space'...and I'm stickin' to it. <G> /Jay | ||
Landscaper New member Username: Landscaper Post Number: 5 Registered: 12-2006 |
Sketchbooks made with wc paper are quite expensive. Has anyone had experience making your own that you could share? | ||
SZ Unregistered guest |
Grizrev, I hope you had a good holiday. It has been snowing like mad here, and hard(er) to get around, but pleasureable. I'll keep posting whatever I see/learn about the sketchbooks and journals. I am also on a list for sketchers only. It's not a very active site. If you'd like I'll email you the webpage. I am hoping to do more sketching this new year. I've been playing around with different weight paper, including non-traditional watercolour papers, to see how wet is too wet. I bought a block of 90lb this week, and it isn't curling anymore than the 140lb Arches cp. Take care and all the best | ||
Grizrev Junior Member Username: Grizrev Post Number: 23 Registered: 8-2006 |
Thanks for the link, SZ. Been away for Christmas and missed your post. Hope we can keep this forum alive, as watercolor journaling is an accessible joy for almost anyone! | ||
SZ Unregistered guest |
Griz, I noticed that they are having a sketchbook/journal workshop here http://www.scottsdaleartschool.org/ in case you are still thinking and looking for one. | ||
Anonymous Painter Unregistered guest |
To work in a sketchbook wet-on-wet, I would insert one of my variously sized sheets of Coroplast. You can buy 'scraps' (it comes 8' x 4', like plywood) in just about any sign-maker's shop. This is a very cheap material, 'corrugated plastic' (hence Coro plast), which is extremely lightweight, also easy to cut down again to fit wherever you want it. Insertion would probably work better in spiral (wire) bound sketchbooks; not sure it would work in a hard-bound sketchbook. I've used it between sheets in an Aquabee for greater stiffness (sorry to hear they are discontinued!). I don't bother to use clips or tape much these days, unless I want a border on a greeting card or something. If you thoroughly wet the paper on an impervious surface (such as Coroplast or -- much heavier -- tiles or glass), the paper will generally stay stuck down to the surface well enough for you to work with it as long as you wanted it wet. | ||
Grizrev Junior Member Username: Grizrev Post Number: 22 Registered: 8-2006 |
Thanks SZ. I actually have Claire's -- it is indeed a standard. | ||
SZ Unregistered guest |
Here's one you might take a look at at B&N or Borders as it is still in print Keeping a Nature Journal: Discover a Whole New Way of Seeing the World Around You (Paperback) by Clare Walker Leslie I won't be back to my library for ages, but as I remember the titles I'll post them for you to consider. Take care | ||
Grizrev Junior Member Username: Grizrev Post Number: 21 Registered: 8-2006 |
SZ, When you get back to your library, would you please post the names of the three books on watercolor journaling or sketchbooks you mentioned? Thanks | ||
SZ Unregistered guest |
Grizrev, I have attended one workshop on journals in Arizona, but the instructor is primarily a collage artist, and encourages free (read: messy) applications. I used an old school book, coated it heavily with gesso and proceeded. Gesso, btw, is rather nice under watercolour--but it is a look and not a practice I encourage myself to do often. I don't recall any workshops specifically for watercolour journaling, however, there are several excellent books on the subject in the nature category. Don't have my library here (I'm on sojourn) but I know of at least 3 that are worth their weight. | ||
Grizrev Junior Member Username: Grizrev Post Number: 20 Registered: 8-2006 |
Sz, Sounds like a good technique! Have you attended any workshops on watercolor sketchbooks or journals? | ||
SZ Unregistered guest |
Griz, I often work in sketchbooks, probably more than or equal to w/c paper. It is only possible for me to work wet in wet if I use really heavy weight paper (like in a Michael Rogers book) or one or two I've had made or made myself. I don't wet both sides, but rather put a protective piece of board under the sheet I am painting on. It isn't the best solution, perhaps but the one that works for me. | ||
Grizrev Junior Member Username: Grizrev Post Number: 17 Registered: 8-2006 |
Has anyone out there attended a workshop that focuses on using sketchbooks to create watercolor journals? If so, what was your experience? Do you have advice or recommendations? | ||
Jay Unregistered guest |
Glad it helped. ~8) Mind-wise, when it comes to problem solving I've always been pretty good at "comin' up with stuff". It's my memory that causes me problems these days (my memory is just a memory *LOL*). My mind runs wild....& was gonna mention but didn't: For soaking that one sheet I thought of maybe building something out of plexiglas sheeting along the lines of the old 'Ant Farms', but open along the top, into which you could pour water (wouldn't take much) then slip the one sheet inside for a few minutes until soaked, before clamping to your backing board? As far as keeping it wet....in plein-air, quick drying is just the nature of the beast! Surely you've tried misting sprayers? I've seen where some artists (esp. Lynch) use that. Prolly work better than resorting to painting out in rain storms. @<G>@ Good luck! /Jay | ||
Grizrev Junior Member Username: Grizrev Post Number: 14 Registered: 8-2006 |
Jay, That makes a lot of sense. That's for helping me clarify the issues and my thinking. I've had some luck just using a mop and clear water to wet areas of the sketch sheets I want to work on wet-in-wet, though that doesn't saturate the sheet or keep it wet for long. When it works, it does let me see how a final painting might look worked wet-into-wet. Your board idea might improve my wet-into-wet work when I'm using a sketchbook. Thanks for the suggestion. | ||
Jay Unregistered guest |
As well stated, sketchbooks are best used for wet-on-dry...and just what they're called - SKETCHES. As in, prelims (on-site color/value studies, idea captures, 'quickies', etc.) for larger paintings when you get back home. If you're using sketchbooks for the purpose of art production, you're kinda shootin' yourself in your own foot! They're kinda hard to frame, no? <G> Sooooo....if ya wanta paint small, cut down larger individual sheets - and all your problems go away! But that said - I'll offer what I'd do if your problem were mine. First, a board(s) cut slightly larger than your favorite sketchbook(s) sizes when open....ie, half the board to support the book, & the other half to hold an opened page (or two - smoother 'backing' surface), and use bulldog clamps and strong rubber bands to secure all in place. Wet just the one page you want to paint on, and go to it. And second - a hair dryer...for hopefully obvious reasons. On site, one can't usually expect to have more than 12-volts available, so get a 12V dryer (many of us amateur astronomers use them for clearing dew from their scopes on 'bad dew' nights when afield). They're readily available at most camping/vehicle supply centers for only a few buck$. My 2¢ - HTH, & Clear Skies! /Jay | ||
Grizrev Junior Member Username: Grizrev Post Number: 12 Registered: 8-2006 |
Has anyone out there had success working wet-into-wet in watercolor sketchbooks? How do you do it? | ||
A. Bill Unregistered guest |
I would use travel sketchbooks too, but the inconvienance of having to wait until the painting is dry to turn the page and paint another outweighs, for me, the convienance of having the pages all in one place. I would have to carry two skethbooks and alternate in order for that to feasible. I do just that at figure painting sessions. | ||
Grizrev Junior Member Username: Grizrev Post Number: 11 Registered: 8-2006 |
Don Getz uses Cheap Joe's American Journey 140 lb. watercolor sketchbook as a travel journal -- which is much handier than having to keep up with loose sheets of paper while traveling -- so I plan to do the same. However, I want to get the wet into wet look when using it! That's the reason for my question. | ||
A Bill Unregistered guest |
Watercolor block for wet in wwet seems much better than all of these complex alternatives. | ||
Raliegh Junior Member Username: Raliegh Post Number: 18 Registered: 8-2006 |
You could always have a different type of book with pockets or plastic and slide it in after it dries. This would keep your work in order. | ||
Eric Unregistered guest |
Griz- Why does it have to be a sketchbook? I would think the wet-in-wet style won't work that way. The way I work wet in wet is to thoroughly wet both sides of the paper, and attach it to a plywood board, cut to a size a little bigger than the paper and coated with a waterproof varnish. The paper is attached to the board with bulldog clips. I can't see how the sketchbook will work unless you wet small portions of the paper. But then the paper will buckle. | ||
Grizrev New member Username: Grizrev Post Number: 9 Registered: 8-2006 |
Thanks to all of you for your responses. However, my problem is that I love the soft edges of wet into wet painting, and the time wet paper gives you for working before hard edges and backruns become a problem. But I'm still not sure how best to wet sketchbook paper to give me a chance to work that way. How do you wet your sketchbook when you want to work wet into wet? | ||
Rekha Member Username: Rekha Post Number: 32 Registered: 8-2006 |
I got myself two small ones, 15 x 10.5(cm) and 21 x 15 (cm) 230gsm and specifically for watercolour. They do work fine for watercolour. The hardback has 'Vang' on it and a larger size 30 x21 (cm) is also available. http://www.greatart.co.uk/WATERCOLOURSKETCHBOOK.htm | ||
A. Bill Unregistered guest |
I like using small blocks for sketching, but I have also noticed that painting on non rag watercolor sketchbook paper creates some very interesting effects. If regular w/c paper helps you achieve a more finished, polished look, other papers such as student grade w/c paper and sketchbook paper, can help you achieve a more fresh, spontaneous look. Of course, much of this rests in style and technique as well. | ||
Marie Junior Member Username: Marie Post Number: 23 Registered: 8-2006 |
I don't tend to work that wet in a sketchbook. Actually, I am more likely to use 1/8 sheets of regular w/c paper than I am to use a sketchbook. | ||
Garydoc Member Username: Garydoc Post Number: 29 Registered: 8-2006 |
My latest sketch book technique has been sharpie line drawing, water color pencils and then wash the areas desired only w/ a clear Bienfang type watercolor brush. That way I don't have to soak the paper in the book. I think most sketchbooks are best for a wet on dry technique only, anyway. IMO Gary | ||
Grizrev New member Username: Grizrev Post Number: 7 Registered: 8-2006 |
Do you actually thoroughly wet both sides of a page before you start painting, like you would a half sheet? If so, how do you keep the wet page from wetting your other pages and sketches? Anybody out there actually painting wet into wet in 140 lb. sketchbooks who can share your process? | ||
Anonymous Unregistered guest |
First and foremost, I would recommend a 300lb sketchbook. They are made in Kilimanjaro and Kilimanjaro Natural -- great books. 300lb paper is just so rigid, you'd be hard pressed to get it to warp. However, if you want to stick with the 140lb sketchbooks, you might try taping down the loose outside edge by wrapping the tape around the rigid cover of the book. It will provide some stability when painting wet-in-wet. | ||
Grizrev New member Username: Grizrev Post Number: 5 Registered: 8-2006 |
Does anyone have suggestions on how to paint wet into wet in watercolor sketchbooks. You can't wet and control sketching on a notebook page in the same way you work with a half sheet! |
