Sometimes, all I need is a little traditional pen and ink. The tactile feel of pen against paper as it lays down a line feels like meditation. Drawing brings me completely to the moment, observing every plane and angle. No fancy fountain pens for this one, I return to a favorite Pitt pen, India ink is a good option, that does not smear as I work. Many like microns for this line work, but I prefer the feel of the Pitt pen. In fact, I never use microns though I have many. Life's too short to settle for less. Painting number 4835 in 4835 days.
Santa is very busy on these last days before Christmas! I love painting him in black and white acrylic, for a change. There's nothing like switching between mediums to bring a fresh eye to painting! Time grows short and my to do list is long, so good night, and I'll try to add more later! Painting number 4737 in 4737 days.
Blush is such a lovely ink to render Santa cuddling our hen, Beans! Santa likes his chicken cuddling time as much as we do! This ink took a lot of coats to get this dark, and is rather light on the first layer. Beans is a Black Star chicken, with a sparky, sweet personality. Smart and quick to the treats, she's always aware of where the goodies are. She has lovely red orange feathering from head and neck that turns a shiny black with blues and greens in the light. I'll need to paint her in oils one day, too do her coloring justice. Painting number 4735 in 4735 days.
What a lovely green ink I opened behind door nine 9 - Bittersweet! Crisp and clean, I've captured Santa deep in conversion with one of my girls! I've never painted Santa in green ink before, but I think I like it! There does not seem to be much chroma variance in this ink, but the color is so fresh. I don't understand the name, though. In my neck of the woods, bittersweet is a burnt orange color. The foliage is not even close to this color, either, lol. Painting number 4730 in 4730 days.
Behind door number four of the Diamine Inkvent Calendar is this lovely warm brown ink called Smokey Tobacco. If gives a vintage glow to this Santa drawing, as he cuddles Meringue, one of our Calico Princesses. Once quite yellow, she has gotten lighter as she matures, nearly white on her undercarriage and tail! I've used a matching glass dip pen, and I'm working on an unknown handmade paper. I often tear up small pieces into miniature ATC size. This painting is number 4727 in 4727 days.
Day 3 ink in the Inkvent Calendar is Carousel - a vivid red pigment ink! I LOVE the color - but it was SO HARD to wash off of my glass dip pen!! It's my first experience with such an ink! A gorgeous red like this called for a Santa sketch - so I have drawn him with sweet Betsy, who is one of the first gens to jump on my lap! I love the vivid color, but I prefer an ink that moves with water. I had to actually scrub and use a brush to get the red ink off of that glass dip pen! That's crazy! Painting number 4722 in 4722 days.
I love exploring how ink, watercolor, and hot wax play on delicate rice paper. First, I draw the lines with India ink, then follow with the first layer of watercolor. Hot wax is added where a resist is desired, and I build the layers from there. Once the crumbling of the wax and last wash of watercolor goes on, I iron off the wax between sheets of paper, this revealing the painting. I love the very unpredictable nature of this medium. Come see this watercolor batik on rice paper painting at the Harmonie Verein, and take a restorative class at the Yoga Bliss Festival! Painting number 4596 in 4596 days.
It's a Merry Christmas Eve to capture Santa at the tree - as I finish all those last details with a mug of hot tea! I'm sending out love and light to all tonight, as preparations wrap up. On such a night, memories flood back from past Christmas eves, when we waited for all the kids to be asleep before setting out all the presents. Santa would come in the night to fill stockings and to leave something special for each girl and boy. I loved the days when the house was full and big hugs were just around the corner. When the family all gathers here tomorrow, we will be a large bunch indeed, and it will be another Christmas of cherished memories together. Painting number 5048 in 5048 days.
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It's super fun to work in copper again - this time on one of my favorite Chief's! It's been a few years since I've worked the metal - and this piece of copper was cut and ready in a bag. After I was completely finished, I realized that THIS batch of copper was not my favorite! It's thicker and harder to work, requiring more pressure from both sides to get my image in. I think I'll be cutting some of my other pieces to have at the ready - now that I'm getting reacquainted with my supplies - lol! Artwork number 3681 in 3681 days.
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