City Market Pumpkins

I just received this gorgeous Conklin Duragraph in limited edition turquoise in the mail, complete with a bottle of Monteverde Onyx ink.  Wowza!  I love how smooth this medium nib is, and the ink flows beautifully from the nib.  I can move the ink with a little water, perhaps not as much as my usual black.  It's a bit hard to judge since I am also using a 140lb cold pressed watercolor paper, which a rarely use!  I'm only using it now because I'm out in this bag!   I already love this pen - my very first one made by Conklin! Painting number 2100 in 2100 days.

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Blue City Market

The writing under the drawing demonstrates the normal ink color all would see using this Levenger Cobalt Blue in a fountain pen.  Once I've sketched my composition, I add a little water - and voila - the true color of this ink comes through!  I can remember the days of only drawing with the colored inks, and I found some of them lackluster.  But wow, how they come to life when diluted.  I've also found that sometimes when I LOVE the written color of an ink, the water added one is just two strong for drawing!!  Like a vivid splash of color, pulling all attention away from the subject matter!  Most times, I don't even share them, they are just TOO CRAZY!  Perhaps, I should sprinkle one in every once in a while, just to shake things up!  This Kansas City skyline was drawn from the City Market, looking south, and is painting number 1988 in 1988 days.

City Market Skyline

The City Market is bringing artists in for First Fridays from now until October!  Urban Sketchers KC will man a booth space to share our artwork and serve as a home base for the evening's sketching.  Each month, an artist will give a short demo from 6:00 to 6:30, and I will kick this off in July.  We'll paint until 8:30, and meet to show our work.  With so much to paint in each direction, it is going to be fun!  All I'll have to decide is ink, oil, or watercolors?  Or maybe gouache or acrylic?  Oh, what is an artist to do?  Painting number 1973 in 1973 days.

ink on paper, 4x6
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Umbrellas at the City Market

Some days I hit the for running, and never slow down until I hit the pillow!  This has been such a day!  I had innumerable errands and chores sandwiched in between my regular busy schedule.  Painting class was super fun as I shared new techniques with my students.  With hardly enough time to prepare,  I hosted my sorority tonight for dinner and a meeting - and it is always so fun to catch up with my sisters!  Afterwards,  I started gathering all supplies for tomorrow's watercolor batik workshop.  All will have to be in the car - because I am going straight there from the gym.  I refuse to miss my workout,  so I must plan ahead for all I'll need.  I sure hope I can find time to eat!  Painting number 1587 in 1587 days.  👩‍🎨🎨