Northern Creek

Yesterday I was asked about my sketch supplies, so today I am posting my most compact watercolor kit.  This 42 color Superior Water Colour palette folds neatly in a strip when not fanned out. A single water brush pen fits in it's built in holder.  I've chosen a TWSBI Diamond fountain pen loaded with Robert Oster's Thunderstorm ink to compliment the warm winter colors of grass and greening water.  I can't believe this creek is showing so much green in January!  For this very reason, it caught my eye, so I painted it.  I use this palette when I want all my supplies in a pocket.  I can make them work, though the colors can vary. Not the strong pigment I'm used to with my Watercolor Confections, they still serve me well in the field for a quick sketch.  There is a blot pad built in, but I use a paper towel instead. The biggest benefit is the 42 colors in such a compact set. I can paint anywhere with that and a pen in my pocket. Painting number 2944 in 2944 days. 

Yarrow Dragonfly

I finally caught a dragonfly lighting on my yarrow! We have many varieties flitting around, but they are so fast, and start at my slightest movement, it is hard for me to sketch them!  The color has faded a bit on these blooms, but they continue bravely despite our summer heat!  The original plants are from my mom's garden in the house I grew up, in Overland Park.  Moved here many years ago, I have moved them around the yard, spreading their beauty.  With ink and watercolor I paint this in miniature, only 3x3 inches of handmade cotton paper.  I'm going to have so many paintings of my gardens at summer's end!  Painting number 2750 in 2750 days.

Cedar by the Road

purchase here

It is so fun to experiment with new art supplies!!  Love the feel of a new fountain pen in my hand, especially one as smooth as this one!  Trying to match the ink to the pen, I have loaded it with Robert Oster's Thunderstorm ink.  It does magical things  when water is added, bleeding to violet and turquoise.  Considered a blue black, it is the first one of this shade that I have tried.  I really like it.  I am definitely going to take a closer look at the other inks offered by Robert Oster.  They are stunning for artwork.  Painting number 2587 in 2587 days.