Four Nutcrackers in Ink

Three of these nutcrackers I found in antique shops, while the policeman was new last year.  He is writing a ticket, and has handcuffs, too!  I am drawing them in ink, and though this paper is super amazing, I am leaving it without paint.  At least for now!  This day has been spent entirely with family, and it is only as we sit visiting that I can do a little drawing of the nutcrackers on the table.  On this Christmas Eve Eve, this painting is number 1443 in 1443 days :)

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Nutcrackers for Sale

I am "drawn" to nutcrackers!  These are the first I've seen for the season - and they demanded my attention!   I found these three lined up on a shelf, and I took out my favorite fine Pitt pen and got to work.   With only 30 minutes to draw before meeting the others in the cafe for lunch, I worked fast.  As I finished my sketch, I checked my watch for the time before grabbing my watercolors.  Darn!   It was time to go, no time for adding color today!   Now I'm wondering if I should add color or not?  Maybe I should just do one in oils, or acrylics?   This handmade sketchbook is SO special!   I may never go back to ordinary again......!  This painting is the 1401st in 1401 days :)

Ship on a Shelf

What a fun day this has been!  I have a new handmade watercolor sketchbook with deckled edges - and today is my very first entry!  Using a new tiny pan of watercolor paints (recommended by a friend)  and new watercolor brushpens, I armed myself for a morning of painting inside the Mission Antique Mall.  I've never used any of these supplies, so it was quite an adventure!  I first wandered around for an hour before picking a subject (I was so distracted by the antiques!)  and then, I sketched the ship out with my India ink pen on this fabulous paper.  It took me a minute to realize that I had to actually squeeze the pen before water would come out, and then it was right on to mixing my paints.  I finished this one and sketched out another, but alas it was time for lunch in the cafe - and it was wonderful!   A day well spent!  This painting is the 1400th in 1400 days!  It must be all smooth sailing from here :)

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