Sketch outings

A few of my plein air sketches from this year.  Last year I enjoyed using a brown kraft paper sketchbook for some of my drawings.  Having used that up, I replaced it with another brand which I am not finding so good to use with my usual materials.  I have also tried black paper but, again, have yet to find the best approach with this.  The experiments continue .......

Sewing case

 A recently completed case for my sewing accessories - made from eco-dyed calico, with machine stitching and hand embroidery.

Urban Sketchers September e-zine

 Drawing Attention

Fabric Follies

 

Painted, printed and embroidered calico,

3.5" square, 2" high

My original intention was to make a pin cushion, but near completion decided it was a bit on the large size so turned it into a lidded box.  I have used cardboard inserts to strengthen the sides and lid.

A fragment of embroidery used on a greetings card -

6" x 4"

Poster challenge

Our recent art group challenge was to produce an image in the style of a vintage poster, either railway or theatre themed.

I combined some sketches, made some 30 years previously, when we visited the Italianate-styled village of Portmeirion in North Wales. I laid down a watercolour wash for the entire background of the image, overlaying my drawing and using gouache to complete the scene.

Watercolour, gouache and pen - 8" square

Recent work

 A couple of recent paintings.

"Hollyhocks" acrylic
7" x 9.5"

"Thomas Hardy's Cottage" pen and watercolour
9" x 6.5"

Acrylic experiments

I've been quiet on social media of late and, in the main, what I have posted has been textile-related. However, recently I was tempted to get out my acrylic inks and try some small experiments following an online demo by #artistintheshed.  The process is somewhat similar to the way I use watercolours in my small floral doodles, although less controlled and the inks make for a more vibrant result.  These are all about postcard size or smaller.