Sounds so much nicer than 'travel book' don't you think? You'd never guess from this blog but I have been very productive! There is a lot of talk on EDM about a May challenge to do a drawing a day and it's very frustrating that I can't join in as I have been drawing and painting every day but nothing that I think is worth putting on the blog.
It wasn't worth scanning but I have taken a photo of some sketches I did whilst out and about. The figure at the top is of a 'lollipop lady'. I'm not sure if they are called that anywhere else outside of the UK but she helps the schoolkids to cross the road at lunchtime. I was sitting in the bus and the strange angle of her legs caught my eye.
The one at the bottom was drawn today coming home on the tram. She was sitting right in front of me and her head was at such an angle I could almost she her face but she was oblivious to me, listening to her music. I've been visiting the art shop so often that the staff are getting to know me now so I stuck one of the receipts in too- although I could have used it a bit more artistically perhaps!
I've been practising the watercolours for the last couple of weeks. After reading a post on Wally Torta's blog about his wonderful Schmincke paints I just had to try them and lo! and behold, they sell them here although only in a set, you have to order the individual pans. I have a set of Winsor & Newtons too, which I like, but I think Schmincke has the edge, they seem much creamier and to flow really well. I know nothing about papers so I've been trying out the different types and so far this little Carnet de Voyage by Arches (hot pressed, satin grain) is my favourite. It's really much too nice to ruin it with my messes but I can't help it! I tried a Langton cold pressed fine grain which I didn't like (too much sizing) and my Strathmore cold press bought in Kuwait which is also a lovely paper. Unfortunately the market here is flooded with Canson so the choice is not great.
I had my camara with me today and passed the Flower Clock - looking much more colourful than it did last year. I like the way they have scattered the numbers randomly.
The buses and trams are looking good, flying flags for Red Cross Day. I resisted the art shop today but I took this photo outside Branchard, a sort of 'coffee table' stationary shop. Lots of lovely things to buy if not very practical but I did find two small books with a bit of texture in the paper that I thought would be different.
It's not a great photo, but here it is anyway. Branchard is on the corner of a swanky road lined with expensive boutiques and art galleries. Parc des Bastions is at the end and it's just off the main shopping area in Bel Air so it's way too easy for me to get to!
It was a dull overcast morning and started to rain as I was coming home. I don't normally go into town in the mornings as it can get busy when the office workers pour out at lunchtime, so wouldn't you know it, the sun came out this afternoon!
9 comments:
Wow Felicity, this post is so full of information and lovely photos!! Thanks for sharing them.
I sit here in my cube and envy you and your surroundings!
WONDERFUL IMAGES, Felicity! That flower clock -- oh my!! My arboretum gardener will go out of her skin to want to try one here!
Thanks all! Yes, the flower clock is lovely but it was surprisingly dull last year, nice to see it looking bright and cheerful again!
r.e., just the word 'cube' seems depressing, doesn't it?!
I had never heard the expression Lollipop Lady but it's a good one. I guess that's because she holds a sign up that looks like a lolipop? We call them crossing guards here.
Your sketches are wonderful as alays.
Finding the right tools and materials can be as important as finding the right psychotherapist I think. In the past I have fallen in love with different papers in the abstract, but trying to work with them is a whole different story. Have fun trying them!
Sounds like you are finding your stride in the world of watercolors. I know what you mean about not wanting to post - it can take me quite a few trials before I produce anything "post-worthy"...
From where I sit, your sketches look very 'postable'. Your standards must be much higher than mine! I'm really looking forward to seeing your watercolors.
I always enjoy your post and they are worth the wait! Have fun watercoloring!!! I hope you will post soon! Looking forward to seeing you in color. Take care.
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