Wednesday, June 30, 2010

model

Pen & ink with watercolor on Bristol vellum. The model is the grandaughter of a fellow portrait group member. It was nice to attend after a few months of missing it because of work.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Scituate

This painting was done with a quill pen that I cut myself. I found directions online. I ruined four feathers before I got it right and found that an x-acto knife does not give much control while cutting, and it dulls almost immediately. I need to buy a pen knife if I want to keep making this type of pen. I really enjoyed using it. The marks are more varied than my Lamy pen, but still is very easy to use. I was sitting on the rocks by the lighthouse while painting.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Cherry Hill


Yesterday I painted at another ice cream stand. This is a very popular one in a beautiful setting. You would never know you were only about 10 minutes from downtown Leominster. I'd better watch the calories- it's dangerous to paint at ice cream stands but they have the best views!
It started to rain as I was finishing this - fortunately they have sheltered picnic tables.

Friday, June 25, 2010

Salem Willows


After work today I drove over to the park. These paintings are on bristol vellum. I used my new Lamy pen filled with Higgins' Eternal permanent black ink. It is not waterproof, and so the ink bleeds a little when the watercolor is applied. It's the first time I've used it, and I like the soft effect it gives for plein air work. I found that the Noodler's Ink turns slightly green when water is applied, so I am experimenting with other inks.
My scanner does not do a good job with subtle work, so the sky is washed out on both of these images.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Rota Spring Farm

Rota Spring Farm is in Sterling, MA. It's a working farm, and an ice cream stand. I painted this from the shelter of the stand's porch because it was very hot but I'd like to go back on a cooler day to sketch the goats. Soon, before the babies grow up!
This painting is on a 6x6 RayMar canvas panel. I really like working in a square format.