". Arranged Words: Nature Studies

5 Aug 2015

Nature Studies

Drawing recently from nature, Queen Anne's Lace or wild carrot. To me, it's not your average weed. It's intricate and delicate and before it blooms it's wrapped in a wondrous package.
I found wild coneflower, or echinacea too.


To answer a request, I'm including a list of the art supplies I use and a few tips that I've learned.

Staedtler pencils. 2H-6H, (H for hard) but I prefer the 2H, although, occasionally, I use soft leads or B pencils, especially 2B.
FW acrylic inks.
Kneaded Erasers and plastic erasers.
Tracing paper ~ a must, unless you draw straight onto your watercolour paper.
Sketchbooks ~ look for good quality paper.

After researching watercolour paper and trying several different brands, I prefer hot pressed paper for painting.  Fabriano Artistico and Arches are acid free and 100% cotton. I use140 lb weight. (The higher the weight the thicker the paper.) I prefer Fabriano, but I am getting use to Arches. It requires a light hand, but can take several glazes.
I use watercolour blocks that are glued on all four sides; the paper doesn't require stretching.  (There's a small hole at the top of the block, you insert a thin knife and go around the block to remove the sheet from the block when your painting is completely dry.) I also buy large single sheets. It's cheaper that way, but the paper requires stretching or it will buckle and it takes time to cut the sheets into the sizes you want. ( A scary breath holding activity!)

I occasionally use Strathmore Watercolour cards; they are cold pressed ~ not as smooth as hot pressed paper.

Watercolour paints. I mostly use Schmincke and W& N. Windsor and Newton is bright and clear.  Schmincke can look chalky sometimes and I  do like Sennelier paints as well.  I also have a set of Derwent watercolour pencils that I received as a gift. In the beginning, I was using the watercolour pencils to paint with.  Around here, they are cheaper if you buy them individually.

* If you are just starting out, I would recommend that you buy good quality watercolour paper, a few tubes or pans of professional watercolour paint/or good quality watercolour pencils. They do make a huge difference! A (sable or faux sable) #4 watercolour brush is, in my opinion, a must. They are expensive, but should last a very long time if treated well. Never use it to mix paint with. (A tall order--one sometimes forgets.)  And you will annihilate it if you use it to apply FW inks.

Interesting optional items: Masking fluid and Gum Arabic.
Masking fluid is used to cover small stamens etc, that you will paint later, or any area that you want to keep white while you are painting. When it is completely dry, you rub your fingers over it to remove it.

Gum Arabic extends the drying time of paint, adds vibrancy, and is also used to add shine to eyes, reflections etc.

In the end, it's all about personal preferences, so experiment, have fun in the process and you will  find out what works for you.


  Until next time enjoy creating...

7 comments:

Carolyn said...

Lovely wildflowers (no, not weeds). Your art supply descriptions and phots have me thinking that I might return to drawing and painting one day...

Dixie @ Arranged Words said...

Thanks, Carolyn.
I haven't forgotten that great sketch you did for one of your patterns. I certainly hope you do start drawing and painting again very soon!

Lorraine said...

Such a beautiful little bouquet. Your sketches are very inspiring and I must thank you for sharing the information on the materials you use. I must try and find hot pressed paper soon. I've been meaning to get some as I struggle a little with the cold pressed that I use for now.

aspiritofsimplicity said...

I, too, love Queen Anne's Lace. I think your sketches are beautiful. I have always wanted to learn to watercolour.

Soma @ inkTorrents.com said...

Spring is so short in the dessert. We used to drive out every spring to enjoy the wildflowers. They are so vibrant and beautiful. I love that you see that beauty in the wildflowers too and that you paint them. I loved reading about your art supplies. I picked up a pad of hot press paper the other day, haven't had the chance to paint on it yet. Recently I tried gesso and painted on it with the inktense pencils. I loved the effect.

Have fun,
-Soma :-)

Penny said...

Well thought-out and thorough art supply list. Thank you for taking the time to share and explain why you use these items. You are one of a kind, Dixie. :)

Dixie @ Arranged Words said...

You are welcome, Penny!