Watercolor Sketch - Merry Christmas Island

Watercolor sketch in Aquabee Super Deluxe 808 sketchbook. 6"x9" (15.2 x 22.9 cm).

I found myself, on the morning of Christmas Eve, having time off work and a lazy morning ahead of me. So, I took the opportunity to make a little sketch. I didn't know what to title it, so my wife suggested "Merry Christmas Island." There you have it.

And to all: Have a very Merry Christmas.

Technique for Drawing, Sketching, Painting Realistic Tree Limbs

The post Dec 2nd: Left Bank Books on Bambi Edlund's excellent blog le pen quotidien features a tree & limb technique that I really like. I like how, at the bend (or redirection) of each tree limb, Edlund draws a little "node" or tiny branchling (is that a word?). In my opinion, these nodes/branchlings really create the illusion of a real tree.

I tried making several sketches of tree limbs similar to the tree in the Edlund's illustration shown at left; some small "quickie" sketches that I did to test the technique appear below:

Back Issues of Artist's Sketchbook Magazine, 2005-2006, Available on CD

Does anyone remember "Artist's Sketchbook" magazine? My sister gave me my first copy several years ago. It was totally devoted to sketching and had tons of great information. However, it's no longer in print. But, not to worry--issues & content from 2005-2006 are now on CD for $20.

Put this one on your Christmas list.
http://www.fwmagazines.com/product/812/60?r=emlask

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Update 12.26.07 -- I received this CD for Christmas, and it's incredible. It's everything I thought it would be and more! I highly recommend this resource for all of you that sketch, draw, paint, scrapbook, or create illustrated journals. The image quality of this electronic version is superb, and there's a search tool that's included that does a great job of finding just what you're looking for. The CD works on both Windows and Mac (all the files are .pdf and the search tool is a .pdx application). Boost your creativity and artistic inspiration in two steps: (1) order the CD and (2) start reading the articles on your computer!

Watercolor Sketch/Painting of a Late Fall Landscape

Watercolor sketch in Canson Montval All-Media sketchbook (90-lb cold press paper). Approx. 9"x 12" (22.9 cm x 30.5 cm).

This is another exercise in "Painting Watercolors" by Cathy Johnson. Further application of foliage practice, and incorporating fall foliage studies posted previously.

I did most of the tree trunks and limbs using either my rigger brush (Winsor Newton Scepter Gold II no. 2) or palette knife (I prefer the effect I got from the palette knife...).

More Foliage Studies

More foliage studies, based on Cathy Johnson's book, "Painting Watercolors."

Watercolor sketch in Holbein sketchbook, 8 x 11" (27.6 x 20.6 cm).

I was pleased with the juiciness of the autumn tree. Also, my first attempt at rendering tree bark with any detail. Again, practice helps!

Tree Landscape

Watercolor sketch in Canson Montval All-Media sketchbook. 10.75 x 7.25" (27.5 x 19.0 cm).

This is a copy of an exercise on pp. 88-91 of the book, "Painting Watercolors" by Cathy Johnson.

Once again, I'm working on my foliage. I really like the way Cathy Johnson represents trees and foliage, so I'm attempting to emulate her technique.

I would like to do this exercise over again on a regular piece of watercolor paper instead of in my sketchbook; when using my sketchbook, I often try to do it all at once, rather than using traditional techniques such as glazing (which requires lots of patience, waiting for the layers to dry...).

Also, I think I need to get more light into this painting; I need more highlights on the tree and fenceposts. But I'm fairly happy with the results. Practice helps.