Mon Feb 13 - Wed Feb 15, 2023

THE WIND-UP

(Monday, February 13, 2023)

I made it to my favourite art store and bought three paints. I planned to get just the one (Prussian Blue, in the middle) but I cannot help myself! 

So, from left to right, that's Quinacridone Magenta, Prussian Blue (a cool blue), and Naples Yellow (supposedly, a beige). I needed the Prussian Blue for my next painting, so I've asked to have that set aside. The Quin Magenta I bought because there was no Opera Rose and I wanted a pink, and the Naples Yellow, I might have been able to mix with Cadmium Yellow Pale and Cadmium Red, but I am curious. 

And here they are, swatched, around some flower play.

Winsor and Newton, and Cotman paints, on Artists Loft Paper

I'm always so surprised by the colour payoff with the Winsor Newton pro line. The pigment really goes a LONG way. Really happy with these.

Here is the final of the still life I drew:

Still Life 1, 5.5 x 7.5 inches

Saunders Waterford paper, Winsor and Newton and Cotman paints, pencil

All in all, this was a nerve-wracking process, but I’m glad I did it. I'm pleased with it, and I would like to do more.

I used pencil and watercolour, tried to stay true to the values, I used a lot of ultramarine blue for the shadows, upon the advice of a good painter friend, K, not to use grey, so I'm experimenting. 

____________

BUSY BUSY

(Tuesday, February 14, 2023)

Busy day today! I'm glad I'm a little more out and about. Having been sick and inside all the time, it's been nice to have a bit of a change. 

I haven't quite gotten to the charcoal studies, but I must pace myself, as the next couple of weeks are busy. Grace.

I'm also happy to say I’ve made another sale on Etsy. The support I've received doing art is so heartening and I'm really, truly thankful for it. It means a lot!!

I've been experimenting with bookmarks so, I sent this prototype as a gift to the buyer:

What do you think?

_____________

(Wednesday, Feb 15, 2023)

A few things I’m digging:

• Saje Voices: found this through a post by a facebook friend, and WOW. The harmonies, the songwriting, the jazzy arrangements appeal to all my sensibilities. Take a listen here.
• A kind facebook friend has suggested Sarah Sedwick, so if I finish my piano practicing in time today, I will be watching this, and hopefully drawing something: check it out here.
• The breakdown for Quinacridone Magenta on the Winsor and Newton website is very interesting. I didn't know it is a synthetic pigment, AND, it's not on the colour spectrum...so our eyes, essentially "make it up"? I've always wanted to learn more about colour theory, but until then, and if you're interested in paints, here's the Quinacridone Magenta link.

Lucian made a drawing that we joked, is him in a nutshell. I'll share it later if he lets me. :)

It's almost spring, and I can sense anticipation in the air. Trying to take it step by step and take in all the blessings of the current season. 

A good day to you,

Mikhai