Recently I pulled out a sketchbook from 5 years ago, intrigued that I had actually stayed with the same limited palette and 2 ink colors throughout the entire book. I could not replicate the colors exactly, as I no longer have a couple of them, but I put together a similar palette for this muted color chart in my current sketchbook.
The thin sketchbook of 140 lb. 100% cotton watercolor paper was a dream to work on! I began it on my birthday; including turquoise was influenced by the turquoise elastic band that came with the book. If I remember right, I even stuck with exactly the supplies shown on the first page!
Hi Vicky - This post has inspired me after a very long period of not sketching. I recently lost my hubby after many years of caring for him after he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. I have t really sketched in a long time. But now I’m curious and need a push to set up a sketching area in the condo where we downsized and moved in 2019. I loved this post particularly because you mentioned the strathmore paper you liked and your page of sketching pens and paints. I’m wondering if you have a special set up for your paints and sketching tools where you live now. I packed up my studio and kept my favorite paints, sketchbooks, brushes and pens, in plastic totes. But I really would love to create a little painting space with my favorite pens, palettes and brushes. I’d love to know how you keep your favorites. And thanks for inspiring me to start sketching again. xo - Dorothy
ReplyDeleteI’m so sorry for your loss, Dorothy. That must be very hard to go through. Sending prayers and hugs.
DeleteWe downsized to a 800 square feet living space when our daughter and son-in-law invited us to turn their small pole barn into an in-law house plus woodshop for my husband. In his design, I had Bill design a wall of bookshelves in the tiny side room that is our laundry room, office, library, and my “studio”. I keep paints, pens, pencils, inks, etc. in an antique wooden toolbox on the shelf. I have a small wooden desk / table with a small art lamp in that room. A small file box on wheels underneath for “office” stuff; a taboret on wheels to the right side of the desk for most-used art supplies (Bill built it for me years ago). Small glass yoghurt jars hold pencils, pens, brushes, etc. in easy reach on the top of the taboret. A small rectangular basket holds my collection of pocket palettes in their pouches. I keep a small ceramic pet water dish on top as well, to fill with water when I paint. It’s heavy enough to stay in place when I wheel the taboret out to reach stuff on the underneath open shelves.
Bill once refurbished a small steamer trunk for me; in it, I store watercolor paper and book-binding materials.
But honestly, most of the time I just grab either an ArtTool kit (from Toolkit.com) or a medium-sized Delfonics bag (from jetpens.com) loaded with my current tools to keep near my chair in the living room — or in the RV when we go camping.
I have kept sketching in my journals through my husband’s heart attack, our relocating to a different state, my journey through cancer, etc — the journals are really more illustrated diaries that I just happen to share in this blog, on Facebook, and Instagram. The reason I share them is to encourage others in any way they might — I’m glad they touched you at a time you are ready to move forward. 🤗
that's arttoolkit.com, not toolkit.com -- auto-correct drives me nutty!
DeleteThanks so much for your prayers and your quick response Vicky! Your description of your art set up is great, I could picture it as you described everything. I like the idea of the antique tool box as well as your other storage ideas for your art supplies. Your knowledge of color and palette paints is so helpful. I’m excited to put my mini studio area together and get myself sketching on a daily basis once again. I’m torn between minimalism and keeping just my most loved sketching tools handy yet stored in a creative but simple way to meet both needs if possible. My space for painting will be on the lanai overlooking a very tropical water view of the bay. I know I kept too many things like brushes, paints and watercolor paper so I’ll have to minimize as much as possible.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your kind reply. I have to say I admire you so much for keeping up your sketching through everything you’ve been through. I ended up knitting for thru all we’ve been through. It was easier for me to have a pattern handy and follow directions. Sketching - for me at least - requires inspiration.
But both can be wonderful at helping to relieve stress.
Sending grateful hugs your way. 🫶. xo - Dorothy
When we first retired and moved to Texas, I minimized my art supplies a great deal! But I have slowly added to them in the years since then -- they can be so much fun to collect! Switching to Art Toolkit's pocket palettes have helped because they take up such little space.
DeleteThe lanai sounds like such a lovely and inspiring setting!
I try to keep brushes and pens to only those I have used in the past year; everything else has been donated or given to grandchildren who like to experiment with art.
I LOVE knitting! Back in Kansas, I did more of it but here in Texas it is just too hot to wear knits. I've knit a bag (out of ribbon yarn), a small rug, and kitchen items like potholders. But I wish I could knit clothing items that could be worn here!
I used to wait for inspiration to sketch, but now I just look for something that reminds me of my day. Like gathering the stuff to bake sourdough bread, my granddaughter's new dog visiting, brewing a mug of tea, the book I'm reading, a dead leaf floating in the pool. Just normal, everyday stuff. I often work from photos I snap with my phone to allow me to sketch later when I have time.