"Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year."
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Impressions of the Northwoods #1


This painting was done in Plein Air from the dock at my friends home on Morton Lake in the northwoods of Wisconsin. I used colored pencils and a medium waterbrush. This was a new experience for me and I decided that I need to purchase some good watercolor pencils because the cheapo's I have didn't really do the job...I was also working on smooth blank greeting cards with no "tooth" so I had two strikes against me. In spite of the problems, it was very enjoyable sitting there watching the turtles stick their heads up out of the water, the eagles soaring far above and the dragon flies gorging themselves on mosquitoes which meant I was very comfortable.

6 comments:

Autumn Leaves said...

Despite the "two strikes," this piece came out beautifully! Do you always work in watercolor pencils? I glanced down through some of your other pieces and am awed by the depth and richness of your colors!

Ginny Stiles said...

Oh Barb...since this "north woods" is right where I am (of course) the painting resonates in my heart. I am pleased to see you use a water brush too. It is something I have just started working with. I have a set of Derwent watercolor pencils and I can't remember what I paid for them. What kind would you recommend? I have done little with pencils. I loved this painting.

Barb Sailor said...

AutumnLeaves...no, I have never worked in watercolor pencils before but found that I like them very much. I was using a very inexpensive box of w/c pencils and found that I was very frustrated that there wasn't more color because, as you noted, I like lots of color. I am going to invest in a better quality of w/c pencils and then, of course, use them with w/c paper instead of the card stock I took with me. Thanks for visiting my blog.
Barb

Barb Sailor said...

Ginny...I figured you would enjoy this one...it makes me nostalgic already for the "north woods!" This was my first experience with the water brush and I really liked it. Like I mentioned, I need some good watercolor pencils. I have heard that Derwent are good and some people have said that the Derwent "Inktense" pencils have more saturated results. The pencils I used just don't do the job.

Autumn Leaves said...

I think I will learn alot from you. My w/c pencils were probably cheap (I don't remember) but I do know there aren't many colors with them. After having to trash an effort with the tube watercolors yesterday (I lost complete control of the paint), I may end up sticking with the pencils and then I would invest in a better set as well. I have to remember Derwent.

Barb Sailor said...

AutumnLeaves...the w/c pencils I have are Reeves and they are very cheap. I am anxious to get some better ones. You can't go wrong with Prismacolor products. I use their regular colored pencils all the time and I know that their w/c pencils would have to be great...just a thought!
Don't give up on the tube watercolors - it takes patience and practice.