Trying One on My Own

 

I played again with Ian Fennelly's drawing process.  This time I added paint over the very rough grey Tombow marker sketch and then sketched in permanent fineliner after the paint was dry.

My selection of grey markers is limited, so I used grey paint for toning.  Ian's method reminds me a bit of Stephen Reddy's grisaille technique (with ink), so I may play with this a little more.

Baby Shoes with Grisaille

Watercolor with Ink Washes

I've drawn my baby shoes before, but I thought they would make an interesting grisaille subject because they are white.

I broke out my new hardcover Strathmore 140lb watercolor journal for this.  A big step; I must keep repeating "This journal is not precious.  This journal is not precious."  You'd think being an accountant that I might understand the concept of "sunk cost" a little more than I do.

Grisaille in the Back Yard

Watercolour with Ink Washes

I finished another drawing done for Steven Reddy's class using the grisaille technique.  I drew this in my back yard where I sit on sunny, summer days enjoying a cup of tea and a good book.  

Right now I'm revisiting a favorite Hannah Hinchman publication:  A Trail Through Leaves - The Journal as a Path to Place.  I must admit, my sketchbook/journal is trying to look like hers right now.  I'm a hopeless mimic.

Learning Grisaille

I just finished a new online class, Dynamic Detail in Pen, Ink & Watercolor  Steven Reddy is a wonderful teacher, and the Craftsy platform is great.

The class teaches contour drawing, and creating depth with grisaille, a grey ink wash.  Watercolors and finishing touches are then added to the drawing.

Here are the various stages of my drawing, so you can see how easy it is:

Contour Drawing

Three Grisaille Layers

Watercolor Glaze

Finishing Touches

Needless to say there are all kinds of new ideas and questions rattling around in this brain of mine:

• Size:  I worked larger than I usually do - do I like this?
• Paper:  Do I need another journal? (LOL)
• How can I apply this ancient technique to other media, like pencil crayons?

Stay tuned!