Tag: art

A Great Idea or a Big Mistake

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If a three-day art class exists on how to finish artwork the same way there are dozens of three-day art classes on how to create artwork, and if this class focused on pencil and water media works and taught the various ins and outs of framing, varnishing, alternative methods of varnishing, storing, and so on, I’d take it. It seems I only learn by failing, and my latest project is starting to feel like a big lesson in what not to do.

I started with a piece of watercolor paper (140 lb., Stonehenge Aqua) stretched on a watercolor stretcher board. I created a moody background in ink and proceeded to sketch six songbirds, thinking I’d create Christmas ornaments. I drew a woodpecker, too, and completed all of this drawing, which took a week of evenings, with a Cardinal for the “star.”

The drawing part I’m comfortable with, but then the questions begin. Can I use acrylic on paper and alongside ink? Should I use a fixative first? How will I “finish” these so they can be hung on a tree? After watching a very informative video about the Spectrafix products (Final Fixative and Natural Glass), I dove in. I sprayed fixative a few times before drawing in the gold ornaments and stars with an acrylic marker. I then brushed on three coats of Natural Glass over everything. After it dried, I adhered the birds to mat board and attempted to sandwich yarn in between for hangers.

Did it work? As it’s all still drying, tune in next time to find out…

Categories: Art Ink Pen

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Blue Jay in Ink

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9″x12″, ink and gel pen on Stonehenge Aqua hot press watercolor paper.

This Blue Jay was calling over and over in our crab apple tree the other day. I could hear another answering back from across the neighborhood, and I don’t know if they were telling each other about the food at the feeders or if they were saying hello or if they were saying stay away, these peanuts are all mine.

I nearly gave up on this drawing after realizing I had made the bird too big for the frame, which I had already drawn in pencil and it wouldn’t erase. After considering it for a day, I simply let the tail push past the lines. I also went a little bit overboard on the white gel pen, which I can’t seem to give up with ink drawings.

Categories: Art Ink Pen

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Ink on Claybord

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6″x6″, ink on Claybord.

Like many artists who use water media, I’ve developed a persistence in searching for a way to display finished works without using glass. There are some clever and complicated ways of doing this like adhering the paper on a wooden panel, then fixing it, sealing it, etc. I gave that a try a few times, but I found the process fraught with error (on my part). So many steps equals so many opportunities for mistakes.

Recently, I was thinking about how much I like working on smooth surfaces, and I recalled that Ampersand Claybord is actually made for inks. And, conveniently, I just happened to have eight 6″x6″ panels waiting for a project. So, here goes–a new series of critters and perhaps botanicals on Claybord. Once I’m done, I can use a fixative spray and perhaps a varnish and then they can be mounted in a frame without glass. Very cool. You’d think I’d remember this because I did a series of Claybord ink and colored pencil drawings and paintings a few years ago, and they’re still on my wall. But yet again, I’m reminded of how often I need to relearn the same lessons.

One truly unique thing about Claybord is you can scratch out highlights, one of the most rewarding parts of using it, and it solves one of the most frustrating problems about Claybord, which is how liquid pools and can leave hard edges. Take out the exacto blade or the fiberglass brush and viola! Problem solved.

Categories: Art Ink Pen

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