These are both 6”x6” Ampersand Claybord panels with ink for the backgrounds and a combination of graphite, ink, and scratchboard techniques for the birds and branches. I can use a spray varnish on these and simply pop them into a frame, which is a real plus when using a surface like Claybord.
I love using this type of surface compared to paper because it’s both an additive and subtractive process. I add in colors, shapes, and values, and then I can scratch and erase detail and highlights. With these two birds, I used graphite for shadows and dulling some of the bright white lines that happen with scratching.
I’m going back to my travelers notebook theme this year, using the smaller passport size for daily sketches, birding notes, and an exercise log. The larger, A5 journal has one booklet of sketch paper, one of multimedia, and one general notebook for art notes. My pencil is the Tutto 3 mechanical pencil with three different lead sizes and types, a .3, .5, and .7. So far, I’m loving this system, and I hope to stick with it for a year.
This is the only picture I took of the drawing before it was framed. It’s not the best, unfortunately. The paper measures 11”x14”, and the image more like 9”x12”.
Sam Savitt is my favorite horse artist. Known mostly for his children’s book illustrations, I think he captured horses so beautifully, with an effortless style envied by other artists.
For over four years, I’ve admired the paintings and drawings being sold by Sam Savitt’s children. I couldn’t muster up the courage to purchase anything until this lovely pencil sketch wouldn’t leave my mind, and I decided it could be a wonderful Christmas gift this year. Luckily, my husband agreed, and all of a sudden, after four years of dreaming, I own an original Sam Savitt drawing.
The drawing was used as the basis for the back cover of the second (1991) edition of Draw Horses with Sam Savitt, a wonderful book. I’m imagining that he probably drew the pencil sketch first, traced it onto tracing paper, and created this final version using the traced version..
I had it professionally framed, and we love it. Instead of hanging it in my office, we decided it should be hung where we can see if off and on throughout the day. Honestly? The framing cost more than the sketch, but it’s worth it. This is one of those presents that I’ll cherish.
A chicken, getting ready to turn, and two snoozing ducks. Plus, I bought a goofy pen, the Majohn Q1 with a bent (fude) nib because of its unusual size and the large ink capacity. So far, I really like it. I also picked up this little Lamy mechanical pencil, which is designed for children. Works for me.
