Tag: drawing

Blueberries for Sal Studies

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I think Blueberries for Sal, 1948 Caldecott honor book written and illustrated by Robert McCloskey, is one of my very favorite children’s books. Maybe it’s my favorite.

I bought a copy a few months ago, so fascinated by the ink illustrations that I had to have it. It’s one of the few books that’s stayed by my art supplies. The other books rotate, but this one sticks. McCloskey’s linework is so lovely, and the contrast is something to write home about.

I was inspired to try a handful of studies. I’m not a figure artist, but I gave it a try using India ink in my Khadi handmade paper sketchbook.

You can learn so much by spending a few hours looking closely at a masterwork. You can learn even more by breaking out your sketchbook and pens.

There’s a wonderful interview with Robert McCloskey available here: https://youtu.be/rOs1OSF2XEM?si=cVGtCkTzNytez2dW

Categories: Art Ink Pen

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Whooping Cranes in Ink

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And on paper and Ampersand Claybord.

9″x12″, ink on watercolor paper, probably Hahnemuhle Bamboo

The above is my favorite, but I’m also fond of the Claybord version, which is more stylized.

8″x10″, ink on Ampersand Claybord

(If you look closely at the above piece, you may be able to spot a Blue Crab in the water.)

My goal was to depict a family of Whooping Cranes. I used three different reference photos I had taken, all of the same bird. Another goal was to use what’s called a mother color to create a harmonious color scheme. Instead of relying on only one color to add to everything else I used, I created a triad “mother color” group with three primaries, and I added a small amount to everything. The paper version was all around more successful with that experiment, as the paper absorbed some of the intensity.

Categories: Art Ink Pen Scratchboard

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