wondrous things are happening at the huntington gardens.
and in my own back patio a bumper crop of hot pink epiphylums are putting on a show.
things have been kind of quiet around here because i’m in the thick of online class development. i’ve started filming the new class – more sketchbookery, this time with gouache (no official name yet) i’m up to my ears in it. still in the 2-steps-forward-3-steps-back phase. this is the longest and most confounding stage, but i have faith in this higgledy piggledy process. more or less.
the second i’m finished with this post i’m going to halt production and close up shop for the night, get out my sketchbook and paint a little something. PLAY!
let me know what you’re up to on your side of the world. i bet it’s something good…
see you when i see you!
xo
do i need to take sketchbookery 1 to be ready for number 2? it would be fun to play along with you all rather than doing it alone later..thanks!!
Patterns, patterns, patterns…and blue things. In Morocco they have stores that sell pigments (raw pigments!) and spices and these little bits of a plant that the locals use as toothbrushes/toothpicks (all in the same little tiny shops usually about the size of a walk-in closet) – in any typical shop you’ll find: Chefchaouen Blue, Ciel Blue, Mogador Blue, Majorelle Blue….why didn’t I buy more blue pigments?? Regrets…..I have a few! So if you can load up that gouache palette with some blue paint, it would be awesome! 😉 xo, me
Hi Mary Ann….I’m so enamored of your flora. We are just beginning to bloom here in New England, but I dare say that we will not find the plethora of blooms that you have. Things I’ve never dreamed of! I took a sketch class at Squam last year with Kerry Lemon – an incredible British illustrator who is so gifted. She has been sponsored by the British clothing designer Ted Baker to scientifically recreate the flowers that she draws. It is way more complicated than that, but I do think you will want to look her up. She also has a book out that’s worthwhile adding to your collection (Fearless Drawing).
I’m excited to hear about your new class and was wondering if you could guide me to the blog posts that talk about the specific gouache palette and paints that you purchased. I’m a tad curious now.
Many thanks!
Kristi
i always love finding out about new illustrators and sketch monkeys so thanks for telling me about kerry! i will check her out.
i’ve acquired my gouache gradually over the years – going back to 2013. i buy new colors as i expand my palette. you can look back through the archives to find all those references – don’t have a specific post about that… in class i will most definitely be covering the development of my palette and before class begins i’ll have a video where newly registered class members can see which paints i recommend they purchase for class.
Okie dokie! Thank you. Can you tell me what you call the solid squares of paint that you put in the palette?
I squeeze the tubes of gouache into pans – the paint itself in squares doesn’t have a particular name – if i’m understanding your question right…?
Those flowers are amazing.
I think I might actually have to get myself some guache today. I feel a sudden need to play. And while I want for the postman to deliver, I think the watercolours will have to do for the next couple of days.
i was just thinkin’, gouached in space…
okay, seriously, i might have to get an iphone 6.
xoxo
Those flowers do look like they’re native to another planet! What amazing diversity in the plant world. Over here in my neck of the woods, we had warmish days, then a mini-blizzard, and now back to warm spring. It’s a meteorology roller coaster. I’ve been fussing around with collage and photographs. Made short work of that chocolate rabbit we were talking about (alas, he was hollow) and have moved onto my standard chocolate bars. Gearing up for Earth Day. Waiting expectantly for your Paint Gouached Over Me class.
Oh, there you are! I figured you were busy with your gouache project, and you were. I can’t believe how many unusual flowers you have shown us. Those dark green waxy looking ones are so unusual! I have never seen them before. Thank you for the visual tour.
As for me, stressed out. Partly because my horse has been having lameness issues for two weeks. I am torn so many ways right now between barn work, housework, yard work and just keeping up with the husband (who is also having health issues) and pets. I have been struggling to get art time, and when I do, I am not enjoying it as much. I will push brought it, as usual. Trying not to feel sorry for myself. It is not becoming, and does no good either.
Typo…push through, not brought. Stupid autocorrect…
Your photos are amazing! iphone or DSLR camera?
they’re all iphone 6 – which excels at closeups, but not so great at distant shots.
Oh my goodness! Those flowers are amaaaaazing! Who knew flowers came in such colors. Do you know what the dark purple one up top and that green flower are called? I have never seen anything like them. They don’t even look real.
tina the green flowers are related to the pineapple plant: puya alpestris
the purple i suspect is also related as it’s base plant looks similar. will write down the name if i find it next weekend!
As always gorgeous photos!! Looking forward to the new class
That flower that’s green with the orange center is amazing. Looking forward to your new class…. It gives me something to look forward to!
Wow, wow those colorful flowers! What is that last yellow ball like flower ……amazing!
Suggestion for new class title:
…”This Time with Gouache”
😉 sometimes I crack myself up.
ha ha ha ha!!!! sounds better than the titles spinning around in my head!
The flowers are amazing. We have nothing close to these exotics here on the other side of the US except crocus plants and a dandelion that sprung up in my backyard in today’s sunshine. I went on a hike today and have spent the last hour painting in my watercolor book. I gathered a fern, pussy willow, piece of birch bark, and a dried elm leaf from last fall. Lots of fun painting thanks to Sketchbookery. Looking forward to your new class!!!
“Gouached-Up Sketchbookies”
hahahaha
or gouache sketchcookies? ha ha ha ha ha!!
thank-you so much for the eye candy!
We’ve missed you! Really excited to hear of the new class under construction. You inspire us to play and enjoy.