Fern journal continued

Here’s another two pages from the fern journal. I’m loving this journal and can’t wait to see it filled. Ferns from Eupodium and Marattia genera Right now the ferns are fairly easy to draw, but harder ones with more more complex leaves are coming, especially ferns with tripinnate and bipinnate-pinnatifid leaves. Each new fern brings … Continue reading Fern journal continued

Doodling matters

I have a small confession: I am self-conscious about doodling, but I really want to do it. I can approach many illustrations or paintings with a degree of confidence, but the thought of making a page of doodles makes me balk. Not because I am prejudice against doodling, but because I was convinced I couldn’t … Continue reading Doodling matters

Soup and sketchbooks

It’s a cool and rainy Easter weekend here in south-east Queensland. Perfect days for soup, sketchbooks, reading and getting cosy with canines. Each day I try to add a little more to one of my many sketchbooks. Most of them are themed; they all have purpose, and much of the time my mood dictates which … Continue reading Soup and sketchbooks

Sketch to understand: Ferns and more ferns

I'm only on the second two page spread, but already I'm thinking this might be a multi-volume project. There is so much to learn. Sketching ferns is time-consuming, even for the less complex leaves, but very enjoyable and quickly becoming a favourite side project. From the genus Danaea, Marattiaceae family

Sketch to understand

I’m a huge fan of ferns and sketchbooks in equal measure, but I am often hesitant to draw or paint ferns as they can be quite delicate and complex, not to mention diverse. I recently started a new pen and ink drawing involving ferns, but was finding my lack of confidence was a barrier to … Continue reading Sketch to understand

Stippling in pen and ink

Stippling in pen and ink isn't for everyone. It requires a certain level of observation and focus, and especially time that isn't always available. It can also get a bit boring after awhile. But I love the results, its ability to capture detail and the subtle shifts in form and tone, especially for complex subjects … Continue reading Stippling in pen and ink

Good art days and art expectations

I feel like I have't had too many good art days lately - those days where reality comes close to meeting expectation; when more things go right than go wrong with a piece of art; where you can put down the pencil, pen or brush and be satisfied, even a little bit happy, with the … Continue reading Good art days and art expectations

When dogs adopted humanity: journal page

"Did you know there are over 300 worlds for love in canine?"Gabriel Zevin I heard someone say many years ago that dogs are the best thing about humanity. That expression has stayed with me for a long time and every dog I meet proves it tenfold. No other animal is as forgiving, as loyal or … Continue reading When dogs adopted humanity: journal page

Sketchbook alternative

A couple of years ago I started a box for small art, which I intended to fill with postcard-sized pieces of art. Unfortunately I shelved it after I became deeply involved with half a dozen codex-style sketchbooks. Recently I was going through my paper supplies and found (too many) small scraps of Bristol and watercolour … Continue reading Sketchbook alternative