Well, what do you think of this? While reading a post from Carol King’s blog (listed in my blogroll and dated 6/12/15), I saw a link to a drawing technique using the Speedball Elegant Writer Calligraphy Marker. After watching the linked video, I thought it might be interesting to use for some loose architecturals. I looked through the photos from our trip to Europe in 2000 to see if I could find something suitable. At that time my husband’s timber frame company had cut a frame here in Indiana, shipped it to Germany, and then the whole crew went over to erect it. I went over with our son Justin when they were finished and we spent a few days driving around the country. What a great time we had. I remembered I had taken some shots of narrow streets with the most incredible architecture you could imagine and found this one to use.
I did a very quick sketch, not taking the exacting care I normally would, even changing some things to make it a little simpler (gasp!) for the first attempt. There is a slight beveled edge to the pen tip for calligraphy usage so I was able to vary the strokes somewhat. That was a little disconcerting at first, but I worked with it and came to a nice accommodation. I let it sit for a day and then just went ahead and did the water wash in a more slap dash manner than I would normally use. Wow, I really like it! At one level, this really appeals to my sense of positive/negative spaces. I also like the randomness of the slight color changes. When the water is washed on, the ink changes from black to shades of dark blue, light blue, and mauve in an unpredictable way. Once the ink has set from the water wash and a light mist spray, you can then add regular watercolors if desired.
I can see a series of Germany architectural drawings and maybe a few florals coming up and a new set of listings in my etsy store. This is just the inspiration I have been needing.
I really would appreciate some feedback and votes -add regular watercolor to it or not – so go right ahead and tell give me your opinion, even if you’ve never commented before. I will total up the pro and con choices and let you know. I am going to try more of these for sure.
Jun 21, 2015 @ 14:15:47
Don’t you love finding a new technique? I like this the way it is now but a few suble touches of color might be good. All that white building front could be given a bit more character?
Jun 21, 2015 @ 16:53:30
I agree. The buildings were mostly stucco so the textures are somewhat subdued. I could still do more with the ink because I haven’t done the light mist overspray, but I haven’t dcided yet.
Jun 21, 2015 @ 21:48:56
Add color! 🙂
Jun 21, 2015 @ 22:41:06
Thanks! I am leaning that way.
Jun 22, 2015 @ 17:51:14
I like it. You can leave it b&w if you like. There still value changes there.
Jun 22, 2015 @ 18:14:52
Thanks, Larry. I am still waffling back and forth. I am going to let it sit for a couple of days and then decide.
Jun 22, 2015 @ 19:39:39
Well if you decide to add color you won’t be disappointed
Jun 22, 2015 @ 20:16:20
Probably so, but I’m in the “will I ruin it” fear phase. I’ll get over it and really decide.
Jun 27, 2015 @ 14:21:42
Wow, that’s so cool how the blues appear. I have already seen the color version and I really like it! This one doesn’t look quite finished. Maybe. 😀
Jun 27, 2015 @ 17:55:15
I am waffling back and forth between the two versions. Both have merits and faults. IU have to decide which has more merits and less flaws. LOL
Jun 27, 2015 @ 20:51:58
I really, really like this! I like how the blues and pinks appear with the water. I think this technique takes practice, but you did an amazing job.
Jun 27, 2015 @ 21:37:25
Thanks, Carol. I like the surprise aspect too. It will be interesting to see how this develops.
Jul 05, 2015 @ 12:14:29
Excellent! I think this works either way; with color added or not, Ruth. Ihave not had time to try this as yet but will be doing so as I wade through everything on my plate right now. It appeals to value study for me and think that it will help my students, immensely in watercolor landscape classes.
Jul 05, 2015 @ 16:27:07
I think so too. I like the way I can make a quick, more sketchy drawing and delineate the values with the water.