Practice Makes Perfect...

I am practicing using a dip pen for the first time.  It is pretty interesting that the nib keeps enough ink to write several words or depending on the size of your letters, an entire sentence. I really like the ink I am using.  It is J. Herbin pigmented ink.  When the ink dries it is even lovelier.  It is raised and has a metallic finish.

This would be beautiful on a Christmas card.  I just need to figure out how to write without putting my hand in the ink. 

Thankful...

So thankful to be able to steal away some time with my girl.  We escaped to the city to protect ourselves from the flu. Unfortunately, half our family is really sick.  My daughter and I spent the day shopping,  going to the World of Coke, and riding Skyview Atlanta. It was a perfect day.

I took my sketchbook along to capture the day.  I can't wait to share my new sketchbook cover from Sula Jane and Earl. It is made from the softest leather.  Inside it has a pocket perfect for my small watercolor kit. A pen, pencil, and  (of course) my sketchbook fit in perfect slots made just for them.  I love having it with me where ever I go!

Updated Sketchbook

Today I had time to update my website with photos from my current sketchbooks. Here are a few of my favorite pages.

Skidaway Island

I like this page because I adore my little painting travel case. It is a vintage train case with adorable plaid cover.

What's In My Painting Kit

Jackson, Georgia

I like the sketch above because I sketched quickly and was able to capture more of the correct perspective than I have before.

Louisville, Georgia

This page in my sketchbook was fun because I only used 3 colors. I decided to do this because I had just purchased 3 tubes of the new Qor (pronounced "core") watercolor paint by Golden. It performed well and I enjoyed using the paint. 

Sparta Courthouse

Last but not least, my favorite of all...The Sparta Courthouse. I really like these pages because of the fact that I completed them a few days before the courthouse burned down. I have this record of the beautiful building that once stood there. 

So it seems I am getting things done during Thanksgiving break. I'm kicking butt and taking names!

Thanks for peeking in my sketchbook!

Sunday Night in the Studio

Seems like I spent more time cleaning up after painting than I do painting. It's Sunday night and I've got to get this mess cleaned up. I've got so many little projects going on in here that I have no place to work. 

I'm creating a backboard for a jewelry sale. The backboard is on the floor where I just put the first coat of paint on it. I had to paint inside the house because it is raining tonight. It is not just raining, but pouring!!!

Once I got out the paint I decided to paint the board on the top of my shelves. It has been "paintless" since I bought it a year ago. I didn't realize how much I depend on this board until I put wet paint on it. I have almost laid my spray bottle, my drink, a handful of brushes, my phone, and my computer on it. I need a "wet paint" sign!

Then I looked over at my other work table and noticed how dirty it looked so I put a coat of paint on it. 

Yesterday I gave away the printer I had in here because I have a much nicer networked printer in the other room. Once I gave it away I noticed that I now had more room for stuff! 

Now I'm left with my desk (which is also covered in stuff) and my painting table which has several unfinished projects on it. 

Despite the mess, I was able to complete a few sketchbook pages which needed journaling and touch-up work. Here is one of my favorites. I really enjoyed sketching and painting at this site but I didn't leave my car because the area is a little "sketchy". I am sure I will sketch here a few more times. 

Warehouse, Macon, GA

Thank you for peeking in my sketchbook!