Quick Watercolor Sketch of the Banks at Jekyll Island

Feeds:: Posts; Comments

Quick Watercolor Sketch of the Banks at Jekyll Island

July 5, 2009 by journalingarts

In an attempt to learn more about how watercolor paint works, I did a quick sketch of one of my favorite places from a photo. I allowed myself 15 minutes to complete the image. The goal here was to work as fast as possible without detail. This was difficult for me. I am more comfortable creating art that is more literal or realistic in nature. Splashing down something quick and being able to let it go is not my favorite thing. I guess once I am more comfortable with the medium and can predict more accurately what will happen with the paint, I will be happier with my results.

Quick Watercolor Sketch of the River Banks at Jekyll Island.

The illustration was done in a pocket sized Moleskine Watercolor Journal. The small size limited the detail I was able to produce, which was helpful to my goal of working quickly. I can’t say enough good things about the Moleskine Watercolor Journal. It is a great tool for quick renderings and studies and is perfect for creating simple work when you don’t want to commit to a large scale project.

I would love to hear from those of you who have had a lot of experience with watercolor. Any hints, tips or suggestions are most welcome.

Posted in Art Journals | Tagged art journaling, Moleskine Watercolor Journal, visual journal, watercolor journal | 5 Comments

5 Responses

on July 6, 2009 at 8:13 am | Reply Okami

Lovely – Jekyll Island is an ideal subject.
on July 7, 2009 at 8:31 am | Reply lucy

I have painted a lot with watercolors. For me its all in the surface/paper. When you find one that responds to your brushstrokes it will just “flow” off your brush into a painting you love. Test papers like hot press /90lb Fabriano and such. The Moleskine paper is not as smooth flowing as it could be. read-http://www.trumpetvine.com/sketchblog/2007/09/08/sketching_materials/
Your works are beautiful! Paint lots more.
- on July 7, 2009 at 9:09 am | Reply journalingarts
  
  Thank you for your comment, Lucy. I appreciate your encouragement and will give some other papers a try. Do you have any suggestions on paints?
  Cynthia
  - on July 7, 2009 at 7:21 pm lucy
    
    I use a Winsor Newton Artists Watercolor “half pan” set for travel and small sketches. They are more expensive ,but last a long time. You can squeeze in extra color when run out .
    Daniel Smith watercolors are exciting. They now have Watercolor “Sticks” which look very interesting!
on July 12, 2009 at 4:17 pm | Reply journalingarts

Thanks for the recommendations! I have been wanting to try the stick for a while. I will check out the Winsor Newton colors next time I need paint.
Cynthia