I did some gouache sketching, for the first time in ages.
Category: Art
Orion
When I was a kid, I thought his name was O’Ryan the Hunter. He was the first constellation I learned to spot, and I always look for him in the early morning sky.
Anjou Pear
gouache on 140 lb Canson cold press watercolor paper
I had been planning on going to the animal shelter yesterday after work. So of course, on my way to work yesterday morning, the brake warning light on my car came on. Instead of looking at dogs, I dropped my car off at the auto shop. They called this morning to say that there’s a broken rear brake line, leaking rear differential, and a broken brake caliper slide, all of which will cost about $500 to fix.
I’d like to stop hemorrhaging money soon, pleaseandthanks.
Yes, Another Pear
gouache on 140 lb Canson cold press watercolor paper
The background color is a little off on this. It’s not that bright and minty. I’m too lazy to scan it, though.
The paint is some old cheap-ass tubes I need to use up.
Anjou Pear
M. Graham and Schmincke gouache on 140 Lb Canson cold press watercolor paper covered with tissue paper coated with Daniel Smith transparent watercolor ground
Make Art
In the meantime, though, Kaimal’s results confirm what art junkies around the world know very well: Making art is actually, factually, good for the body, mind and soul. Even if said art resembles the deranged scribbles of a grumpy toddler.
Source: Study Says Making Art Reduces Stress, Even If You Kind Of Suck At It
I have said for years that art is simply a creative process by which we communicate. We are all driven to create. It’s been in our DNA since the day humans first started walking upright. It’s literally what makes us human. That creativity takes innumerable forms: cooking, composing, writing, scrapbooking, photography, decorating, journaling. And no, we aren’t all good at it, but we all need to do it.
By the way, this is one of the reasons I have always loved Bob Ross. Not just that his program was “local” (it was filmed a my university), but because he compelled thousands and thousands of people around the world–from small children to their elderly grandparents–to create. He told them it was okay to make things, and that there was no wrong way to be creative. Just showing up and doing it is all that’s required. I think he knew he was giving the world art therapy.
True story: When I was in high school, I did an epic amount of babysitting. My family lived in married student housing, so there were tons of kids with parents who took university classes and needed babysitters. So I’d watch groups of kids, sometimes 8-10 at a time. And when it was time for Bob Ross to air, I sat them all down with art supplies and let them go to town. He was soothing, affirmative, and non-judgmental, and the kids really seemed to enjoy the watching him and making art. If you’re going to plunk kids in front of the TV, give them art supplies and turn on Bob Ross.
A Test
I pasted a piece of textured kraft paper into my journal with acrylic medium. I covered that with a thin coat of Daniel Smith transparent watercolor ground. After drying 24 hours, as recommended, there were still opaque streaks. So next time, I’ll know that thin is not thin enough. Must apply even thinner!
I’m really happy with the way the finished product handles, despite the streaks. I think it will be a nice addition for collaging elements into journals that you later want to use wet media on. The ground also comes in opaque white, if you don’t want the underlying surface to show.
Testing
I bought this jar of transparent watercolor ground months ago, but haven’t done anything with it. I thought I’d test it today.
Applying it was simple–just like putting on a top coat of acrylic medium. There was a texture left over from the brush, though, that could be obnoxious. That should be somewhat controllable, by blotting at the end with a paper towel or a wet wipe.
And now we wait for paint to dry. It’s rainy and damp today, so it’s taking forever.
Tearing Things Up
M. Graham and Schmincke gouache with acrylic on 140 lb Canson cold press watercolor paper
I started this one by blocking out the negative space with acrylic. Then I used M. Graham gouache for the pear. I had everything just about how I wanted it, and was burnishing off some of the paint from the highlights. Aaaaaaand I rubbed off about a square inch of the top layer of paper. Oopsie!
I used a little bit of acrylic to glue down and cover the skinned bit. Then I went back over it with a little more gouache.
The background acrylic has a layer of Schmincke gouache over the acrylic.
Bosc Pear
Pentel pocket brush pen and Schmincke gouache on 140 lb Canson cold press watercolor paper
red paper boat 