Strong Shadows, late afternoon – Merchiston Place, Edinburgh. Ink/Inktense on a watercolour Moleskine.
After last night’s disturbed sleep we went for a spot of lunch in this, up market area of Edinburgh. This was mainly to revisit old haunts as I haven’t been here for some time but we felt the need to treat ourselves to some “Retail Therapy” as well. I remember this area quite well as I was a student here 40 years ago. Napier University is just around the corner – I was there all that time ago studying engineering. The houses are still very expensive, even more so than back then – this one would cost a million or so now. One thing hasn’t changed. The streets are lined with many magnificent trees which are a joy, especially in the warmer seasons. As we floated homewards, along the street, towards our parked car; full of lemonade and grilled salmon, I was very taken with the strong, black shadows cast by the setting sun and I’ve tried to capture this in the painting. Incidentally – the expensive-looking car in the foreground, is NOT ours.
Margie 8:38 pm on January 15, 2009 | #
I am liking your Inktense paintings! More contrast than other paintings that are not made with Inktense. How are you feeling about these new pencils?
trebor61 2:57 am on January 16, 2009 | #
Hi Margie. I find using the pencils very different from ordinary watercolour. My watercolour “style” is very much “wet into wet”, allowing colour to mix on the page which meant that my efforts were more subdued. I find this quite different, to achieve, when using pencil. You are so correct when you talk about more contrast. I need to get to grips with laying down layers of different colour and then adding water to mix and fix things. I suppose its all a matter of experience and I’m determined to conquer the use of these things. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Rudat 8:22 am on January 16, 2009 | #
The adventure of learning is the journey, not the destination. But, you are a teacher, you know this well. I think this is lovely with the contrasts. I suppose this part of the world is not overrun with strip malls, convient stores and fast food restaraunts?
trebor61 2:03 pm on January 16, 2009 | #
You are spot on with your remarks, about learning, Susan. As to the painting – My efforts at painting and drawing, when I was at school, were judged so bad I was asked to do extra woodwork when the rest of the class got art tuition. It was only much later in life that I felt confident enough to even show folk my stuff. Skineart and the folk who contribute to it, have really boosted my confidence and I thank you all.
You would be surprised at the number of small businesses, selling food etc, which are very close to this presigigious area. It must make the wealthy grind their jewel encrusted teeth. Edinburgh and, especially parts of Glasgow/The West of Scotland. are like that. (Plenty of one type of area intermingled with many others). There are many jocular remarks aimed at the perceived different “social classes”. Edinburgh folk and Glasgow folk have been at war {with words} for years), which makes for great humour. (I am not from either city so I can sit back and enjoy the fueding.)
Linda Bachrach 1:30 pm on January 17, 2009 | #
I love this page!!
trebor61 3:56 am on January 19, 2009 | #
Thanks Linda although the salmon was probably better.