Boat in reeds, Union Canal – Ink in a Watercolour Moleskine
British Waterways, who are in charge of all canals, have a constant battle keeping the aquatic weeds under control. Presumably, in the old days, the constant stream of horse-drawn barges swept the canal clean but there is not the traffic to do this in these times. The route is dredged fairly regularly but, as my sketch attempts to show, this is not always successful. This scene shows a small boat, almost hidden by the reeds next to its berth. It must have succeeded in leaving as it was not there later but I suspect it had a hard time.
This was an attempt to use a set of tiny brushes obtained recently. They are called “mini MAJESTIC” and I got them at a hobby/craft shop, not my usual art shop. They are made by Royal & Langnickel and are extremely cheap. I don’t know how long they’ll last but I had a great time using them as I can loose myself completely in working in tiny detail. Although this address is not the place I bought my brushes from its the only one I can find with pictures of them.
http://www.creativecoldsnow.com/browse.cfm/4,6177.html
This is a photo of the four types I bought. I even got a “buy 1 get 1 free” deal – heaven to a Scotsman.
Sophie Brown 6:25 am on August 21, 2009 | #
They have special boats in Louisiana and Florida that might be good if this got overgrown, they have these big fans and go pretty fast too.
My mother is getting me a printer/scanner for my birthday (next month) so I’m starting to do things specifically for posting. I’m pretty sweet to everyone so I’m sure I won’t face much criticism myself.
Rudat 9:07 am on August 21, 2009 | #
Airboats on the British canals is a wildly great idea. Your sketch and description sounds like the old classic movie, “The African Queen”. Nice sketch, Bob. The reeds and reflections are wonderful.
Nick Powell 11:50 am on August 21, 2009 | #
Hi Bob Nice work I like the depth that you have achieved by use of the blurred background.
I was in Hobby craft the day before yesterday and bought a couple of the same brushes before reading your post. The dagger and a script liner [about four long hairs] as you say I could not believe the price £2.99 each, but not only that, buy one get one free!! They feel great in the hand and the liner is good for fine long lines [roof tiles fine shadows etc]
Might go and get some more!!
trebor61 9:29 am on August 22, 2009 | #
Sounds great, Sophie but I’m afraid they wouldn’t be allowed as there is a severe speed restriction on our canals. I’m pleased you are getting some technology at last but you will still have to figure out how it works.
Susan and Nick – I’m grateful for your encouraging comments (Sophie take note – everyone is so nice on this website). Fancy my sketch reminding Susan of the Humphry Bogart classic. Nick pleased you found am outlet for these brushes. Yes, it was Hobbycraft I got mine from. After reading your comment I went back and got more this morning. This offer seems too good to last.