Misty Morning – Pastels with Charcoal

Another misty scene. The charcoal sky should be easy to spot here and the sharp edges of the trees were obtained by adding pastels with a wet brush

Foggy Foreshore – Pastels and Charcoal

The scene is the north shore of Edinburgh near Cramond. Having decided to explore different media, I went for a trip to collect different rocks and pieces of sea coal to mark the paper. It was only partially successful and I ended up using commercially produced stuff.

University Memories from the 1960′s – Pencil

Trying to investigate more sketching techniques. This, from an old photo, is just two grades of pencil – a “Venus 5H” and a “Palomino Blackwing”. Perhaps its time to post some efforts in pastels and chalk.

“I think of her often and hope however she’s met
will be fully aware of how precious she is”
Bob Dylan – Ballad in Plain D

Forest Clearing – Pastels and Inktense

Combining sketching techniques with tree studies

Tree Study – Elm – Inktense

More trees I’m afraid

Oak Tree Study – Brown Ink and pencil

Trying different tones with one colour of ink. This sketch is based on an ancient oak which guards the grounds of Linlithgow Palace in West Lothian where Mary, Queen of Scots was born in 1542

Tree Study – Beech – Inktense Blocks

This is meant to complement my recent post showing beeches in Almondell Park. I’ve been doing quire a few “studies” lately as I strive to improve my tree shapes. Its also a great way to help with tree recognition which I find awkward when they are covered in leaves.

Blanco Canyon – Sennelier “Burnt Sienna” ink with some Watercolour

An exhibition in January, which was at the National Gallery of Scotland in Edinburgh, displayed many drawings of past French masters.

Poussin to Seurat – French Drawings from the National Galleries of Scotland

http://www.wallacecollection.org/collections/exhibition/86

This was enthralling to see how fantastic pieces were created using far less sophisticated media than is available to us today. I was particularly impressed with many sketches using pencil and brown ink – reminiscent of some of the wonderful posts Nikira sends us. This is my first attempt using just one type of ink with a wee bit help with watercolours for the sky. The scene is an imagined one, remembered from that great film, “The Big Country”, and, for those old enough is “Blanco Canyon” which is where the film ends.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Big_Country

I first watched this as a small boy many years ago. The theme tune is among my most favourite. Watch this movie trailer – I consider the best part is where Burl Ives invades the posh party

Almondell Park in Snow – Watercolour and Acrylic on textured paper

This shows the north entrance to the park painted in January. The whole area has many different types of trees but these beeches are among my favourites

Tree Study – Oak – Inktense

Done using the new Inktense Blocks