Monday 19 May 2014

Pen and Wash.

Here is a view of the Grand Union Canal as I walked towards Wolverton having just passed through Great Linford. It's the first of these three pen and wash sketches I've done recently. I asked the lady in the boat if she would mind me sketching. I must admit, she was far less bothered than I would have been, what with having a strange man staring in her direction for half an hour. In fact, she was so accommodating, she even offered to move!
I find it very awkward drawing whilst standing up and really miss the stability of a desk or easel, feel free to point out the glaring drawing error which I didn't notice till I got home! Still, what a pleasure it was to be able to go for a lengthy walk in the sunshine after so many grinding months of confinement. 
To draw or paint from life is one of the greatest pleasures of all. 



Another view of the Grand Union, this time in Great Linford, less than two miles from my home.
I find barges, or narrow boats as they are properly called, very awkward to draw. There is a perspective issue with them as they are so long, as well as their curved lines, and then there is the task of sitting them convincingly on the water.
I left the house early, before anyone was awake for this one. Again, it was such a joy to be out in the peace of a warm, song-filled morning, the birds almost forgetting I was there as they picked around the reeds at my feet.



I've mentioned in the past that my wife Helen has been putting her considerable needlework skills to work making bags, quilts and small home accessories. Well, not being one to do things by halves, she has booked up the whole summer with craft fairs, fetes etc and has started her own business (I'm waiting for the line about a new company car)!
This quick sketch was done standing in the way of hundreds of people and dogs of various sizes and levels of curiosity, while Helen and Chloe sold things, gave out business cards and generally had a lovely time in the sun. It was so much fun to do this, even if I did feel a little bit in the way. I'm obliged to inform everyone that Helen's hair doesn't always look like that.
I know that Helen would be delighted if anyone viewed her facebook page........................... https://www.facebook.com/bagsandbits
All the above were done on Winsor & Newton medium surface heavy weight cartridge paper (100lb). It's a lovely surface and takes washes really well. Bit hard on fibretip pens though!!

16 comments:

  1. Great job on these Kev ,I like the reflection of the house in the second painting, not over done, capturing the look of water. Everything in your paintings look like they belong there, the result of working on location.

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    1. Thanks for such great feedback Pat. It definitely does make a difference working from life, as you say. You glean so much more information.

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  2. Kevin, I am so glad that you are getting out en plein air. Your hatching on the first painting is absolutely wonderful both on the boat and the surrounding foliage and water. How nice that the woman didn't mind you sketching her on the boat. Are these houseboats? They are so different in shape, so I can understand that they must be hard to sketch. I love the sketch of Helen and Chloe and all the merchandise. Wish her luck with her sales. I'm going to pop over and visit her blog.

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  3. Drawing is the basis of good art and you have wonderful drawing and observation skills. These are really beautiful and would make fabulous greeting cards.
    Nice to see Helen in all her glory!
    Will pop right over to her FB.

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    1. That's very kind of you Julie, thank you. Someone else suggested taking prints and making cards out of some of my pictures a while ago. Maybe something for the future.......
      Helen is always glorious.

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  4. Thanks Joan. Yes, most of them are houseboats, some are hired out for holidays, you still live in them though and they are often beautiful inside.
    Helen says "Thank you" for your good wishes and for visiting

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  5. Beautiful drawings! The setting is peaceful with gorgeous washes. Love the sketch of your wifes stand too, will check out her FB page.

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    1. Thanks so much Celia, pen and wash has a charm all it's own I feel. I'm not pushing sales or anything but Helen will love people just visiting her page as she's only just started it.

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  6. Hello Kev, I agree with jullie, you really have a good drawing and observation skills. I envy you for having such skills. I can draw but I feel not good enough. I like all the 3 sketches. Have a good day.

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  7. That's very kind of you Cora, but you make some lovely pictures!!!
    Thank you.

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  8. Since you mentioned, I tried to "find the fault" but I couldn't. :)
    These are wonderful sketches, Kev! I am very curious of your wife's business, so I have a look right now.

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    1. Thanks Judy. Since you tried to find it...... The doorway of the boat in the first sketch is out of line with the apex of the boat's roof. It should be central. Helen will be delighted with your visit, thank you!!

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  9. I have just noted that I missed this post. Oh how do I love your views of the Grand Union! I've never seen something like this in Germany! It's wonderful how you have captured the silence of nature and the idyllic scenery. It's beautiful!!!!
    I have also visited Helen's cute facebook page. I like it so much!

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    1. Thank you Stephanie! It's good to see you blogging again. Glad you like these, I find myself wondering what brilliant pictures you could take with your camera along there. Helen sends a big "Thank you" for visiting her page.

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