Sketchbook School Assignment

I am currently enrolled in Danny Gregory's online Sketchbook School course.  Of course I am quite behind.  Currently everyone is in session 4 and well I am posting part of week's one assignment.  There are many things I haven't drawn before, and yes toast is one of those things.  I actually had to try "creating" actual toast twice as the first one I burnt quite badly.  I could have used it but thought all I would create would be a black mass.  Lots of intricate shapes to see.  A while back I purchased this sketchbook and the only thing it is good for is just pen and ink.  I did try pencils and the shading experience was quite frustrating.  Some people collect shoes, well I just happen to be a sketchbookaholic.  I buy sketchbooks.    I was sorting through my studio a little while ago and happened to organize four bins of sketchbooks.  More unused.  I guess when I purchase them, I do have good intentions but then I don't like the paper and try something else.....well er um....I have given away several which I just can't stand and will either use up the rest or just donate somewhere.  Due to the frustrating experiences with paper, I have made my own and I will post that soon.

 I used a Lamy pen with just brown/black watercolours.  I like drawing with a lamy pen.  However the only frustrating experience is the ink smudges.  It is good to use in conjunction with watercolours.  Here my experience was on a Stillman and Birn cold pressed 140 pound book.  Mixed feelings about this sketchbook but I will continue onwards.  I know many people like them.

This one, is done in the sketchbook I made with a combination of Fabriano cold/hot and arches cold/hot paper.  Attempting to mix primary/secondary colours to make an optical brown but the the above with the blue gives the effect of mould declaring its rights to the bread territory.  Ahh learning is so much fun!

Coloured Pencil Sketch

This apricot coloured pencil sketch is completely from life.  I spent most of last Sunday (five hours) and part of Monday morning working on it.  Truthfully speaking it is not even close to the original picture.  The scanned image above is more red and on the original more blue from the shadow is on the side of the apricot.  It was a good experience to try coloured pencils for sketching but it takes too long for my sketching purposes.  My favourite sketching medium is pen and ink.  Although I do experiment from time to time, I tend to gravitate towards what feels comfortable and those mediums just mentioned work extremely well in the time frame that I have to sketch with.
Today is a gorgeous day outside and although I will be working somewhat inside, I intend to go outside and try a new sketchbook out using pen and ink with watercolour.  I may even post it if it turns out ok.

Pen and Ink Nature Sketches

This morning before I went to work, I sat outside this chilly morning while the sun was attempting to warm the earth, to sketch nature.  I am finding bark quite fascinating as each one is quite unique in its appearance.  The extended tree branch sketch above was affected by the elements as parts of its bark on this branch is missing and there were a couple of holes made by the famous woodpecker.  I unfortunately was bitten by a menacing ant who crawled up my leg during my sketching experience.  Bugs really!  Well tis the season.

HBM.IMY.