Elemental II

Elemental II   9x9cm mixed media   ©2012Lisa Le Quelenec

I've been feeling a little under the weather lately so there hasn't been much painting going on this last couple of weeks. I have been catching up on some reading though, dipping in and out of Delacroix's journal and a book that I stumbled across on Amazon, Gist of Art by John Sloan. Both of which are fascinating. The Delacroix book is a feast for the senses it's printed on very fine paper (I'd estimate 50gsm though it may be finer) and makes a lovely rustling sound which adds to the sense of stepping back in time. It's an older second hand copy and is just starting to get that wonderful scent of old book. The weather has been miserable and it is still quite cold so there has been no better medicine than hunkering down with a good book. Hopefully this bug is now on it's way and I'll be back next week with some new work to share.

River reflections - spring

Some small watercolour studies of the river from the last post. There are surprising amounts of violet in the waters shadows. Whilst the trees are still mostly bare, green buds are appearing and the colour is starting to fizz here and there.

Yesterday snowed most of the day though luckily it didn't stick. It was so fine and grainy that it looked almost like sand. Today is bright with sunshine although it does look quite chilly so there might not be much sketching done.

River reflections - Spring Watercolour A4 sketchbook

Getting out and about

I've been getting cabin fever, with the sun shining and birds calling I needed to get outside. I rushed through my chores, grabbed a camera and set off. It was a lot warmer than I thought it was going to be, so rather than going to the beach I headed for the river to find the evidence of Spring. Today wasn't about painting or sketching so much, more of a reconnaissance for future work and a recharging the batteries so I didn't do any sketching just took a few snaps as reminders of where to revisit.  I'm always drawn to the river reflections, there may be a series of drawings based on them in the not too distance future.

Snap shots from my walk photograph medley ©2013Lisa Le Quelenec

I had to include this snap of the black headed gulls. They line up along the bridge waiting for the people who come to feed the ducks. As you walk towards them they size you up for any goodies they might want then as you get too close one by one they drop of the side. They make me think of synchronised swimmers diving into the pool.

A Shining Sea

A Shining Sea   20x20cm acrylic on canvas board   ©2013Lisa Le Quelenec

I've been day dreaming of summer evenings strolling at the beach.....

Interviewed by Vandy Massey

Winter Light   pastel and charcoal on paper 48x48cm   ©2013Lisa Le Quelenec

I was contacted recently by artist and fellow blogger Vandy Massey about taking part in her 'Meet the Creatives' interview series. Reading the other interviews has given a real insight into the working process, motivations and backgrounds of the artists. I only hope I will be half as interesting. You can read the interview here.

Vandy is an accomplished watercolourist with an eye for colour and space. I particularly like her floral paintings - glowing sunflowers and vibrant poppies. To visit her gallery click here.

If you would like to see her work in person Vandy will be exhibiting with Denise Shearing and Mark Judson at the Whittlesford Gallery Cambridgeshire Saturday 9th - Sunday 10th March open 10am - 5pm. Do stop by and visit the exhibition if you are in the area you won't be disappointed.

Thank you Vandy for the opportunity taking part in your series. I'm looking forward to meeting the other artists as the series continues.

Sky Sketches on a cold day

Sky Study II   watercolour 18x9cm   ©2013Lisa Le Quelenec

Sky Study III   watercolour 18x9cm   ©2013Lisa Le Quelenec

Sky Study IV   watercolour 18x9cm   ©2013Lisa Le Quelenec

These small sky studies are rather addictive. A cold wind blows and dull white/grey skies have come again so I won't be able to do any more of these for a few days unfortunately. Well I could but they would be dull, dull, dull.....

It's time to return to my easel.

Spring sky

Sky Study I   watercolour 18x9cm   ©2013Lisa Le Quelenec

Yesterday the evening sky was stunning. Looking from the studio window trying to memorise the changing colours, watching the gulls gliding lazily and listening to the blackbird singing the sun down as he does each day. Beautiful clear skies and gentle colours that I had to try and capture.

Emerging spring

Emerging Spring   mixed media 18x24cm ©2013Lisa Le Quelenec

Hurrah! The first daffodil opened in my garden yesterday. Tucked in a dark corner under the apple tree. It's like a little sunny beacon and has inspired this mixed media study.

The paper I used was from my first batch of monoprints with the new ink I got recently. It was an attempt to get a ghost print that didn't really work. I'm feeling my way with printing at the moment and rather than waste all the failed prints I am using them for drawing on as some of the colours and textures are lovely even if the print didn't 'work'. One of the nice things about these inks is that they are still watersoluble once the ink is dried if they are remoistened. So with very wet watercolour washes you can get some rather nice effects - rather like watercolour and charcoal. To regain some of the brightness I used acrylic and some coloured pencil.

Dip pens

Dip pens and acrylic ink

Today's post is in answer to Theresa Evans' question about the type of pen I used for yesterday's daffodil study. The one I mostly use is the green glass handled one that I picked up on a trip to Venice a few years back. The nib is really flexible and I am dreading the day that it gives up as after searching online it seems like it would be hard to find a replacement. It's had a lot of use and is a firm favourite. The twisted handle is surprisingly comfortable to hold as well as looking rather lovely in the pen pot. ;o)

The other pen in the picture is made from bamboo and I've had it so long that for the life of me I cannot remember where I got it. I know I got it for use in life drawing classes after failing miserably to cut me own. (maybe I should give it another go...)  The marks that it makes are a bold contrast to the other pen and as it doesn't hold much ink inbetween 'dips' there is a lovely variation in the ink even in one stroke.

My preferred ink is FW acrylic in sepia which I generally use very diluted reserving neat ink for only the odd mark within a drawing where a bit of punch is needed. The soft tone of the dilute ink lends itself to subtle washes of watercolour to my eye.

Pop over to Theresa's  blog and see her beautiful work, the light that she captured in her last watercolour 'Winter Sunset' is gorgeous.

Daffodil study

ink and watercolour wash on board
8x10inch
©2013 Lisa Le Quelenec

Some cheery blooms in anticipation of sunshine.....it has to be coming soon....... right?