Media

Many of my blog posts are watercolor. However my larger paintings are acrylic and some are pastel. They say you should stick to one, but I find it boring and I feel certain subjects lend themselves to different media.

In this short watercolor year I have  learned that it isn’t the paint, but the paper you need to consider. To keep the work playful I use Strathmore 140 lb .  When I use the expensive heavy paper I get tight and turn out frumpy work.  To give the image texture and line I add in pencils and crayons.

I use good sable brushes but also love the “Shoppers” brushes in school supplies! You need an image you love, so if necessary I toss in some chalk or colored pencil and ink. .  I usually score three disasters to one success.

My notebooks are always hardbound, not coil. Pentalic is great, but Stillman and Birn are the best.

ACRYLIC PAINT

Some of my posts and all my large paintings are acrylic .  I can’t say anything nice about acrylic paint, because it drys so fast, the lids never fit  and it  clogs the drain. I liken it to pushing tar, or even shoveling my driveway, but I have used it for 15 years . The paint quality is important and I use Winsor and Newton or Golden . My own experience has been that large paintings work best. Smaller ones  can become ordinary and tight. At least 24×30 and  up, and on canvas is ideal . I use the the large mop brushes to start and my canvas is on the floor  . That way I can work loosely. I am a standing painter, not a sit down and get comfortable personality. Painting for me  is a physical act , once I sit .. its all over but the crying.

Lately, instead of a Stillman and Birn sketchbook , I have been using as small 5X5 “Handbook Journal “. It fits easily into my purse and the paper although not top quality, takes watercolor well. The pages stay flat when opened. It is inexpensive and can be found on Amazon.