Friday, March 9, 2012

What's in My Sketchbook?

Following the dreadful result of the last sketchbook page, I was hesitant to work on the next one.  But it seemed like my brain and hands were beginning to remember how to paint.

20120228 Drawing Tools

Can't say I'm all pleased with the final work, but it was better than the last one.  Didn't like the background color - too bright for me and it clashed with the rest of the color palette.  I realized that I have always had problem painting the background.

20120228 Drawing Tools CU

Maybe it's related to how I paint.

After I finish sketching the subjects, I always start with the painting of the subjects.  And normally by the time I finish the sketch, I'd known what sort of color palette I'm to use on the subject.  But when time comes for painting background, my mind goes totally blank.  At the end of the day, I either pick color base on basic color theory or just use some of my favorite color mix.  

20120228 Drawing Tools CU 2

It would be interesting to know how my fellow creatives pick color for their background work.  :)

20120228 The Real Drawing Tools
Some of My Favourite Drawing Tools

BTW, after showing most of my sketchbook pages here, I never let you all see what my sketchbook looks like.  Here is a photo of it.  

20120228 My Sketchbook 2


It is of  A5 size, plastic black cover student grade (i.e. cheap) sketchbook.  The KEEP CALM sticker on the cover is a gel skin cover from my old Kobo eReader.  I bought the little red notebook elastic from kikki. K to tie up the sketchbook.  Pretty neat aye!

The sketch is also for Paint Party Friday - hosted by Eva and Kristin.  All are welcomed!  Do join in to share and support each other!  AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY (1 YEAR OLD) to PPF! Yiiiiipppppeeeee!!! WoooHoooo!

Cheers and have a wonderful weekend! xxoo

32 comments:

Anonymous said...

i really like this and I actually like the background colour because I love those warm tones anyway. I think i've only ever painted one thing recently that needed me to choose a background colour and i just used a pale creamy colour. mostly my background is left without colour or if it's an ink piece then it'll be dots of ink so i don't really have a plan on what I would normally do. anyway, i like this piece!

Šolanje na domu-Waldorf said...

Looks amazing! Inside and out. :) I go with blue background like the sky for my backgrounds. I usually have no idea either what color to use. :)

carol l mckenna said...

Lovely creation from very ordinary objects ~ very colorful and creative ~~thanks, namaste, carol (A Creative Harbor) Happy weekend ^_^

Heather said...

i love your painting style!

Abela said...

You have a style clear and clean, it is elegant. Saludos

Unknown said...

Love this ...fresh and clean and bright.. :)

WrightStuff said...

I like the background - helps the picture pop!

Netty said...

Loving your style. Happy PPF. Enjoy the weekend, Annette x

Unknown said...

I think you should keep doing your art the way you have been- you have a great, unique style that I love. As for background choices, that's always the hardest part for me. I've gotten to where I usually do it first just to get it out of the way. Trust your instincts they're usually right!
Happy PPF,
Stephanie

Mary C. Nasser said...

So beautiful!
Love the blue brush! It is lush and gorgeous!
♥♥♥
Happy PPF!!
Mary
Mixed-Media Map Art

Tracey FK said...

Backgrounds are a perenial bug bear in my world... they drive me to distraction at times, but I am starting to get there... when in doubt squiggly lines seem to save the day for me... yours looks as though it totally works though so maybe you are being a bit harsh... Your sketchbook is so neat as well.. mine has bits of paper spilling out all over the place... want to swap!!!

Anonymous said...

I like how it came out. I prefer complimentary color schemes myself, so that's what I tend to use. Love your entire sketchbook, inside and out! Happy PPF! :-)

EVA said...

Great page! The big brush just jumps out and looks like it is sitting on the page rather than painted on.

I think the background works with the bulk of the page - maybe a little off near the strap/elastic but otherwise great. I usually choose a colour I think will complement. (And I have handy.)

Helen Campbell said...

I really like your page! Perhaps you're being too hard on yourself. I'm great at backgrounds, it's just what to put ON them that stumps me. But I'm a mixed media girl, and water colors sketches tend to freak me out. It's all good.
Happy PPF! Helen @ Natures Walk

Cameron said...

I think this page looks fine! You are so hard on yourself sometimes ;P

I don't use a formula or color wheel to determine my backgrounds....but I find I lean towards warmer colors usually :)

Hope you have an inspired weekend!

Lynn Cohen said...

Enjoyable journal page. Will enjoy seeing more in the future. Thanks so much for visiting my blog today and leaving a comment. Do hope you'll return often.

Lesley Edmonds said...

I love to see what people put in their sketch books. Love this page.

Mimi said...

I'd love to page through your sketchbook. It seems that you have a lot of fun choosing what you are going to paint and then painting it.

happy PPF!

Mimi Torchia Boothby Watercolors

Gloria j Zucaro said...

I love your sketches and paintings in very soft colors. I have trouble with backgrounds, too as an oil painter, but usually because I get the value too dark or light. But as far as color, I think someone else mentioned it too, I have been trying to use the compliment of my subjects colors.. red-green,blue-orange, etc. But I really think your sort of sepia, color is very appropriate here. Beautiful.

Anna said...

I like your page. I too have a hard time painting in order, I think when using these sketchbooks maybe if you applied the same principal ive been using with mine it might help- NO INNER CRITIC ALLOWED! Just paint. Keep creating and practicing, really my sketchbook is not about it really being "art". Its just supposed to be a place to practice and play. I had gotten so boxed in and defeated that I couldnt even think about painting without breaking out in hives. I love your little elastic and how it has a spot for a pencil.FYI sketchbooks r on sale at Jerrys Artarama if you need to order more- I was shocked 3 for $9.99

*jean* said...

i enjoy a white background and choose more color for my main image...i find i like that best for watercolors...nice pages! happy PPF!

carlarey said...

I know you see the flaws in your sketches, but I never do. They all look wonderful to me.

I like the yellow background. I always start with the background first, just whatever color appeals to me at that moment, or if nothing is suggesting itself strongly, just pale washes of violet or green.

Kristin Dudish said...

I really like your warm yellow background :) I'm so glad you showed a photo of your actual sketchbook - I find it very interesting to see what other artists preferences are!

xo
Kristin

Annabelle said...

Nice work on this journal page and that brush really does pop out at you. I think the background color choice is good.
have a great weekend,
Xxx Annabelle

Kristin said...

Oooh, I think its gorgeous!!! I love all of your intricate details and the soft background you created. I too tend to just go with whatever colors pop in my head to create backgrounds - or whatever color is closest to me ;) xo

Geckostone said...

I love your journal pages!!! Your backgrounds always come out beautiful!Deb

scrapmanufaktur said...

love your sketch, it's so clear and real

Anne Butera said...

I don't usually put in backgrounds with my watercolors. I like to keep things simple there. I always do my backgrounds first with my acrylic paintings. I'm no expert on either, though!

I think your sketchbook pages always look wonderful! (I'd never know you have problems with them). Your notebook elastic is so cool! Might have to get some myself.

Happy (late) PPF!! Hooray for 1 year of paint parties!!

Denise Mulligan said...

I always love your sketchbook work very beautiful.

I gave you a surprise on my blog.

DVArtist said...

This is wonderful. Great sketching
Nicole/Beadwright

Daniele Valois said...

wow, very very cool!

Julie said...

wonderful page, so charming and delightful!