The Perfect Sketch Book

I was so happy to come back from Vancouver to see that my Perfect Sketchbook (PS) had arrived!!  T supported the Indiegogo for me as a Christmas gift (so Christmas in April, Huzzah!!!) and the books are just gorgeous.  They are made with cold-pressed, 200 GSM Fabriano Artistico® watercolor paper, so the book is made for heavy washes.

                       Watercolor, pen & ink  6.9 x 9.8 inches on110 lbs paper

I did not know what to draw/paint/sketch as the first picture in my PS, so I fell back to an old favorite. . .my neighbor's tree.  This must be the 8th or 9th drawing of this tree I have done in the past few years.

The book handles the multiple washes well and allowed me to layer colors.  I started the ink drawing with a dip nib (Nikko G) and after the ink dried laid down the colors.  The paper was robust enough to go over the dried paints with another pen to enhance the line work.  All in all, my first experience was very pleasant and I cannot wait until I get some time to really play with the PS.  

Vancouver

Vancouver truly is a beautiful city.  Next time, I need to see more of it, like the Capilano Suspension Tree Park or spend more time in Stanley Park. But even walking down town by the convention center offers breath taking views of snow capped mountains.  I wish I had included the waters of the Vancouver Harbor in this picture of North Vancouver. Ah well. . .

                        Watercolor, pen & ink on paper 5.5 x 17 inches

Stuck at Newark Airport. . .Eat at Nonna's

I was delayed at Newark Airport (I know, that almost always never happens).  So I decided to sit at the bar and have lunch at Nonna's Italian restaurant. The meatball parm is pretty good.  Having finished my sandwich, and still having nearly 2 hours to go, I decided to paint the most interesting thing I saw. . .a bar full of booze.  

The bartender kept stopping by to watch my progress.  As I was finishing, he asked me for the original, so I gave it to him.  He hung it up over the bar.  So if you are ever stuck at Newark Airport, try Nonna's.

#wheresmyfreemeatballparm

                              Watercolor on paper 5.5x8.5