I managed to get in a few sketches in my tiny moleskine (3.5″ x 5.5″) on the drive up and back from a conference we attended in Seattle. It felt good to be sketching again after my long hiatus. I have been very busy with work in the last months, but have felt stymied in my artistic endeavors lately anyway. I think I got distracted by all of the possibilities, dismayed at my slow progress, and forgot that it was all just for fun anyways! Now I feel ready to jump back in again and am happy with simply dabbling here and there. I guess I just needed time to clear my head.
After experimenting with various dip pens and fountain pens, I followed Nina Johansson’s recommendation and got a Lamy Safari fountain pen, and have been using Noodler’s Lexington Gray Ink. I must say that I am delighted with my Lamy Safari. Thank you Nina!! For one thing, it doesn’t have a scritchy scratchy nib like the other pens I’ve tried. The rounded tip just glides over the paper, and even allows for some line variation. Btw, I got an extra fine nib as Nina suggests. I added color to these sketches by dabbing the tips of watercolor pencils with a Kuretake water pen–a great way to avoid a lap full of messy watercolors and dirty water in a small car! I usually end up getting into my work in more ways than one in the best of circumstances so this worked well for me.
This blog is about my journey as a botanical artist--what I am learning, what inspires me and what I am currently drawing or painting. My desire is to continually hone my skills to better express my wonder and gratitude for the beauty of the creation around me in the Pacific Northwest (USA).
Awesome sketches Janene… and WELCOME BACK!! =)
The pen and ink combination really looks nice.. makes me jealous and would want to get a set of those too ^^
Really love the ones with the pine trees, Janene…they have an almost Sumi-e feel.
Welcome back, Janene! These are excellent, and you were missed!
Wonderful sketches, It is so good to see you back. I love my safari fountain pens too. But I need to try some Lexington Gray ink. I love the the first sketch best. It is so understated.
Good to see you back. lovely sketches too – I like the light touches of colour.
Great to see you’re back. I admire your skill of sketching in the car… I hope you weren’t driving 😉
Very nice Janene.
Thank you for your encouraging comments–it is good to be back!
Lovely sketches! We took a train up that way years ago – it is a beautiful area. Thanks for sharing your sketches that bring back nice memories.
These are bautiful. You have a wonderful way with trees!