This is my first sketch in an antique autograph book I found at a used book store at the beach this summer. The book has 1776-1876 on the title page, so it was made to commemorate the nation’s centennial. It has only one autograph, which I can’t decipher, with the date 1880. The rest of the book is blank pages that have waited over 130 years to be filled!
The cover is falling off, so I hope to repair it soon. I’ve been researching methods, and got advice from a friend who is an expert so have some direction regarding how to do it. The paper is kind of yellowed around the edges, and fun to work on, though it took some getting used to. The watercolor stays right on the surface and lifts well, but it’s hard to get a smooth wash.
My idea is to use it for sketches of historic or ‘signature’ spots around Portland. It was scary to do the first sketch but now that’s under my belt, I’ll feel more brave for the second one. I am looking forward to learning more about my city in the process.
For this sketch, I laid out the bare bones of the scene with pencil, then worked on the values of the fountain with watercolors. I finished the background at home. I used a little ink on the foreground woman. I met our local sketching group at the fountain, so had the pleasure of their company as I worked.
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).
What a gorgeous album ! I can understand you got “scared” starting it, but your sketch is beautiful and delicate and the colours have a subdued tint that often shows on old pictures: it really matches the book’s age !
Sounds like a lovely project and you’re off to a good start. Your work will look fantastic in it.
What a wonderful find, and you’ve chosen a perfect way to honor it. Your first drawing (done with much courage) was a splendid choice. It’s beautifully done! nancy
Well done! The book went to the right person. You will honor it.
Thanks, Martine, Cathy, Nancy and Sandra!
Awesome shading! I could almost feel the texture and the folds of the statue from my screen =) Beautifully done!
Beautiful Janene
What a beautiful sketch of the fountain, and I LOVE old books…what a lucky find an old book, that you can sketch in:) Thanks for your comments on my droopy old basset hound.
Cheers
What a beautiful book and I love this first sketch! The folds on the woman’s dress are very well done!
What a great project – I am sure the original owner would approve!
it’s beautiful, Janene and I know you are going to treasure that old book of sketches once you are done…I hope I can look at it then too. 🙂