new gouache palette...

I’ve been sick now for what feels like forever and a day. I am not good at resting but in this case, I am forced to. I saw a really cool paint palette on YouTube the other day. I couldn’t get it out of my head. I remembered this really cool cigar tin my friend had gifted me. She put some watercolor pans in it, but I never got around to filling them, This morning I sat in my studio and went for it.

I started by pulling all the paint colors I wanted for this petite tray. I mixed a few custom colors too. I then took wood glue and placed all the pans into the tin, incorporating a fun little arrangement not typically found in artist palettes. I then filled the pans and added two little strips of foam to the sides of the palette. My thinking with that was that gouache tends to dry out and crack. I’m going to try spraying these down with water when I’m done painting to keep it humid inside. Will report back if this works!

daily sketchbook

I committed to this practice of working in my sketchbook each morning and have really enjoyed it! I did it for a few reasons, but mostly to break out of drawing the same types of things over and over—and to experiment with different techniques. Lately I am working primarily in gouache and colored pencils, but other days I just sketch in graphite or play in watercolor. I force myself to try new subject matter so that I can become more skilled in creating more complex scenes; drawing from different points of view and angles. I highly recommend this practice to any illustrator. It is such a peaceful way to start the day. :)

Luncheon, art & the key to the park

Perfect weather, a great walk down to Gramercy Park and an amazing luncheon at the prestigious National Arts Club. My friend Andrea ha a lovely landscape painting in the exhibit there so we all got together and toasted her. The building was incredible—with its stained glass dome in the dining room to gorgeous fireplaces, palrlors, bay windows, bookcases and doorways.

The real treat was getting the key to Gramercy Park. For those not familiar—the only way to gain entry is to reside or work in one of the buildings facing the park. For years I wanted to go inside…I remember walking across town after classes at SVA and stopping by the gate to try and peek inside.

It did not disappoint. Lush gardens, fields of swaying allium, gravel walkways, beautiful benches and the classic wrought iron fences throughout. We all sat in the sun and took in the perfect mid sixties temps. If I win the lottery I will purchase a condo in that square. For that park alone! :)