When I was in college, one of the biggest lessons I took away was the importance of working in a series. Throughout the years I have learned that this is a necessity for me. When I draw or paint a subject more than once:
a) it helps me to understand the form and gives me a greater knowledge of drawing b) when I see the pieces as a whole, it's always a stronger representation of the work c) there is a greater sense of accomplishment and improvement d) I have a better grasp of colour and space e) I can work through problems and find interesting solutions f) over time there is a better grasp of my medium of choice And I have noticed that it doesn't matter the media or substrate as it can be anything from paper and pen to canvas and paint. I have found this process to be invaluable in my journey as an artist and highly recommend it. Over the past few years I have tried out a large selection of white paint pens. Originally I used them for art journalling, but over time, they have become a big part of my paintings on canvas. These two are my favorite...the 2-4mm chisel tip Liquitex Paint Marker (which actually created the lines on the canoe and can be a bit thicker, kind of like a Sharpee) and the Uni-Ball Signo Broad. The Signo needs to be treated rather gently, not pressing too hard on the nib but not too soft on the canvas, either. It does cut out at times, but I like that sketchy appearance (see the cabin above). The white in both is quite opaque, something I have looked long and hard for as many paint pens are rather translucent. I really like the fact that the Liquitex are acrylic paint which are obviously compatible with the Liquitex paint I use. The Signo isn't waterproof which can make interesting marks and patterns when I layer thinned acrylic over it, but does require a protective spray varnish - something I try to avoid using as sprays aren't healthy nor are their containers when it comes to recycling. Are there other favorites out there? Any suggestions are always appreciated.
We studied Lewis & Clark's expedition in grade 4 when I learned of their exploration of thousands of miles of land between North Dakota and the Pacific Ocean. It wasn't until I learned of Sacagawea (Bird Woman) and her contribution to their cause that I became interested in it (Social Studies wasn't my favorite subject in school) and was amazed how this woman travelled so far and made such a great contribution through interpreting and connecting with the tribes along the way...she even gave birth to a son while in that role. She had been abducted by another tribe while she was a young girl and eat the age of 13 married a Quebecois trapper. The direction that she led the explorers through the Rocky Mountains eventually became the route of the Northern Pacific Railway. She was a guide on occasion but was known for creating cultural connections. She also became the symbol a independence for the suffragette movement.
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