Holidays are the ideal time to break out the watercolour paints or watercolour pencils and a good fine tip permanent ink pen. They are easily transported, easy to clean up, and quick drying.
Recently we took a road trip to Ruapehu, to the snow. Now generally if I have a choice I will go to a tropical island and leave the snow for others. So one day, Derek and the girls went up the mountain and I stayed at our lodge to paint. It was a beautiful day, actually hot. This was my watercolour.
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| The view from our back door, Ruapehu, looking away from the mountain. |
The trick to not having the paper curl up, unless you stretch it, is to brush the back with a wet brush, either when you've finished, or you can do both sides before you start and let them dry.
I like to paint or draw at least one thing every time I go away. The point is not that it has to be good - don't worry about that. It means that I spend the time in the moment, seeing every little thing in front of me. It's way more meaningful than a quick photo. If you haven't tried it, I urge you to.
Mail Art - but on the Inside
We have a dear friend who often sends us music that he thinks we might like. So this parcel is for him. This time there will be no mail art on the outside - just plain brown paper wrap. But the inside....under the book and cd that we are sending in the box will be a little surprise. The number is his year of birth. The box is from an old, incomplete lotto game that I picked up for a couple of dollars. The small compartment with the driftwood and piece of bone etc lifts out. It was inspired by wunderkammer - cabinets of curiosities.
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| A little curiosity to send |
I used E6000 Industrial Strength glue to secure the pieces - that is the best glue ever. I bought it for fixing the vintage jewellery I've been buying and have been totally impressed.
Thanks for stopping by - maybe you'll be all inspired to go off and create something for yourself.
I like to sketch when I'm on trips for just the reason you mentioned -- it forces you to slow down and notice every little detail. I think your friend will love his surprise!
ReplyDeleteYour painting is lovely and your suggestion not to worry if you are good enough is spot on. I had wished for years I could have been born with a talent for drawing or painting but growing up being told that unless I could do something perfectly I shouldn't waste my time doing it at all held me back from experimenting. Then one day a year ago, I decided to give it a try and see if I had any talent at all. I was so pleased with the outcome I've painted and sketched a couple more pieces since then. It's relaxing and fun but best of all I let go of the need to be a perfectionist.
ReplyDeleteBtw, I'm just like you I would choose the warm location over a cold one every time. ;-)