SusieG Studio

My Funto journal was feeling a bit lonely sitting around my studio. I had a few blank pages left and I decided to fill it with some practice sketches.

I decided to recreate another grape sketch to see what improvements I had made from all the other watercolor sketches I’ve been working on the last few weeks.

I used my regular #8 pointed round paint brush for my green leaves study on the left page and also for the grape sketch on the right page.

At the bottom left page I painted the loose grapes using my water brush. What?! Yes, I attempted to use my water brush to paint with my watercolors. I’m feeling a bit more confident in my watercolor painting techniques and understanding how I’m using my watercolor paint. Go me!

Summary

I have to mention I have an appreciation for my Luchetti Sketchbook. It has helped me challenge my painting skills and creativity. This sketchbook has brought me pure joy and I can’t wait to paint my next artwork.

After so many weeks of painting in my Luchetti Sketchbook, I am finding it hard to go back to using a different sketchbook/journal. I’ve gotten use to painting on the Luchetti paper. I also enjoyed not seeing a pronounced gutter in the center seam. I also enjoyed painting on the flat pages of this sketchbook. I know I keep mentioning these wonderful attributes, but it’s so true.

I have quite a few blank Funto watercolor journals in my stash. I plan on using them for my painting studies and draft sketches. What I call my practice watercolor sketches. The smaller size Funto journals are perfect for painting on the go and also when I have a few minutes to draw an idea or a vision.

Getting back to my “reducing chaos” in my studio, I have collected all of my used sketchbooks and journals and organized them into two three categories: graphite sketches, pen & ink wash sketches, and watercolor paintings. They now sit in a cart and are neatly stacked and out of the way of my daily studio activities. The sketchbooks are now in one location instead of being scattered all over my studio. If I need to look at reference sketches or take a photo for my blog I know where to go.

Pen: Uni PinFine Line in 01 size with Light Grey permanent ink

Paint: Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolors in Indian Yellow, , Quinacridone Rose, Prussian Blue, Sap Green, Cascade Green, and Burnt Sienna

Brush: Rosemary & Co R13-Sable Blend Pointed #8. This brush can be found at Art Toolkit at this link.

Brush: Pentel Water Brushes in Medium and Large

Journal: Funto Watercolor Journal available on Amazon. 100% cotton. 5″x7.5″ cold pressed. 22 sheets/44 pages. 300gsm/140lb paper. A combination of fine on one side and medium rough texture on the other side. Sold as a two pack. Can handle many layers of paint and water.