I was a bit stuck for a subject to sketch, the day I drew this, so I looked on Instagram to see what some of my favourite sketchers were up to. Seeing that @everydaylizmc had sketched some pencils, I thought I would give that a go too (also because that day I had sorted out all my sketching materials). If I am stuck for something to sketch I find that just looking at what some of your favourite artists have done, is a good way to get an idea.
Mon-27-Jan-2025
I have been meaning to post these sketches ever since I conducted a small workshop (with #UskQuezonCity) on binding your own sketchbook, way back in December 2023! I have posted a few of these sketches before, but here are all of them along with notes on what you need and how to do it. I have been binding my own sketchbooks since 2019, motivated by the high cost of sketchbooks with good quality paper (and even a few expensive ones with poor quality paper!). I have learnt how to do this by following the videos of @SeaLemonDIY on YouTube. If you prefer video tutorials she has plenty of great ones.
Fri-7-Feb-2025
While I was in Quezon City when my daughter got her tattoo, I couldn’t resist visiting #ArtWhale along Maginhawa street. I have often bought things fom them online but I think this may have been the first time I’ve been in their actual store. I do like #DanielSmith paints but I find these #HolbeinWaterColors perfectly fine (and they are bit more affordable)…so I stocked up. I also bought a pad of ready-cut Strathmore hot press watercolour paper…which is super expensive! I’ve used Strathmore once before (see sketch number 463 done in August 2017)…let’s see how satisfied I am with paper this time.
Fri-17-Jan-2025
We celebrated Christmas on two days – first on Christmas Eve with a big meal followed by opening presents to each other. Then on Christmas Day we went to a resort and had a get-together with the whole family (my sketches of the venue are coming next). This lovely set of measuring cups was given to me by my daughters partner. I drew them with my new fountain pen (a gorgeous TWSBI Eco with an extra fine nib…. a present from my wife).
Tue-24-Dec-2024
Here is an evening sketch of some art materials … some watercolour pencils (mostly #Derwent) that I keep in an old mug. The mug was given to me by my oldest friends in the UK when I lived in Bath. As you might see it depicts a man with a gun to his head…not something I’d say is a good subject matter for a china mug, but that was the 80’s for you.
Tue-10-Dec-2024
The other day I thought of paining a colour wheel or chart, to make a visual note of all tubes of paints I have (which are all a bit muddled up). Then I decided to paint the actual tubes as well. The ones on the right are where I have only got little blocks/pans of paint and some mystery pans from an ancient set I had. I’ve noted the colour for each and the brand – a mix of Daniel Smith (DS), Winsor & Newton (W+N), Cotman, Holbein Watercolours (HWC), Mission, Cass Art, and Shinhan This is painted in a concertina #Potentate sketchbook given to me by my friend @the_uban_sketcher.
Wed-5-Fri-7Jun-2024
Sometimes sketching a few of my art materials is the only creative thing I have energy for at the end of the day. There is nothing new in this sketch, but repetition is one way of learning and getting better.
Thu-11-Apr-2024
Here are some of the art materials that I was given for Christmas. On the left is the wonderful #RosemaryAndCo R12 pocket sable/nylon blend dagger brush. Rather expensive, and all the way from the USA. On the right is a set of seamiart travel brushes – recommended to me by my sketching friend Nadja and much more affordable (available in the Philippines on Lazada). I was also lucky enough to get a couple of water brushes.
Thu-11-Jan-2024