The library

I was introduced to Charles Reid's books about watercolor painting through  Shari Blaukopf's blog. I wanted to find out more about Mr. Reid so I started going to the local library to borrow the books written by Reid.
It's been a long time since I visited a library to borrow books. Nowadays it's so convenient to get books online. To my surprise, this library is nicely set up and quite busy. I went to the library yesterday to pick up a book that I put a hold on. It happened to be the 'Free Book' day and many people stopped at the free book carts on their way to/out of the library. Some of them stopped to talk with me about sketching and some just sneaked behind me to have a peak of my sketchbook (yes, I could hear them!).

By the way, I really like Charles Reid's books and his loose painting style with watercolor. I also found some Youtube videos of Reid demonstrating his techniques. I think I know what I would like to get from Santa for Christmas this year :)

Art Summer Camp

 I wasn't sure if I'd be comfortable helping out at a teen's summer camp. My impressions of summer camps is all from American movies and seem crazy. This camp is different from what I expected. The teaching artist is very experienced and the students are responsive. They have spent a few afternoons experimenting with oil pastels, chalk pastels, acrylic paint and watercolors. Most of them draw and paint methodically but there are a couple of boys who just go all in while painting. Real artists at work :)

Waterbrush or Quill brush?

 I did this sketch on the main street in my neighbourhood yesterday. I was hungry and eager to go back home for lunch but couldn't resist the sketch itch. I thought I could just throw some wash on with my waterbrush. I think the waterbrush did its job on this small 7"x7" sketch but I didn't enjoy using it. I felt I didn't have a good control of the water and paint even though the end result seemed fine.

This morning I did this sketch at home. I used my daVinci Casaneo quill brush and I just love how the paint flows on the paper with it! I don't think I will take the waterbrush out of my sketch kit yet. After all, it is convenient to use a waterbrush at times. I will definitely try to use my quill brush whenever possible though. Just to see the paint mix and flow on the paper is worth the trouble setting up.