{ A postcard and peonies on my desk in the studio}Hello, before the weekend begins here are a few things that have been holding my attention this week.
} Now that I am making a more concerted effort to draw and watercolor in my sketchbooks, I have been contemplating making my own. Roz first inspired me to think about this option and I have been watching some book binding tutorials on Youtube starting with this one.
} I discovered this collection of watercolor paintings by Nina Johansson {1} {2} {3} I am particulary inspired by her use of pattern, view, and tonal quality in each painting.
} This Friday is the third week of Artomatic, and during the week I have connected with some local artists that are also bloggers all thanks to the open atmosphere Artomatic enables. It has been nice getting to know Elizabeth Seaver, Liz Holm, and Tracey Clarke more this week.
} I also visited the Freer Gallery on the Mall. Finally seeing the Peacock Room and then more Whistler etchings and paintings. The museum also has a wonderful painting by Sergeant “Breakfast in the Loggia” His ability to capture the quality of light and warm glow of the morning sun, took my breathe away. I want to paint like this!
Have you come across anything especially inspiring? If so please leave a comment and share what it was, I always love hearing what has your attention. Have a great weekend, Liz
6 comments:
Hey, Liz. Thanks for the shout out. I think the easy access to other artists' ideas, work, support, and inspiration is the coolest thing about blogging, and it's pretty cool about Artomatic, too! It was great to see your art up close.
a beautiful still life, I love them.
I talked with a Beverly Nichols scholar this week about all BN"S garden books, he has just edited a compilation of verse- Rhapsody in Green- a post to follow. enjoy your weekend. la
Making your own books is actually very interesting, I'm glad you're going to try it, and I used that video for reference my first bookbinding project too. If you want a good website with lots of tips and ideas on bookbinding, try http://community.livejournal.com/handmadebooks . I lurk over there, although I'm not a member.
If your watercolor paper is very thick, you may have to do single fold signatures, which means lots of sewing. (That's my least favorite part. . .) It may be easier to make a coptic binding style book that lays flat with heavier watercolor paper, (less gluing and finished more quickly, since you don't have to worry about the spine) but just experiment and see what works best for you.
Also, about materials, you don't need anything fancy to make a satisfying book. I use the cardboard on the back of art paper pads for the covers since they are lovely and thick. I forgo beaswax thread and use embroidery thread instead since it is colorful and look nice. I also used elmer's glue for my first few books spread very thinly, but I would recommend a more higher quality glue once you get the hang of it, like YES paste or something similar.
I look forward to seeing your project when it is completed. :-)
You're welcome Elizabeth. Artomatic is truly a fun place for meeting and connecting with other artists, and it is a lot like the blog-o-sphere in being supportive and friendly.
Hi LA, I am looking forward to your post on Beverley Nichols, I just looked him up on Wikipedia and the article could use some photos of his gardens.
Liz
Jill, thanks for sharing such good links and advice about binding.
I have made a coptic bound book already and I am using it for my pencil/ink sketches, but I do not like that between the signatures are gaps. That is why I am considering doing a more traditional binding for my next sketchbook I work on.
Have a great weekend, Liz
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