Plants by the river

Plants by the river

I made three close-ups of plants I've found growing by the river - reed, bulrush and thistle. The idea developed significantly during the week I took this course. I started by walking by the river and sketching landscapes. Gradually I started to notice separate plants from the mass of winter foliage. I didn't really pay attention at first as I was still planning to focus on landscape. But I sketched the bulrush during one of the exercise with a pen made of reed. Today I went out with a specific purpose to sketch plants and the idea formed of minimalistic drawings of the plants. I didn't plan them to fit together at first, but they did, which is an extra bonus.

I used Art & Graphic Twin markers and Daler Rowney watercolour pencils on regular cartridge paper. The highlights are added with a white dry pastel. This is a completely new technique for me and it's a great alternative to watercolour, when you're out and about in the below-freezing temperatures. I was experimenting with several different techniques, but at the end this felt just right.

Sketching outdoors is the most important part of the process for me. I mostly sketch outside as this gives me a reason to spend few hours in nature. This week as I was following the course I went out to the same spot by the river every day. As I was sketching I really got a sense of this place in a deeper level. I noticed things I'd never noticed before. Even if I got bored I pushed on and found something new to be excited about.

I usually sketch with watercolours, but during the course I experimented with several different mediums and really enjoyed mark-making in different ways. As the temperatures this week dropped way below zero I had to come up with new ways of working that wouldn't include water-based media. The markers/pencils combination works best for me as I can work quickly and with gloves on.

I made A LOT of bad images during this course. But this was all part of the process and helped me to emerge with a new way of working that I feel comfortable with & am excited about!