December - Pen and Ink, Plein Air, Prints

Hi all,

I've slowed down a little bit from earlier this fall, but still quite a few projects. I picked up pen and ink after many years. I keep a sketchbook/journal where I do a quick ink drawing along with a jounal entry, just to keep my head in the game. I was interested in doing something a bit more extensive, and so...the chickadee. My goal is to do a small series to turn into prints. I think they would be fun for folks to color, or even watercolor if I can find a nice quality print paper. 

Chickadee Swirl 

After about 2 months of clouds, the sun finally came out and I packed up my easel to get outside. The sun felt amazing. Days are so short now, but it's almost the solstice! That will change soon. Below are my most recent plein air sketches. These are each 6x8 in oil. Water-mixable oil. I've been doing some troubleshooting now that I'm painting below freezing. 

Winter Afternoon 

My first session out was a complete disaster. At 22oF everything froze, brushes, palette, hands, everything. I debated going back to Gamsol. But...I persevered. I added whiskey to my water! Ha!!! So now cleaning my brushes smells pretty amazing. When I'm through this rinse water I will go with an alcohol that's fully clear, vodka probably. It worked like a charm.

Ice Houses on Carson's Bay

It's a few days before Christmas and I'm way behind. I haven't been feeling well for several weeks. I'm doing a bit better but energy has been hit or miss. I'm almost done with a course of antibiotics (ugh...not a good time) and hope I will continue improving. Updates have been non-existent due to this.

I hope you have a wonderful holiday. I'm looking forward to some rest during an otherwise hectic time. Take care, enjoy the season.

-Laurel