An Addition To My Art Library!

It certainly has been a busy last 6 months!

Last month for my Birthday, I received some gift vouchers and one of those has been spent on the book below, which I have had in my Wish List on Amazon for some time.

I haven’t had much time to look at it since it arrived earlier in the week so I am looking forward to finding some time this weekend. 🙂

Till next time!

Written by David Johnson

4 April 2025

Creativity Expressed

Watercolour Sketch a Day – 6 Years Straight!

Yesterday, I achieved another milestone with my daily art practice a, ‘Watercolour Sketch a Day.

As of yesterday, I have completed a Watercolour sketch daily for the past 6 years.

“Direction” – 6 Years of a Watercolour Sketch a Day!

It’s a journey I started to:

  • Obtain consistent practice
  • Learn new skills – sketching, drawing, painting
  • Create an escape of sorts from the day

I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey and have already completed the ‘6 years Day 1 of a Watercolour Sketch a Day’, today, so the journey will continue.

“Iceberg” – 6 Years, 1 Day of a Watercolour Sketch a Day!

This ‘year’ I intend to attempt some different subjects over time and aim to include people in some of the images.

I am looking forward to where this journey takes me next!

Written, Sketched and Painted by

David Johnson

27 January 2025

Moving Forward

Things That Attract My Eye – Part 19!

All the images in this post were taken on a small walk I did this morning. We are almost one month into the Summer season here in south-western Sydney. More often than not, the best time to walk is early morning.

The early morning light was again majestic this morning.

Till next time!

Written & Photographed by David Johnson

29 December 2024

Traces of Life

On a Beach called Earth

Time To Write

Breeze On By…

Sumikondo (Japanesque) Watercolours

Recently, at an en plein air field trip to a ‘Back to Belgenny’ farm open day with some fellow members of Macarthur Art Group, I was introduced to Sumikondo (Japanesque) Watercolours by Michele Arentz.

Michele has been using them for a little while now and quite liked the colours. Below is an example of the 6 colours I recently purchased from Amazon to try out.

I must say that even with my early attempts, I am quite impressed and am thoroughly enjoying using them. Michele has a set of 20 colours and I feel it won’t be too long until I add more of these Watercolours to my set.

Below are a few of my Watercolour sketches with these paints so far. A couple are using only the Sumikondo Watercolours, and I have also included a couple where I have used these watercolours plus Daniel Smith watercolours.

My first attempt. Blue-Black and Purple-Black are used here.
Blue-Black, Purple-Black, Red-Black plus Daniel Smith Burnrt Sienna & Burnt Umber
Purple-Black, Blue-Black, Red-Black, Green-Black & Yellow-Black
Blue-Black, Purple-Black, Daniel Smith Burnt Sienna, Burnt Umber, Yellow Ochre

It’s only early days yet however, I believe Sumikondo Watercolours have a lot to offer, and I am having a lot of fun experimenting with them.

I’m currently working on a 15cm x 23cm Watercolour using both the Sumikondo & Daniel Smith Watercolours. The Watercolour paper I am using for this one is Baohong The Master’s Choice, rough, block paper, 300gsm. I am already loving the combination of the Watercolours and the paper and I will post the finished artwork on this blog.

Till next time!

Written by David Johnson

7 September 2024