Today’s selection feature more images from a family property in the Southern Tablelands in New South Wales, Australia.
Each visit brings more photogenic surprises. 🙂
Things That Attract My Eye – Part 36
Tag: landscape
New Sketchbook Adventures!
Last weekend, I ordered a Pleinly 8″ x 12″ sketchbook via Amazon. I’ve been researching their Watercolour Easel package and am about to buy it. When you buy the Easel package you get the sketchbook below with it.
I have used it on my last three Watercolour Sketch a Day’s (below) and have to say that I am impressed with what I’ve seen so far. Every type of Watercolour paper handles differently and although I am still getting used it, I’m having a lot of fun. 🙂
A few things I’ve noticed are that it can take a lot of water, it feels different to touch and paint on than other cold press 300gsm 100% cotton papers/sketchbooks I’ve tried. Considering it has 52 pages and it is 300gsm, the sketchbook is quite light. I haven’t painted on the back of the page yet, but I am confident the paper will take it.
Later on, I will do another post and make some further comments. Can’t wait to do today’s sketch! 🙂
Till next time!
Written and sketched/painted by David Johnson
25 April 2026
Devil’s Marbles
Back in 1986, I went on a Con-Tiki tour of the Northern Territory in Australia. Whilst I have quite a few photos from that location (we stayed overnight there), and the trip itself, I have never got around to attempting a painting on any of the subjects I saw on that trip.
The Devil’s Marbles are a loose formation of mainly rounded boulders, plus some other shapes that are anywhere from 50cm (19.6 inches) to 6 metres (19.6 feet) in diameter.
The painting below has a mixture of them. I’m sure I’ll do more of the Devil’s Marbles, and other locations from that trip.
- Baohong Aquarelle 100% Pure Cotton Rough Watercolour paper
- Kuretake Gansai Tambi Japanese Watercolour pans
- Daniel Smith Watercolours
- Aquawash brushes
- Neef brushes
- Size 18 x 26cm (7 x 10 inches)
Till next time!
Written & Painted by David Johnson
8 February 2026
Here is a link to find out more information if you would like visit it.
Near & Far
I seem to do a lot seascapes. I live about 45 minutes to an hour from the nearest beach so I don’t get a lot of time to spend near the water. The painting below is another one from the imagination.
Like a lot of people, I guess I find the ocean/waves relaxing, even if I cannot get there, I love to recreate the feeling/sight at home.
- Baohong Aquarelle 100% Pure Cotton Rough Watercolour paper
- Kuretake Gansai Tambi Japanese Watercolour pans
- Sumikondo Japanese Ink Pigments
- Aquawash brushes
- Size 18 x 26cm (7 x 10 inches)
Till next time!
Written & Painted by David Johnson
8 February 2026
Towards Another Dimension
Whilst I am enjoying painting standard subjects like seascapes, landscapes, building etc, I like to break out every now and then and do something ‘a little bit way out.’ I do love a good Sci-Fi or Fantasy book or film.
This is where I think the inspiration for, ‘Towards Another Dimension’ came.
- Baohong Aquarelle 100% Pure Cotton Rough Watercolour paper
- Kuretake Gansai Tambi Japanese Watercolour pans
- Sumikondo Japanese Ink Pigments
- Masking Fluid pen
- Aquawash brushes
- Size 18 x 26cm (7 x 10 inches)
Till next time!
Written & Painted by David Johnson
8 February 2026
Arrival
Fun With Kuretake Gansi Tambi Japanese Watercolours!
I must say that I am really enjoying using these Watercolours. Brilliant colours and a lovely texture are two of the positives so far. Using 300gsm 100% Cotton paper, either Cold Press or Rough texture.
Here are some examples from my Watercolour Sketch a Day practice.
If you are wondering whether this brand of Watercolours a go, I would say ‘dive in and have some fun!’ 🙂
Till next time!
Written & Sketched/Painted by David Johnson
6 April 2025
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
A Delightful Christmas Present!
As always, I am very grateful to receive gifts at any time, including Christmas, as we all should be.
This Christmas, I received a 36-set of Gansai Tambi Japanese Watercolours. I saw a fellow Macarthur Art Group member with these some months ago. Then, I did a bit of research on them.
I was asked a month before Christmas for some Christmas present hints. This set was one of four suggestions I gave out so the element of surprise was still there.
Here is my first attempt using them.
I love the colours’ richness. The paint’s texture is also impressive. According to the instructions, it can be used as a Gouache or as Watercolour.
I am looking forward to experimenting with these paints and getting to know them. Lots of fun on the horizon to be sure.
Till next time!
Written & sketched/painted by David Johnson
29 December 2024
Seaview
I paint a fair bit from imagination. I also use my own reference photos. Sometimes, I paint from photos I come across on the Internet (and give them credit, of course).
The painting below comes from my imagination, and I called it, “Seaview.’
Materials used:
- Baohong The Master’s Choice Artist Rough texture, Block Watercolour Paper
- Daniel Smith, and Winsor & Newton Watercolour paint
- Neef brushes
- Size: 15 x 23cm (5.9 x 9 inches)
From the moment I starting using this paper, I loved it. I had never used rough textured paper or block paper before.
I purchased the smaller size just to try it out. Am looking to purchase a larger block. This paper is so much fun to use. 🙂
Till next time!
Written & painted by David Johnson
27 October 2024
