This morning, I finished the book that is the title of this post. I had started the book earlier this year, but as sometimes happens, distractions and life in general get in the way and the book didn’t get picked up for some time.
Over the past two to three weeks, my Wife and I have had the displeasure of experiencing the RSV virus so we have had more time at home than is normal. Time spent convalescing also gives one time to think about life, but I’ll save that for another post.
Back to the book, which itself was a pleasant distraction at a time of illness.
I remember as a child/teenager growing up in the late 60’s and into the ’70’s hearing about some of the adventures of Ron & Valerie Taylor, so I uttered a keen ‘Yes’ when my Father-In-Law asked me if I would to read this book.
My interest in Ron & Valerie sprang from them being Underwater Photographers/Film-makers, in particular their filming of Sharks. They filmed the underwater scenes in Jaws, which was a favourite movie of mine back in the ’70’s.
The book is an inspirational read, and as it highlights on the back cover, Valerie had to overcome many obstactles, including health issues to lead ‘her adventurous life.’
I’ve been wanting to explore this subject for some time. I’ve just recently joined the ‘Seascape Art’ group on Facebook and have been marvelling at the creations of artists much more experienced than I. The paintings on there are quite inspiring!
Materials used above are:
A5 Aquarelle 100% Cotton Cold Press sketchbook purchased from Amazon
Kuretake Gansai Tambi Japanese Watercolours
Aquawash Brushes
White Gel pen
Colours used: Turquoise Green Deep; Indigo and White
Have to say that I am happy with my first attempt. Looking forward to doing this subject on higher quality paper.
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!
The ‘Serpent’ was painted with the Sumikondo watercolours. The sand, ocean, and most of the island in the distance were painted with the Gansai Tambi watercolours. Daniel Smith paints were used a little for shadows, mainly under the rock.
The idea for the painting came from one of my Watercolour Sketch a Day sketches. This week’s painting was quite a different image in terms of colour and texture than the sketch I did below. Different paint and paper were used for this one.
Recently, I posted a Watercolour I painted using Baohong – The Master’s Choice Rough, Block Watercolour Paper. This time however, I decided to paint with Daniel Smith and Sumikondo Japanese Watercolour paint.
The materials used are as follows:
Baohong The Master’s Choice Artist Rough texture, Block Watercolour Paper
Daniel Smith, and Sumikondo Japanese Watercolour paint
Neef brushes
Size: 15 x 23cm (5.9 x 9 inches)
“Thinking Time”
In the above image, the colours used were:
Sky: Daniel Smith: Cerulean Blue
Ocean: Daniel Smith: Cerulean Blue, Burnt Sienna
Boulders/rocks: Sumikondo Blue-Black
Sand: Daniel Smith: Yellow Ochre, Titanium White
“Rocky Beach”
In the above image, the colours used were:
Sky: Daniel Smith: Cerulean Blue and Ultramarine Blue
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. 🙂