What Treasure Lies…
Tag: watercolour
A Trip To The Country – Part 2 – Book Treasure
In my last post (in this series), I mentioned that we stopped off in Boorowa, NSW for a spot of afternoon tea. Prior to our scrumptious Devonshire Tea, we popped into a ‘charity bookshop’ at the other end of town.
We had only visited this bookshop once before and basically (at that time) stumbled upon it just before closing time. That was three years ago…so we were keen to check it out this time around and we were so glad we did, for there was certainly some ‘Book Treasure’ to be uncovered!
I purchased five books, as follows:
- Leaves Of Grass – Walt Whitman
- Collected Poems 1936 – 1970 – James McAuley
- Enjoying Poetry 1 – Silver and Gold – Chosen by E.W.Parker
- Paint Luxurious Textures In Watercolor – Jennifer Sheffer
- Creative Watercolour Artist – Readers Digest
Leaves of Grass – Walt Whitman
I had heard about this anthology a while ago and have wanted to get a copy of it for a while now. This is the ninth edition, the first having been written in 1892. Walt Whitman’s name first came to my attention when I saw, ‘Dead Poet’s Society’ starring Robin Williams. I am thrilled to add this to my Poetry Collection.
I look forward to delving into more of Walt Whitman’s work.
Collected Poems – James McAuley
I would to say that I had heard of this Australian Poet, however, I would be fibbing. Perhaps I have heard his name before but had forgotten it… It turns out that he was born in Lakemba (where I grew up). My research shows that he was a ‘Australian academic, poet, journalist, literary critic and a prominent convert to Roman Catholicism.’
Flipping through the pages at the bookshop I was not aware of who he was but quite liked his style of Poetry.
Enjoying Poetry 1 – Silver and Gold – Chosen by E.W.Parker
I already have a few ‘collections of Poetry’ so it can be a bit tricky sometimes buying, ‘another collection’ as one doesn’t want to be merely, ‘buying the same Poems all the time…’ It is inevitable that some will be repeated, however, I quite liked the format and illustration of this book. It turns out that there are three in the series and I shall ‘keep my eye out’ for the other two.
It is only a small, thin book that can be easily tucked into a bag so it will be a great book to ‘dip into’ from time-to-time.
Paint Luxurious Textures In Watercolor – Jennifer Sheffer
I am just about to do a ‘book cull’ and started off with a five or six ‘general-type’ Watercolour books. In recent times, I’m not looking at these generalist books much at all and have been looking for specific things/techniques within the Watercolour medium. This is where this book fits in.
It looks well-written and inspiring. An easy decision to buy it.
Creative Watercolour Artist – Readers Digest
I happened across a Goldmine in this book! It is a book, small easel and comes with a ‘Watercolour Wheel’ as well. The Paint Set was not with the book but that’s no problem as I already have paints. It says it has, ’12 Sunning Watercolour Projects’ and it is true to it’s word. It also has split-page/cross-referencing to (as it says), ‘giving you instant access to all the techniques you need to create each of the projects). 94 techniques are displayed, demonstrated and discussed!
This was a ‘no-brainer’ purchase as well.
Five pieces of ‘Book Treasure’ from one second-hand bookshop in a Country town we love to stop at. It is roughly three hours drive from where we live. Looking forward to our next visit!
In Part 3 of ‘Trip To The Country’ I will be focusing on Millthorpe, where we stayed for the wedding.
Till next time!
Written by David Johnson
17 April 2021
More Book Treasure!
Last Sunday, we were down in Goulburn, NSW which is approximately one and three-quarter hours drive South of where we live. We were down there for a celebration Birthday Lunch at one of the local Chinese Restaurants. Four of our Family members have a Birthday within 6 days of each other.
We had a marvellous time and afterwards, my Wife Susan and I paid a visit to one of our favourite second-hand bookshops, the Argyle Emporium in Goulburn.
I have written about this bookshop before on this blog. Just a quick recap: it is situated in a rather stately, old Police Station and the owners have operated it for some 21 years and it holds some 500,000 books.
This time we were only in there for one and a half hours. Realistically, I could spend all day there. We just love these old second-hand bookshops. They have a certain quality about them.
So, what treasure did I find this time?
Three books, one on Haiku Poetry and two on Watercolour.
“Writing and Enjoying Haiku” was just sitting horizontal on top of some other books on the Poetry section and my eyes fell upon it straight away. It was as if it was there ‘just waiting for me to come along!’
I’ve enjoyed writing the occasional (Japanese) style Haiku Poem and the book talks about that style but also other styles as well. It looks a very interesting book.
With regards to the Watercolour books, ‘Painting Weathered Textures in Watercolor” and “Watercolour Fast & Loose”, they took a bit of finding as the Art section is massive at the Argyle Emporium.
Over time I’ve noticed that I think I ‘have moved on’ from some of the early books I had on Watercolour. They seem to general in nature and I am starting to find that I want to learn more about specific topics within the medium. I also want to learn to paint and sketch in a greater, relaxed style than I am currently doing.
All-in-all, it was another fruitful visit to the Argyle Emporium. We are in Goulburn fairly often as my Wife’s parents live about 25km (15.5 miles) SE of Goulburn but we don’t call into bookshop every visit (although I must admit it is tempting)!
If you are down that way, and are a book lover, make sure you visit the Argyle Emporium, you won’t be disappointed.
Written by David Johnson
30 March 2021
Watercolor 365 – Daily Tips, Tricks & Techniques
Today, I visited my local Art and Craft shop, Eckersleys Art & Craft to spend a gift voucher I received for Christmas.
When I receive a gift voucher I always like to buy something memorable. It would be easy to spend it on more paints etc but those paints get used up and there’s nothing really left to show for spending the voucher.
Whilst surveying the shelves in the Art shop, I came across a book called, “Watercolor 365 – Daily Tips, Tricks & Techniques” by Leslie Redhead.
Buying any sort of ‘How To’ book can sometimes see us buying things we’ve already bought. They are so many books out there about Watercolour, when one buys a book, often the same material is conveyed, albeit sometimes in a different way.
Upon closer inspection I found that the ‘Tips, Tricks & Techniques’ contain:
- 52 Mini step-by-step instructions
- 52 Q & A’s
- 52 Troubleshooting tips
- 52 Bits of creative advice
- 52 General tips
- 52 Definitions
- 52 Exercises
I was impressed enough to buy the book. It looks very interesting and in viewing the book there are a quite a lot of things that I didn’t know (I’m not a full-time Artist). I believe I am going to enjoy using this book to help me in my Watercolour journey. Thank you, Leslie for producing this book. 🙂
Written by David Johnson
24 January 2021
Gauging Improvement
Sometimes along a journey you wonder whether you are improving or not. I remember this happened with Toastmasters early on. I was going along to meetings, writing, rehearsing and giving speeches, taking on roles etc and after three months, I wondered it was having an effect?
A colleague I worked with at the time suddenly said one day, ‘David, you are appear to have greater confidence these days, what’s the secret?’ I knew then that going to Toastmasters had started to affect me in a positive way.
With my Watercolour sketches I have wondered the same thing, although it is easier in one way to gauge improvement as I have tangible evidence in the form of previous Watercolour sketches.
During lockdown last year I did 120 YouTube tutorials in a row and occasionally, I do more. One of the ways I am trying to gauge improvement is to go back to a tutorial but not actually ‘do the tutorial.’
Instead, what I do is sketch the image and do the painting without watching the tutorial. This way, I am trying to gauge what I can do without the step-by-step instruction to see how close I can get to the one I did when I did the tutorial.
Today’s Watercolour sketch (Day 727) is an example of that. I did the tutorial (Nil Rocha Art) back on Day 500. I have added a couple of shrubs and there are some other elements which I have changed but I am pretty happy with the result. I would love to reach the skill level of the tutorials. More practice required!
I’m happy with my progress with Watercolour in general and with Line and Wash, however, I am looking forward to the time I can do a face-to-face Watercolour course with a professional. I was due to start a 10 week course like this when Covid hit.
I’ve been using Winsor & Newton Cotman Half-Pans for over two years now. I’m thinking that maybe it is time to jump to Artist quality paints and have purchased a set of Primaries.
Still have so much more to learn. Still having so much fun! 🙂
Written by David Johnson
23 January 2021
Day 706 of a Watercolour Sketch a Day
Back on 26 January 2019 when I started this ‘Daily Art Practice’ I could never have imagined that I would do it for 30 days straight, let alone 706…
I have no ‘lofty number goal’ in mind, I just aim to do ‘a sketch a day.’ Mostly, they are done upon rising, sometimes during the day and, less often at night these days. I believe it’s a great way to start a day.
From very early on it was like a form of meditation for me. I also wanted to learn the Watercolour and the Line and Wash mediums and was frustrated that I was only getting to do a sketch every 1-2 weeks because I thought, ‘that I didn’t have time…’.
We often think that, ‘we don’t have time’ for things. Often, when they become a priority, we do have the time.
I was asked a question recently in one of Art groups I’m on Facebook. ‘What is the one thing that you have learnt so far?’ My answer was that, ‘I have learnt that I have still so much to learn.’
Over the past few days, I’ve been thinking about this more and I feel that I could add some more answers to that question for the answer is more than, ‘just one thing’ so here goes…
- It appears that I am in the process of developing a style or two
- Favourite subjects to sketch and paint are starting to appear
- From tutorials (especially) I am learning all sorts of wonderful colour combinations
- Prior to embarking on this daily art practice, painting shadows were a weak point for me (still have a way to go with them but I’m improving)
- The practice is encouraging me to ‘go outside my comfort zone’ in terms of subject matter and technique
On top of this it is building my confidence in sketching and painting. When I was a child I wasn’t very good at sketching, drawing or painting. I’ve dabbled over the years and my last real attempt (at sketching) before now was back in the early 90’s but as ‘Photography was King’ in my life it didn’t get much of a ‘look-in.’
Prior to lockdown I was about to do a 10 week Watercolour course which was, of course cancelled so during lockdown I did a YouTube tutorial for 120 days in a row. I’ve subscribed to two artists, Nil Rocha Art and Peter Sheeler. I would highly recommend both.
Recently, I started going back and re-doing some of the subject matter in the tutorials but without doing the actually tutorials as I want to see how much I’ve learnt and how I am applying it to the subjects.
Below are a few examples from the last 300 days:
Looking forward to Day 707 and beyond!
Written by David Johnson
2 January 2021
Glimmers Of Light
This is, essentially, a hard post to write as 2020 obviously has not been a very good year in terms of the raging bushfires that caused destruction and death here in Australia early in the year and in other places around the world as well.
Then, of course, Covid-19 arrived seemingly, resembling a bad B-Grade Sci-Fi movie script that is causing illness, death, isolation and financial troubles etc.
I see a lot of posts on Social Media saying things like, ‘Farewell 2020, what an awful year,’ etc. This is quite understandable given what has happened/is happening.
Whilst overall, 2020 has been an awful year I believe it is a good exercise to turn the microscope on your own life and see what positive things have happened to you individually in this remarkable (for the wrong reasons) year.
We were not affected by the bushfires ourselves, though some people we knew were which did set the emotions running. Covid-19, however, affected our livelihood with both the Finance and Marketing sides of the business taking a huge hit due to lockdown etc.
Things on that front are in recovery mode now thankfully, largely due to my wife, Susan on the Finance side and an awesome group of people that she is working with. I have recently become part of that team.
The following ’things that went right’, although insignificant in the world as a whole, were significant to me/us.
Business/Work
- Completion of my Certificate IV Finance & Mortgage Broking course which allowed me to become a Finance Broker (after leaving a part-time role with a Bank) in December and better support Susan
- Attaining a new part-time role as an Entrepreneurship Facilitator (mentoring/assisting start-up businesses)
- Am currently studying the Diploma of Finance & Mortgage Broking
Toastmasters
- My involvement in Toastmasters International is approaching its 13th year early next year and this year provided a few highlights including achieving the following:
- Distinguished Toastmaster (highest education and leadership level)
- Completed my High Performance Leadership Programme
- Completed by role as an Area Director
- Completed my role as a Club Coach
- Completed my role as President of Gledswood Club
- Received my first Triple Crown Education award
- Received a Leadership Excellence award
- (My Club), Gledswood Toastmasters achieved 10/10 becoming a President’s Distinguished Club. My Co-Club Coach Rhys Tague, the Executive and all the members contributed here and we are all continuing to grow the club
- I was the Toastmaster for the first time at a Division Contest
Creative Pursuits
- Joined Red Point Artists Association at Port Kembla, NSW
- (At date) have completed 704 Watercolour Sketch’s a Day in a row. The goal back on 26 January 2019 was to acquire the habit of a ‘Daily Art Practice’
- Starting using Dip Pens for the first time
- Had a group of my Paintings on display for the very first time
- Sold my first and second paintings this year
- Recommenced Oil Painting
- This year I managed 100 posts on this blog for the first time ever
- Have now written in excess of 400 Poems (300 on this Blog)
Some ‘not so good things’ have also happened this year, presenting us with challenges we have or are in the process of overcoming in health and other areas. I think it’s important to learn from them but not dwell on them.
If you would like to, apply that Microscope to your own life and see (despite what has happened this year on the world stage), what good things have happened to you this year? If you want to, list them in the comments below or just comment generally.
Thanks to May @ Forever and Everly for the inspiration to do this post. You can check out her Blog here: https://wordpress.com/read/feeds/59870465/posts/3090980068
Wishing everyone a Happier 2021!
Written by David Johnson
31 December 2020
Thoughts In Flower
Artistic Opportunity
Last Friday week I was given the opportunity to part of a function called, “Open For Business” which was run by ‘Good Morning Macarthur’ a local production in the Macarthur Region of NSW at Oz Funland.
It featured four business owners who made up a panel and they shared their knowledge to enhance the local business community.
Also featured was a Samoan dancer called, ‘Tito’ and a selection of my Art, consisting of both Oil and Watercolour.
As with any region, business functions are common, however, due to Covid-19, business functions had been online mostly this year and often they feature only business-related activities.
The team at Good Morning Macarthur decided to do something a little bit different and it worked well mixing in a bit of entertainment and art.
Thank you to the team at Good Morning Macarthur for allowing me to display my Art. This is the first time multiple examples of my Art have been on display. We had a wonderful night!
Written by David Johnson
1 November 2020
The Story Of Painting
A few weeks ago whilst browsing in a local bookstore, I came upon what I now know to be quite an impressive book titled, “The Story Of Painting – How Art Was Made.”
Almost every day since, I’ve picked up this book and have been instantly engaged by its contents. I find it to be fascinating, interesting, informative, inspirational and well-written.
To see a more detailed description and reviews by other readers, click on the following (shortened) link which will take you ‘Goodreads.’
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
Written by David Johnson
30 September 2020
Communicating Creatively 