Quick and dirty perspective tool for the rest of us

     If I can help it, I will always try my best not to use any drawing aids for training's sake. But the last sketchwalk had me realize that there are still times I'm struggling with perspective especially if  the subject is something really up close. There are also times when I get pressure to come up with something really fast, and the view is to distracting.
     These gave me an idea to come up with some solution. What if there is a tool we can use to ease things up?
     Again,I was thinking of something portable, and if possible can be inserted between the pages of a sketchbook. So, I've made a viewfinder. Nothing new here. The internet host a lot of different versions that are easy to make. This version is just a piece illustration board cut to size.

Sketch Kit Mark IV!

     Here it is. The new and improved sketch kit!

Addition of  MDF board from a clipboard, binder clips, and a piece of magnet.

An elastic band with velcro holds everything in place.

Mark IV in action. The MDF provides a sturdy backing and makes everything comfortable to hold. The magnet attached to the clip holds the watercolor tin in place.

Manila Zoo Sketchwalk

     I haven't been in Manila Zoo since grade school so I thought now is the time to revisit the place. It was just an impulsive move since I have the free time after visiting my dentist. Fortunately I have my sketch kit with me, Sketch Kit Mark III! 

Sketch kit Mark III.  Mark II didn't even made it to the field test. After weeks of effort in painting the Altoids tin, I was disappointed the it just easily chipped off on the slightest bump. Besides, it is still a little too big and thick for my taste.

My office mate who is also a watercolor enthusiast gave me a small candy tin. Notice the manly color. It was very small though that it fits comfortably in my pocket. Now that’s stealth sketching.

    

      I was amazed at the number of people visiting, I guess it has something to do with the new animals they have acquired. I just hope they are properly taken care of.

     Having gained confidence from my previous sketching session, I felt that I’m more in control of my strokes. People doesn't distract me as much, unless they become too curious that their faces comes within one foot of mine. It was fun. I even had some kids and adults following me as I go and search for the next spot.

     Based on these experience I thought that the sketch kit still needs to be improved as to provide an even more comfortable painting experience. More on that on my next post, Sketch Kit Mark IV!

The First Plein Air Experience

     After completing my sketch kit I've decided that it's time to go out and paint. Armed with a Sakura Koi Waterbrush, Winsor and Newton Artists' Field Box, and a small Moleskine watercolor sketchbook, I went to the first place that I thought would provide me with inspiration, Intramuros.

Winsor & Newton Artists' Field Box

     Entering Intramuros from Manila City Hall side, I tried to remember how to get to Manila Cathedral. It has been years since I’ve been here. Along the way, I also tried to scout any spot that might be interesting to draw. Wow, they are really restoring this place. There are lots of buildings already renovated. New buildings are being built along the theme of the existing buildings, the guards are wearing uniforms as if they were Spanish soldiers of that time (I was later told that by my niece this has been going on a few years already). When I've finally arrived at the Manila Cathedral at 11:00 am, there were lots of people and its hard to find a spot to paint. Maybe I could just paint the fountain in front of the church. I knew its not going to be comfortable drawing and painting with all the people passing by, but I never knew I’ll feel VERY uncomfortable. I just keep telling myself that I have to draw something. I won’t go home without filling a page on my sketchbook. My hands were shaking as I lay down my first lines. What’s happening? I think It was a combination of anxiousness to get things right, excitement of the moment, and the distraction of the people.

My first attempt didn't go well, I ended up sketching a person sitting in the fountain. People keep moving so memory and speed drawing is necessary. 

     I thought that I should just go somewhere else. I remember seeing another good spot along the way so I decided to go there.

After 10 minutes into the painting, the sky began to darken so I've decided to wrap things up.

      I’m quite satisfied the way things turned up. Not bad for a first attempt, I thought. I should be doing this from now on. This is my new high! If only there is a group of people with the same interest to paint with...

A Brief Review of Sailor Fude De Mannen and Muji Double Ring Notebook

     One of the simple joys of life is finding bargains, and later realizing that those same bargains performs more than what is expected of them. Such is my experience with the Sailor Fude de Mannen.

Sailor Fude De Mannen (top) 55 degree variant

     After alternating with the Lamy Safari which I bought together, I found that I use the Sailor Fude more and more. I believe it has something to do with the line variation it can produce. I must mention that this pen comes in two variants: the 55 degree (green body) which is the one pictured on top and the 40 degree (dark blue) one. The difference between the two is that the 55 degree pen produces the widest line. In my case since I am left handed and a side-writer, I find the 55 degree pen better for drawing and the 40 degree variant for calligraphy.

Line variations produced with the 55 degree variant of the Sailor Fude. The ink  used is Noodlers Lexington Gray with 50% water. Notice the shading and transparency on the wide stroke.

Close up of the Sailor Fude nib.

Strokes produced with the reverse side of  the nib

     By adjusting the angle at which the nib comes into contact with the paper, a difference in line variation can be achieved. I also found out that its possible to mix the ink with water from this link  (click on the fourth thumbnail with the waterbrush) When used with the Sailor Fude, thin strokes become very dark and broad strokes become transparent washes! So if I had to carry just one pen, I'll take the Sailor Fude.

The Muji Double ring notebook A6 is a perfect size that fits in your pocket. The hard cover also provides support when drawing while standing or on your lap

     So far these are my sketches produced with the Sailor Fude and Muji double ring notebook. (Please note that some of the sketches appearing here are copied from photographs mainly for drawing exercise.)

Though there is a noticeable mark from the back page there is no bleed-though.

An example of a transparent wash achievable with the widest stroke.

sketching unsuspecting people at a department store's food court

Line and wash with the same pen and two kinds of ink

Thin line and broad washes

Drawn purely using the reverse side of the pen.

Tree at a nearby park

    

    

It's Been A While

     I can't believe that four months have passed since I've started this blog. Between my day job and household chores, I was busy doing the actual sketching and hunting for supplies. I guess I have to backtrack a bit about what happened during the last four months.

Sailor Fude De Mannen(top) Lamy Safari (bot)

      One of the task that has occupied me is finding the right sketch pen. So Immediately after so much researching on WetCanvas and other sites, the name Lamy Safari keeps on popping up. Since its affordable and one of the most accessible pen from where I live, I got myself one. While on the pen store, I noticed a green  plastic pen is also on display. Its the Sailor Fude de Mannen! It's quite cheap Php 750.00 (about $16.00) so I guess why not give it  a try?

     After having bought these two pens I alternately used them for sketching. Luckily a friend who is a fan of Muji stores recommended a cheap blank notebook. Initially bought the A6 size which is  Php 125.00 (about $3.00). I believe that for a struggling artist/art student, this fountain pen-Muji double ring blank notebooks is a pair made in heaven :D . On my next post I will write a review on how the Sailor Fude performs with the Muji double ring blank notebook .