Wetcanvas Monthly Challenge - July 2015

     For the first time I was I able to this on the second week of the month. Usually I'm able to start at the last week or two days before the end of the month due to busy schedule. 

10" x 14" arches CP

WetCanvas Monthly Challenge - June 2015

     The challenge  for June is about glass jars. It is really challenging yet fun to do. This kind of image requires a tight drawing otherwise it would destroy the illusion. I realized that I failed in the perspective of the lid and in alignment of other elements. I'm happy with the colors though.

10" x 14" Arches CP

WetCanvas Monthly Challenge May 2015

     It has been a while since my last post. I'm aware that the gap between post has been getting longer and I must do something about it. I'm totally swamped between job applications and freelance work. I hope a day will come when I will become a full time painter.
     For this months challenge I've experimented with Canson Montval 200 gsm paper. A lot lighter and little less tooth from what I'm used to using,but way more cheaper. It is really very limiting, since initial layers tend to lift up with the succeeding layers. 
     I've also limited myself to four colors (Dioxazine Purple, Thalo Blue GS, Quinacridone Gold and cobalt teal blue). The Thalo Blue replaces the ultramarine blue that I'm used to using.

10.5" x 7" Canson Monval 200gsm

    I'm really not happy with the result but I will try to use up the remaining stock that I have and hopefully tame this paper.

Wetcanvas Monthly Challenge - Lord Leverhulme Monument

     I am a bit late with this challenge for February 2015 since I've been busy for the past few weeks. I'm glad there is really no deadline though if I can help it, I want to be up to date

15" x 11" watercolor on Arches CP

     Quite a challenge indeed! I had a hard time blending the light parts with the shadow parts being careful with the shape of the folds.
     The thread for this challenge can be found here.

Wetcanvas Monthly Challenge - Cherries

     This challenge has gotten serious for me. I mean reflections, shiny objects and glass ? I have never really given it much thought. Until now. I'm so glad I committed myself to joining WetCanvas monthly watercolor challenge. Like what Doug, the moderator says, it is a challenge you wouldn't normally tackle so I find myself learning new stuff every time.

7.5" x 11" arches CP

     I find that a tight drawing plays a really important role here, perspective and proportions should be correct. Otherwise, it just destroys the illusion even if the colors and values are correct.

Wet Canvas Monthly Challenge - Chinese Garden

     This month's challenge was an interesting one: foliage and reflection! I really enjoyed doing this one since I've always wanted to try water reflections. Here is the thread at WetCanvas with the reference image.

7.5' x 11" Arches CP

Five Ways to Sustain the Sketching Habit

Make it easy for you to sketch 
     Always have all the sketching tools within easy reach. For some people, it is a challenge to pick up and set up the tools from whatever storage it is kept in. By the time you have taken them out, you might have just lost the energy. If it within easy reach, it is just easy to sketch or paint on a whim much as like picking up your mobile phone.

Make a portable sketching kit and carry it everywhere
     "An artist is a sketchbook with a person attached to it." I'll never forget this line I have picked up from an article in Artist's Magazine a few years ago. It took me a while though to practice it. Once I have assembled my sketching kit, it is always with me wherever I go. Now I have different configurations for my sketching kit from just pencil and sketchbook combo to a full watercolor sketch kit with an easel to match.

Join a local community such as Urban sketchers or online like Wetcanvas
     I have often heard remarks like "I'm not that good, its embarrassing" whenever encourage them to join Urban Sketchers, or make a post of their works. As always, I would give them a reply "It is fine, it's not a competition, it is a community of friendly people willing to help each other. Everybody has to start from somewhere so no one is judging anybody."
     Participating with a community gives you a sense of commitment to nurture your skill as well as give feedback to others. Regularly posting  your work may give you feedback on areas you need to improve. Just remember to keep an open mind.

Find a friend with the same interest and sketch together
     If it really feels inconvenient to join a community why not sketch with a friend? Sometimes what we need is a little nudge to make our first step. Sketching with a friend could help sustain those steps.

Create a blog
     Blogging would be a nice way to document your progress. You might think it is time consuming but it's not. If you have a Google account, it is as simple as signing up with blogger.com and choosing a template. You can even choose to make your blog private until you are ready to show your work.
 
     Looking back, these are the things I did to be on track. Just pick one and keep adding to the list.
     
     Happy sketching!

Wetcanvas October Challenge

     It took me about 3 weeks contemplating how to do this piece and at the same time I want to experiment with a method I haven't done before. The finished piece was not close to what I have in mind, but I'm quite happy with the result. 

7" x 10" Arches CP, Rembrandt WC

 

Fire Valley - Wetcanvas Monthly Challenge

     I thought I wont be able to make it in time to finish this piece. I was so busy with other things and it is already the last day of September. They don't really have a time limit, it's just a deadline I set for myself since there is a new challenge every month. I also have to do this twice since I'm not satisfied with the first one I did. The rock textures was making it really challenging to get the values right. 

Fire Valley 7x10 arches rough 300gsm

Clematis

     This is a painting of a clematis from WetCanvas monthly challenge. It is the second serious painting I've made on a 300gsm paper. Once you've tried it there is no going back. Though I'm still getting around it, I was able to lay down dark washes which is a challenge on more light weight paper.

5" x 8" Arches 300gsm Paper