Forum Role: Participant
Active Since: July 13, 2020
Topics Started: 0
Replies Created: 13

Forum Replies Created

Viewing 13 posts - 1 through 13 (of 13 total)
  • Bridget
    Participant
    I feel I was able to apply the techniques of using sketchy lines, creating texture and depth, learning to imply and drawing what I see. I feel so much more confident now. I would never have believed I could do this! I want to work on accuracy, variety and speed from here.Warbler contrast
  • Bridget
    Participant
    1. To help have less stuff to manage when in the field, I tried putting the paper towel to dry my brushes in the upper hinged section of my paint box. I used that trick of making a pencilled frame for my painting on a single page, using the edges outside the frame to test the colours. I also found it helpful to have two waterbrushes, one wet and one dry, as when  I tried to use a dry technique after a wet one with just one brush, the bristles didn't dry enough, even without squeezing the body of the brush. 2. I think I have got too focussed on the drawing/painting and have forgotten about the recording/questioning side of my observations! Will need to leave more room too. 3. These are my first watercolours; a tomtit from Ulva Island and my local beach, Butterfield's Beach on Stewart Island, New Zealand. I have a long way to go but wouldn't have thought I could do anything like this so pretty excited!   TomtitButterfields Beach
  • Bridget
    Participant
    This was challenging and fun! I started out seeing the sparrow but after I will I got so focussed on the drawing I started to see only lines relating to other shapes  or lines. A really helpful exercise. IMG_20201115_162008
  • Bridget
    Participant
    I'm finding the negative space and value techniques are really helpful. I am worried that I won't have anywhere near enough time in the field to capture enough information to fill in detail later, once the subject has moved on. I guess with practice comes confidence!Fox before and after - lower res
  • Bridget
    Participant
    This was really helpful. I found that I underestimated the relative sizing each time. It was helpful to move away from what I thought the subject should look like to paying more attention to what I was actually observing. IMG_20200920_145006
  • Bridget
    Participant
    Gesture drawing is super helpful. It requires courage! The biggest thing I've noticed is that I am having to work out what shape identifies the subject much more quickly than when drawing something still e.g. the overall shape of the subject down quickly and seeing where the detail is helpful to work out what it is and what it's doing.  I am looking forward to seeing improvement in these skills - I can see how practice will be required.IMG_20200906_134452IMG_20200906_134417IMG_20200906_134429
  • Bridget
    Participant
    I was so proud of not looking down.... then at the end, when I did look down, I almost cried with laughter. A fun and interesting experience!IMG_20200906_081851IMG_20200906_081905
  • Bridget
    Participant
    1. It's not quite spring here so I couldn't find anything in flower. Mine is a small shrub comparison. This exercise made me really curious about why there is so much difference in the leaf type of two plants in the same environment. 2. I like the mix of multiple drawings, notes and measures. I appreciate the idea of having the full subject rough sketch to go alongside the more focused sketches. Adding the questions, not just the observations and data is really powerful to me. IMG_20200906_081838
  • Bridget
    Participant
    There is so much to wonder about and enjoy in our world. I am inspired by the other course attendees! Please keep sharing your journals and thoughts.IMG_20200830_115326IMG_20200830_115311IMG_20200830_115255
  • Bridget
    Participant
    1. My first sit spot experience too. Sitting on the steps of our large deck overlooking our garden, while my 2 year old daughter painted at her easel nearby. This exercise showed me that it doesn't take much time to have mindful moment in nature. I worked through each of my sense to focus on what I was experiencing, so I could better record it. Overall, a special moment. 2. The differences in colours and textures came quickly, sounds and feelings took a little longer. IMG_20200816_131949
  • Bridget
    Participant
    This course is AMAZING! Whilst I'm not exactly confident nor super comfortable making the first marks, I now feel it's okay to start and that I might even be surprised by what's possible. This is an empowering and exciting feeling! I loooove blending as it's so forgiving, I was surprised by how good scribbling can look and how simple hatching can be so efficient when there's limited time. Wow. Who knew I could draw a chilli?! IMG_20200814_193033
  • Bridget
    Participant
    1. Reflecting on what I enjoy. Yearning for a way to grow my naturalist skills and document nature's gorgeousness. 2. I especially like the idea of documenting what was actually seen. To quickly, yet elegantly, show the subject, note behaviours and include other interesting snippets. I like the approach of lots of images and sections to accompany text. The pencil work in DJ McNeil's journal really inspired me. 3. I'm thinking about including natural material samples in my journal such as pressed plants and feathers.
  • Bridget
    Participant
    1. I felt pretty nervous about drawing from a photo! The hardest part was starting. Once I had started I found getting the proportions challenging. It was also tricky to work out how I would draw the feathers - so much detail. It was easier once I agreed with myself that mistakes were okay and I wasn't trying to recreate the photo in all it's detailed glory.Yellow warber first attempt 2. I hadn't appreciated the diversity in feathering until I focussed on the photo to draw it. I hope with journalling  and this course I will learn to focus and see/appreciate things in a new way.
    in reply to: Jump Right in! #726175
Viewing 13 posts - 1 through 13 (of 13 total)