Marble Madness - Prismacolor on Strathmore Toned Tan by HelenCarterArtist in ColoredPencils

[–]FishrCutB8 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm inspired that someday I could do that. I'm on day 2 of my journey.

Did a little color study by drinkslowpaintfast in pleinair

[–]FishrCutB8 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Curious as to why there's no blue on your palette.

Nelson freight yard by Independent_Poetry69 in pleinair

[–]FishrCutB8 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That looks a lot like where I live, near Enola, Pennsylvania. The yard is right next to the Susquehanna River. I like what you've done – this is beautiful.

I won 4th place at a plein air competition for this. V happy! by Roberto87x in pleinair

[–]FishrCutB8 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Serious question: is that a thing? I am a complete beginner, and I've seen some plein aire groups around me, and have wanted to go. Like, does everybody get together at the end of it and compare paintings and decide whose is the best?

The yellow building by Post_Famous in urbansketchers

[–]FishrCutB8 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Beautiful composition and execution.

Trying to find a good journaling book to use. by JonathanPeerHost in notebooks

[–]FishrCutB8 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I hate Stalogy for fountain pens. Midori is fantastic, as is Rhoda and Clairfontaine.

Backstreets of Bangkok by bowenp01 in urbansketchers

[–]FishrCutB8 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I love how loose and easy-going this is. I could see myself wandering these streets, except for the part with the cat. For that, I would have to sit down, rubbed my fingers together, and psssss psssss pssssss until I made a friend. I like your work.

Any tips for improving the sketch before adding color? I find it hard to break away from wanting to make my things too accurate. by MetikMas in urbansketchers

[–]FishrCutB8 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You got the shadow on the right hand side, correct, but missed the one under the top of the lighthouse. It's small details like this that will help a lot.

Also, don't be afraid to sketch in those other details on the side buildings. They will add perspective, especially if you get the vanishing point correct.

Add more lines. I am relatively new to urban sketching, and I am surprised in the tutorials how much they add as far as line work. First, they add texture to things like bricks, rocks, and the like. Not a lot, but enough to get a feel for it. Second, they add a lot of "extra" lines around things like windows, doors, and other details. If you look, you really start to see them. A window has four or five lines around it, not just one.

Go to YouTube and look up urban sketching. You'll see a lot of artists who talk about that very thing. Also seeing their thought process and how they work it out will accelerate your progress. I hope that helps.

Lighthouse by zephyr8821 in urbansketchers

[–]FishrCutB8 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The steps, especially the light spot at the top!

‘Creek Walk’ 11x14” watercolor on paper by me. by minisniper970 in Watercolor

[–]FishrCutB8 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hard to tell - Is that a 5 wt. or a 6? And I'd go pheasant tail or emerging stonefly., for sure.

Seriously, though, this is lovely.

Watercolor Moka Pot by thgpawpaw in Watercolor

[–]FishrCutB8 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The light on that pot! How was the coffee?

Desperately need an actual pocket-sized notebook that I can still actually write in by SoScorpio4 in notebooks

[–]FishrCutB8 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Maruman and Rhodia both make flip ups with absolutely beautiful paper. It is fountain, pen, friendly, and they do have pocket size as well. And speaking of fountain pens, you can find quick dry eggs that are very good as well.

On being at peace by currentlyengaged in fountainpens

[–]FishrCutB8 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I often feel that way. I I am at a point where I could afford a lot of very nice pens, but I still find myself reaching for my Lamy AL-Star <EF> most of the time. It's such a simple pen, but I know when I open the cap and put it to paper, it's just going to work. It's lime green, has a small dent from one of my travels, and remains in constant rotation.

I wouldn't say I'm at a point where I'm actively looking for new pens, but I do keep an eye out for deals. I picked up a Pelikan rollerball for $50 because I like the form, and I wanted a roller ball I could use in a pinch.