Blog

Day 12

Paper: Moleskin Watercolor Album, Cold Press

Paints: Windsor Newton, Half Pan Set.  Ultramarine Blue and Burnt Umber

Before I left for the weekend I ordered a moleskin watercolor book and was thrilled to have it here when I got back.  The book measures 5x8.5 inches and is the exact width of my box of Windsor Newton half-pans, it could become the ultimate tiny travel kit!  I decided to play and test the materials and some new techniques.  For subject, I referenced the day 2 painting called Winter Spot and imagined it as a moonlit night.  I covered the entire scene with a blue wash then dried it and began to layer washes of ultramarine blue and burnt umber on top.  The stars were created by using the end of a candle and making marks before I laid in the first wash.  The wax resisted the watercolor and left bright stars.  I have been working with the tube watercolors so this was my first time working with the pans.  I found the paint to be very creamy and the pigment strength was good.  I dry brushed in some of the twigs on top and softened other areas.  The book did wrinkle but I used a lot of water.  Next time I will lay off the water and begin to play with some of the other colors. Here is the set up.  I can't wait to take this out sketching!

What I learned. 

I like working with the Windsor Newton Half Pans, they were very creamy.

To much water makes the moleskin page buckle, but all in all it took a lot of abuse.