I leave for Suffolk and Essex, via London, in a few hours!
Here's where I'll be:
Woodbridge, England
Mersea, England
Here's my art gear, most of it, for the trip:
You can see how much I've pared down since my trip to Paris last October.
Of course, I'm not going to be gone for a month this time, but I've also eliminated the Kremer paint tin as well as most of the Daniel Smith mineral-based paints.
Kremer paints are SO opaque. They just don't behave the way I want them to in sketches. I think they'd work well for studio work, though, when you're not after the quick, the loose, the light-filled so much.
I've been very disappointed, over the long haul, in the Daniel Smith mineral-based paints. Looking back at my Paris sketchbook (which you see in today's photo), I note a LOT of color fading. I'm not happy. Minnesota Pipestone, zoisite, and blue ochre are the most ephemeral of those I used. Kyanite's fine.
Ah well, live and learn.
I've also eliminated DS green gold. It's way too loud for me.
I've added Daniel Smith indigo, eliminated Daniel Smith azurite. I'm experimenting with the former. The latter isn't necessary, so off with its head!
I'm still a Daniel Smith fan. As far as their mineral-based paints go, I'm less enthusiastic.
People write to me fairly frequently to ask about my palette. I felt it was time, therefore, for a little palette update.
And now, it is time to finish packing.
Signed,
She Who Waits 'til the Last Minute
The painting with the 2 boats is so beautiful. It reminds me of a winslow homer, one of my favorite artists.
Posted by: Lydia | August 24, 2007 at 09:43 AM
I'm still a BIG Daniel Smith paints fan! I'm just going to not rely on the mineral-based ones as much. Their other paints are super and really hold their color. I agree with Paris Breakfasts that Kremer paints are like spices, to be used to enhance and make bold. It's their opacity that I struggle with. I love their granulating properties. Thank you so much for all of your well wishes. My jetlag is preventing me from being terribly cogent, but I will try to answer individual questions in emails soon.
Posted by: Laura | August 21, 2007 at 11:57 AM
I'm sure you are having a great time in England. I leave for a short trip there on Monday. Can't wait.
Posted by: Linda | August 21, 2007 at 01:42 AM
Oh, where am I Laura!! I lived in Felixstowe, Suffolk about 10 years ago and not a day went by that I didn't go to Woodbridge! You must've been there by now...I hope you've enjoyed it and I'm so looking forward to your sketches!!
Ronell
Posted by: ronell | August 20, 2007 at 01:08 PM
Missing you and your lovely posts, Miss Laura--I can always count on your sketches to lift me up and brighten my day. Your gentle sense of humor and helpful ways are an inspiration...
XO
Kate
Posted by: Cathy (Kate) Johnson | August 20, 2007 at 10:16 AM
Nice to visit your blog again. Beautiful birds!
And interesting to see what you take. I am still strictly and purely digital and in the middle of travel - home is New Zealand but right now I'm in New York - and sketching!
I spent some time in an art shop looking at sketch books and water colour box not unlike yours. I'll do it too... one day.
I am not inflexible but my Thousand Sketches project is quite demanding, and I am learning a lot from that dicipline.
When it comes to paper, and paint I will be looking here more closely.
Go well in your travels.
Posted by: Walter Logeman | August 19, 2007 at 01:47 PM