Favourite Sketch Tools

This was my basic sketch kit 5 years ago. The only changes I've made to my kit today are replacing the Lamy pens for Fude (bent nib) pens and I've ditched the watercolour pencils. 

The only additions I've made are Tombow markers (I like the big range of colours). 

I tried a dagger brush for awhile, painting and drawing solely with a brush (no pen or pencil) but it caused my finger joints to ache (I must try it again though). 

The enduring thing I do like is brown ink!

Backyards and Beyond

Looking through my sketchbook I've come to the conclusion I like drawing backyards! Here's a few done in the past few months. 

Backyard in Ringwood.

Here's a couple from where I park my car before Qigong class at Fiddlers Green. There's nothing nicer than sketching in the car when I have to wait.

And a last one done while waiting for a friend to serve lunch. 

#FaberCastellPittPen and #TombowMarker, #HandbookJournal 5.5"x5.5"

15 Rutland Street

Every time I walk past I've found this ramshackled house on Rutland Street quite fascinating. I sketched it some months ago but decided today to add a second colour to the sketch. It has been on the market for a long time and the garden is now even more overgrown. 

Constructed in 1957 it is apparently of architectural significance as a good example of a post-war house that demonstrates the influence of notable architects such as Robyn Boyd. I understand it had “heritage house” status. 

Hoping the owner will be able to sell soon!

#FaberCastellPittPen and #TombowMarker, #HandbookJournal 5.5"x5.5"

Casey U3A Berwick Sketchmeet

A wintery November blast didn’t deter 18 sketchers who turned up for the Casey U3A Berwick Sketchmeet on 8th November.  

After meeting in the Berwick Arcade, the hardiest of the group took themselves off up the street to sketch, some stayed to sketch in the arcade (myself included) and the rest took refuge in a café. 

A sketch of my scrumptious apricot tart while sketching in the arcade:

After two hours we met up again to share experiences and take a few photos. Everyone seemed to have enjoyed the experience and left in good spirits with intentions to get together for another sketchmeet.

#Sailorfude pen, watercolour, homemade concertina sketchbook.

Springfield Homestead, Berwick

I think I’m onto a black and shades of grey period! 

Drawing in the garden of the 1860's historic Springfield Homestead, Berwick, with my fude pen and some old Copic markers (but hey, those markers bled through the Moleskine watercolour sketchbook page!).

#Sailorfude pen, Copic markers, #MoleskineWatercolourAlbum, 5x8” 

The Story of an Ear

We were rained out for most of the time during a trip to McClelland Sculpture Park with the monthly Casey U3A gallery outing group but at least I felt satisfied to have captured this rather eye catching sculpture. It was tucked away in a corner outside the main gallery building. 

"Torso femminile" 1995-2000 is by Australian sculptor Peter Schipperheyn. It is of his wife and muse. Apparently (according to the tour guide), he was attracted to her at their first meeting by her ear!

And there's the back. 

 #Sailorfude pen, watercolour pencils, #MoleskineWatercolourAlbum 5x8".

Twig and Ink Drawing

Trying out the ink, twig and smudge technique I learnt from Ch'ng Kiah Kiean (aka KK) at Brisbane Sketchfest 2019. 

I think I rather like it! 

Primary@Pioneer (cafe) in Pioneers Park, Berwick, Vic. The oldest part of the existing building (the Old Berwick Primary School) dates back to 1876 and besides being a cafe is also the headquarters of the Casey Cardinia branch of the National Trust.

Twig and Ink.