I’ve just posted the first video of a four-part series on the YouTube channel about how to use historic Chinese-style compositional techniques to make your hike (or a walk or any journey, really) into a story. You can find it here.
- pencil
- sketchbook or practice paper
- 11 x 15 inch piece of drawing paper OR tracing paper (I used this)
Don’t forget to post your own drawings on Instagram using the hashtag #storytellingmyart
Part 2 (to be posted on 24 Jan) will include markmaking practice and tips for transferring the drawing made in this video onto watercolor paper using India ink and a brush.
Supply list for Part 2:
- India ink (I like this one)
- containers for diluted ink
- water
- small brush (I use the smallest one in this set but a script liner should work equally well
- 11 x 15 inch piece of coldpress watercolor paper (I use Arches 140lb, buy it here)
- your drawing from Part 1
- a light box or projector (if you don’t have one, you’ll have to use a pencil and a well-lit window, then trace the pencil with the brush and ink)
In Part 3 (February), we’ll take a look at the paints used in historical blue-green paintings, then use our own modern watercolors to achieve a similar effect on our own painting.
Supply list:
- Watercolor paints: I use Turner Deep Indigo (PB29/PB15/PG7/PY3), Daniel Smith Viridian (PG18), Daniel Smith Fuschsite Genuine (there’s really no substitute for this) and Winsor & Newton Burnt Sienna (PR101) (I buy these at Blick)
- Palette with deep wells
- Chinese-style medium brush (in the set listed in Part 1) or watercolor brushes you feel comfortable with
- water and watercolor painting miscellaneous supplies (toweling, etc.)
Finally, in Part 4 (February) we’ll use technical pens to add details to our painting and complete the drawing of a hike.
Supply list:
- Pigma micron, Uni, or similar black pens in various sizes (they must be able to handle coldpressed watercolor paper, my faves are these and these)
- If you’re feeling adventurous, a nib pen and India ink
- Uni-ball gold pen or similar
Don’t forget to follow this blog to receive email notifications when the videos are released, and subscribe and click the notification bell on the YouTube channel. Join me on this adventure into storytelling with our art!
Please note that I use the Amazon Affiliates program. If you click a link to an Amazon shopping page and purchase the item there, I will get a small commission. The money used from the Affiliate program is used for supporting this website (i.e. hosting fees) and/or equipment and supplies to produce more content like this!