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
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