Sycamore Grove
Yesterday I got my first Raffine sketchbook by Lana, recommended by Lin Frye, so I decided to give it a test drive. The 9 x 12″ paper is very thick and slightly absorbent, and I’d say it takes a wet wash pretty well without bleeding through the back side of the paper. There was only slight buckling. I used a 1″ flat brush for this sketch and a thin flexible “rigger” brush. For quick studies (this took about 15-20 minutes) and an economical price tag (12.99 for a 48 page book) this might just be my favorite so far. I even like the slightly rough texture which makes it possible to get some interesting textures.
I haven’t tried a watercolor Moleskine yet, but the large size of this sketchbook appeals in that it allows me to use a bigger brush and to concentrate on large areas of color and value. Watercolor colors used: light red, quin magenta, burnt sienna, cobalt blue, sap green, yellow green.
In the coming days I’ll also try it out with ink, colored pencil, charcoal, pencil and acrylic, if you’d like to check back to see the results of my experiments …
P.S. My first eBay watercolor painting auction concludes Sunday night …
Click to see auction
Jean Mikulla
September 23, 2006
Karen I really like the sycamore grove. Ihave been hesitant to use the Raffin book because of the paper, but it didn’t seemto effect your painting. It was also reay cool to see your auction. Good luck. Jean
PAmela
September 23, 2006
awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww………………………….delightful!
NelVanL
September 23, 2006
Gorgeous, Karen. Love the lavenders and the blue greens, and now I’ll have to get a Raffine too, thanks for the recommendation. I like the one below too, very sketchy, loose and free. Really expressive.
Jana Bouc
September 23, 2006
Ohhh, so you’re using the larger Raffine…that makes sense. The one I got is the same size as the Moleskine and with the big binding, it’s uncomfortable to use. I bet the 9×12 is great! I like that purple fence!