Some time ago I purchased a couple of tubes of gouache, white and burnt umber, to experiment with and do value studies. Here is my first attempt at that in my hand.book journal. I enjoyed playing with the gouache, which unlike watercolor, I can put light values on top of the darks, allowing for more push and pull of those values.The Artist's Journal class has begun this week with an overwhelming amount of enthusiasm from all the participants. Inspired by others in the class, I decided to try making my own handmade sketchbook.
Here is my paper cut to size and the covers that I made. The paper is 140 lb. Fabriano hp. The covers are made from the back of an old sketchbook, covered with fabric on the outside and marbled paper on the interior side. Also shown is my hole punching guide. The marbled paper is some that I had left over from a craft project that Kiddo and I did a couple of years ago. The fabric is what remains from some very old curtains I had made for a long ago apartment. This part of the process was really pretty easy to do, especially with the help of class mates!
Here is the book stitched together. I followed this online tutorial in order to figure out how to do the stitching. Again, this was much easier than I anticipated. Although I did end up taking it apart and re-stitching it with different thread that I waxed first, which made the book feel more sturdy, but it looks the same as the picture here. I just may start making all of my own sketchbooks from here on out! Of course, I do have a few store bought sketchbooks laying around that I should finish working in first.
15 comments:
I love your sketchbook. I just made my very first one recently and loved the whole process. You can check it out on my blog. I've actually been using it as an art journal. I made one for my daughter shortly after and now I have one that is ready to be pierced and stitched but our power drill is broken so it is just all clamped together for now. I think I am totally addicted to making them too.
Beautiful work! I love that you said you 'played' with it. For the non-artist reading and looking at what you do, you make it much more approachable. I love what I see and am in awe of what your 'play' produced!
Wow! Now I didn't know that you're not supposed to put light values on top of the dark with watercolors ^^ perhaps I should have used gouache instead, the big price I have to pay for not taking art classes. I really need to learn all these stuff! >.<
It's a very beautiful painting Ann, and it really shows off what the media is capable of. Thanks for your comments on my blog, and I am glad you liked the award too :)
Oh by the way, awesome handmade sketchbook! I've never made one myself, but I'd like to learn to do that one day too. Maybe you could see that as well, because I think a handmade sketchbook made by an artist holds a high value in motivation to use the sketchbook to produce and create^^ just a thought
Lovely guache painting and I'd love to have the time to actually make a sketchbook! I barely have time to keep up with my email. I have about 50 everydaymatters emails I still have to read. I don't want to miss anything!
Revelle
Cool painting! You got a lot of values in that painting. I like the shadow as well. I've been thinking about trying gouache. I never thought about just trying two tubes. Good idea.
I have a friend who makes those books. They are lovely, aren't they? Looks like you did well...I think only some people can make them. (Not me.) I'm almost afraid to write in one. They seem to precious.
Lovely sketchbook, Ann! You make me want to try that project. Thanks for posting the link.
Ah yes, value studies. My nemesis. That's actually going to be my focus pretty soon as I am having a hard time with it. I love all the different values in your tree.
Great sketchbook, Ann, and OUTSTANDING values painting! I wish I could have seen you process that. A mystery to me.
Beautiful painting with the gouache. Also, congrats on your blog award. You deserve it.
Your book looks great! It's rewarding to create a journal, so full of potential...
I forgot to mention, I looked at your etsy site. Your artwork is really lovely!
I've been wanting to experiment with gouache and you've inspired me to!
I use gouache quite a bit where necessary, but I use colored pencil almost exclusively because of the transparency. Would you mind telling me what brand you use?
Beautifully made!
Love the gouache painting too!
Love your homemade book - I have a passion for homemade books (as I'm sure many sketchers do). Enjoy it!!
I'm so impressed that you were able to do this from a tutorial. It's a beautiful and I'm sure very fun to use book!
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