sketchbook :: lessons in sketching

Last spring I treated myself to Cathy Johnson's Mini Art Class on Ink and Wash. This is a technique I have admired in Kate's and others' sketches, and have attempted myself from time to time, so I was eager to take advantage of another one her wonderful courses. And even though I love the effect of line combined with watercolor wash, I have always been a little intimidated by drawing in ink. I had worked through several of Kate's exercises in the course but my head just wasn't in the right place to devote my attention to something different. Now lately, I have been rethinking my approach to my sketchbooks and I revisited the Ink and Wash lessons. The timing was better. Kate's wise and gentle approach to teaching resulted in one of those "a-ha" moments. I grabbed my pen, travel watercolor set and sketchbook and settled into my comfortable chair with a cup of tea nearby and sketched Kiddo's Santa hat sitting before me. It was a pleasure to just let the line wander about the paper until it found the form. A quick dash of color and the hat came alive. Sometimes it's more about what is left out, what you let go. Thank you Kate, for your inspired teaching!