Continuing ink exploration

 ...continuing exploration into working with inks.
Paper: 250gsm Bristol Board, A4 size
Medium: Staedtler pigment liners, .05, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 5.0. Various water colours, quite old tubes of colour I have (some over 40years old!!!). These include Cotam, Winsor Newton, and Art Spectrum.
 

Step One: Black ink drawing state

Step Two: Initial water colour washes using primarily a 'Paynes Grey' mix of Ultramarine, Yellow Ochre and Vermillion. Touches of yellow ochre and greens created with mixes of these colours.

Portsoy, low tide. 2024 by Linda Weil©

Step Three: final. More layers of greys, colours, with 'spatter' technque in the sand. Additional line work to enhance the depth in the stones.

Working in inks is fun - you sort of have to let go and embrace the challenge of knowing you cannot erase!

inky fingers

This term I have been working with my class using ink and ink washes, with a 'boat' subject. To begin I demonstrated the basic Figure 8 method of drawing boats and we drew a series if imaginary crafts using this method. For this technique I like to use a blue pencil to create the initial 'figure 8' and then sketch over the top of this using a 4B graphite. 

 

 Imaginary skiffs using the Figure 8 method

 Students then chose their own boat image from personal references and first drew it in graphite as an accurate tonal rendering. Here is my partially completed drawing:

Inconplete graphite rendering of a small row boat. 300gsm Fabriano hot press paper and graphite pencils

Next we began to experiment with various ink techniques starting with test sheets to understand how to dilute and use washes in inks. My tests were done with Windsor Newton India Ink on hot press paper. It was important to learn how to create smooth and even washes, with miniumal 'cauliflowers'. Tricky to get right and mastering the technique of walking the bead of ink can be diffucult.

I used a measured dilution method with distilled water and the WN ink. With an eyedropper I dripped 20 drops of water and then one drop of ink for the first tint. Progressively the tints were: 20 to 1, 20 to 5, 20 to 10, 20 to 15, 20 to 20, solid black.

 

First tests were a bit blobby.

Although I mucked up the first strip and had to repeat it, these tests were better.

Students were also encouraged to try out their fineliner and dip pens to learn how to create various textures using hatching, crosshatching and stippling. I use a work sheet I found on the internet for samples. Worksheet

Finally were were ready to start our boat drawing ink! Using the same boat created in graphite, this image is transferred to a sheet of 300gsm hot press paper. Some decisions had to be made by each student; to add ink tints or not? To add the tints first, or after fineliner pens (taking care to test if the fineliners were waterproof). Which fineliner pens to use and how to use them.

I choose to begin with ink wash and then add fineliner pens. Again I used the WN india ink and once the wash was dry I drew with Stadtler Pigment Liner 308, these pens are permanent and waterproof on paper when dry, good metal tips and a nice range of sizes.

Personally, I am not too happy with my result. My first attempt at washes was miserable and I began again. Here is the completed second attempt and I am still not very happy with it. But now I am thinking I might just try drawing the boat and features first, THEN adding a ink wash - maybe try a sepia ink rather than the india ink. Not sure, but it is fun to experiment.

Practice drawng #2, more or less complete. Although I like the background and the wall, I think that the boat is too fussy and tight. I think I will try again.

Practice drawing #3, washes only. Meh. It got a bit out of hand and the lake area bled too much. I rushed it and I'm still not happy. So I will try again.

When I have done my next attempt I will show that, happy or not! Moral of this lesson? It's just a piecd of paper... and practice, practice, and even more practice!

Ack. Socials!

 Okay people, after many requests I have dipped my toe into the world of social media beyond this blog. 

Ack. 

Let's see how this goes, but you can now follow me on instagram!! Click on the link to follow me. Tell your friends, etc. 

'tis a brave new world we live in.

ATW and the The Kate Derum and Irene Davies International Tapestry Awards

 The Australian Tapestry Workshop (ATW)

The Kate Derum and Irene Davies International Tapestry Award exhibition showcases the 2024 award finalists - this year 137 finalists were selected, representing over 16 countries. Winners will be announced at the opening Wednesday 31 July at 5.30-7.30pm.

I was lucky to  preview this wonderful display of tapstry textile art yesterday and can highly recommend you go see it. I felt that the overall standard of the works was very high. I mean, I don't really know much about tapestry apart from a general interest, but I was delighted to see the variety of techniques, weaving styles, knots and such. Interesting shapes and forms as well as build up of textures and raised areas. Colours and tones, mixing of textures and materials other than fabric, intersting shapes and forms were enjoyable to see and I spent a good hour trying to absorb it all.

Part of the ATW exhbition gallery display at 262 Park St, South Melbourne

A beautiful tapestry piece on display by Sue Weil (no relation, but a friend)
title: A Changing Landscape, 12" x 12" . You can see more of Sue's work HERE

Since its establishment in 1976 the ATW has built a worldwide reputation for the creation of contemporary tapestries in collaboration with living artists and architects. They have produced over 500 tapestries which han in significant public and private collections nationally and internationally. 

The ATW features a large workshop where you can observe ATW master weavers at work and look into the colour laboratory where the yarns are custom dyed for production. Currently on the large looms is an impressive work, "Welcome to Country - now you see me: seeing the invisible", by the artists Maree Clarke and Mitch Mahoney. The design of this work incorporates microscopic images of river reeds from the Maribynong River and skeletal drawings of local native flora and fauna. Destined for the New Footscray Hospital, the tapestry will take a team of 10 weavers around 12 months on two looms to create the piece. The weaving team will draw from the ATW's palette of over 360 coloured yarns sourced from Victorian farms and dyed on site.

Weavers in action at ATW on "Welcome to Country - now you see me"

I would encourage you to go visit this fascinating workshop, watch the weavers in action, admire the works in the Kate Durham/Irene Davies Award and enjoy this fabulous art space. Located in South Melbourne in the old Patross knitting mill factory on 262 Park Street South Melbourne. There is plenty of street parking available, or at the South Melbourne Market.

The ATW is open to the public Tuesdays - Fridays 10am - 5pm
Exhibition Dates: Thursday 1 August - Friday 18 October, 2024.
Opening Celebrations: Wednesday 31 July, 5.30-7.30PM.
www.austapestry.com.au

And if you become inspired there is also a shop offering a range of products from yarns, artworks for sale, detailed publications, magazines and a range of weaving supplies - from bobbins to looms - suitable for all skills and age groups.

ASMA winners announced!

 Guess who received a Highly Commended in the Australian Society of Miniature Art (NSW) 2024 National Exhibition!

I showed you in Thursday's post 'Fire Tail', but it was the second work 'Red Fin' that got the award.

'Redfin' by Linda Weil 2024
Mixed media: Re-purposed matchbox, copper and brass wire, polymer clay, acyrlic paint, resin, graphite and colour pencil on 300gsm hot press paper, wooden coaster.

If you are in Sydney in the next few weeks, do drop in to see this exhibition!
 

ASMA National Awards Exhibition

 Opening night, Friday 12 July

 

This wonderful annual exhibition showcases the art of the modern miniature and opens in Sydney tomorrow night (July 12, 2024).  The aims of the Society are to create minature works of excellence, to foster traditional and modern techniques and to encourage public awareness and the enjoyment of miniature works of art. The works include a broad range including watercolour, oil, acrylic as well as drawing, printmaking, mixed media and 3D/sculptural works.

Size for a 2D work must not exceed a perimeter of 40cm and subjects must be created 'in minature' (not life size on a small piece of paper). 3D works cannot exceed 15cm in any direction. Books must be entirely handmade by the artist. 

Although these requirements might sound restricting, the range and creativity of the art produced in this exhibition is amazing - it must be seen! So if you are in NSW during July come have a look. I have entered two small 3D works based on the 'Redhead' matchbooks. Here is a sample of one:

 'Firetails' by Linda Weil.
Repurposed matchbox, brass and copper wire, polymer clay, acrylic paint, colour and graphite pencil on 300gsm hot press paper mounted on black painted wood. 9 x 8 x 3 cm.

A Yorkshire idyll

'The Burrows', North Yorkshire

 A highlight of my trip to the UK last month was my stay in North Yorkshire at 'The Burrows'. Not too far from Thirsk, turn at Moor Lane in Sessay, and travel down a bumpy country lane to this beautiful B & B in the Yorkshire countryside. Run by my good friends Mike and Jenny, The Burrows is a lovely little self-contained, self catered flat that sleeps 2 people comfortably. The Burrows

The Burrows, enter through these double doors. Enjoy your own private garden regularly visited by a variety of bird life and a cheeky squirrel.

The Burrows adjoins the main house, 'Greenfields House' at Sessay, near Thirsk

This quiet, peaceful B & B adjoins the main house, 'Greenfields House' and farm. You can meet the donkeys and pat Tom the cob horse. Chickens wander the back yard and Jenny will happily supply farm fresh eggs for your breakfast!

Sessay is not too far from the charming market town of Easingwold that hosts a variety of great shops featuring local produce, bakeriers, art, and a great cup of tea. Easingwold market is located in the Market Square and held every Friday. Thirsk is nearby as well, I visited the James Herriot centre and the local museum for a taste of the Yorkshire vet's life. And not to forget the wonderful city of York, the Minster, the city walls and a ramble in the Shambles was so much fun! The art gallery there is pretty good, but the York Castle Museum near York Castle was excellent and a must see.

The Herriot museum, Thirsk. With many pills and potions and old veterinary equipment on show. Not to mention artifacts and settings from the tv shows.

 

The Shambles. A bit heavy on the 'Potter' side of things, but still great fun

  

 

Inside the York Castle Museum: Based on the collection from Dr. Kirk, a man fascinated by history and vanishing ways of life - especially rural life. He collected obsolete and rare survivals of various trades and skills from the Victorian era. In 1935 he donated his entire collection to the City of York, and in collaboration with the City a dedicated building was built, recreating historic shop fronts and interiors to display the collection showing it in the original context. Go see this museum!  

The stunning York Minster

Honestly, there is just so much to see and do in Yorkshire. The Dales are beautiful. And the Moors! Fascinating villages to visit, wonderful people, great pubs, cheese, pork pies... stunning abbeys - the Riveavx Abbey was just amazing.... just so much to see, do and love.

Riveaux Abbey

Buttertubs pass, Yorkshire Dales

A beck in the Yorkshire dales

 

The Moors

Yorkshire has captured my heart - but nothing more so than The Burrows, and my wonderful friends Mike and Jenny. So much so, that I have started to think already about my next visit.

Sunset, overlooking the fields behind The Burrows

Sketches from the UK

 I know I promised to update this blog while I was away with pictures and sketches, but the e-sim I had was somewhat dodgy on my phone. Firstly it was a French number, which meant when I had time, it was out of service area or bandwidth, and when I had bandwidth I was too busy travelling about! Needless to say I walked my feet off, had a faboulous time touring about and staying with friends.

Here are a few images from my travel sketchbook. It is only a little travel sized from Hand Book Journals. 180gsm hotpress, lovely creamy colour at 14 x 9 cm it fit into my shoulder bag nicely. Most of the sketches were done on site, with some finishing later in the hotel/room. All were done using a LAMY fountain pen, with touches of grey marking pen, or washed LAMY, or bits of watercolour pencil/graphitint. Enjoy!

Swaledale sheep from the Yorkshire Dales. These guys stand right in the middle of the road and glare at you! Both male and female have curved horns. Black faces, white coats. Hearty little beasties.

Drystone walls are a feature of the English countryside, particularly in the Dales. Many are in disrepair. All are worthy subjects for a drawing or six!

The white church on the hill in Findochty, Scotland. A sunny, if cold and blustery day!

Fishermen's cottages snuggle up tightly against each other to keep out the wind.

The tide was out at Portsoy, Scotland. To get to the moored boats you needed to climb this rickety ladder.

You need a strong, tough boat to fish the North Seas.

Pitlochry, Scotland. A pretty village filled with Victorian era buildings.

Hettie, my friend Mike's very spoiled, yet sweet princess Cocker Spaniel.

Open fields, blue skies, fluffy clouds, barley and poppies waving in the breeze. A beautiful day in Yorkshire.

Reivaulx Abbey in Yorkshire. A wonderful afternoon, strolling among the ruins of this ancient abbey.

The smallest house in the UK can be found in Ambleside, Lake District. The Bridge house over the Stock Beck has only two rooms, one up, one down. At one time the local basket weaver, his wife and six children lived here!

Castlerigg Stone Circle, Lake District

Herdwick sheep. These guys have unique colouring, black coats and white faces. Native to the Lake District, Beatrix Potter was instrumental in saving this breed.

Yeoman Warder at the Tower of London. This gentleman kindly let me quickly sketch him. He has served over 28 years in the Royal Marines, two tours of duty in Afganistan and one in Iraq. A chest full of medals. On this day he was wearing 'half' formal dress as it was the King's Birthday. A proud serviceman.

 

Finally, a very quick sketch of the Cutty Sark, Greenwich. I didn't go on board, it is sort of a Disney adventure these days with costumed guides, holograms, bells and whistles. Maybe next visit!

Masks at the ASV exhibition

Well, I fly out to the UK in just under 6 hours... but before I go a little reminder about the upcoming Association of Sculptors exhibition. Don't forget that it runs from 13 June to 1 July, 2024. Held in the beautiful Victorian Artists Society galleries on 430 Albert Street, East Melbourne.

And a little sneak preview of one of my 3D works that will be shown - from my mask series of works based on Alan Garner stories, 'The Owl' from the book 'The Owl Service'.

Created using polymer paper clay, painted in acylic paint and varnished with a gloss varnish.
Hope you have a chance to visit the exhibition and see all the works.

Watch this blog for UK updates! 

ASV upcoming exhibition

 I have been invited to be a supporting artist in the upcoming Association of Sculptors of Victoria exhibition! ASV 

Examples of my recent works from the past 3 years will adorn the walls of the McCubbin Gallery at VAS. This quite exciting for me and an honor to be invited to show along with these wonderful sculptors. Please come along and view the works:

The Annual & Awards Exhibition runs from 13th June to 1st July 2024 and will be held in the Victorian Artists Society galleries 430 Albert Street, East Melbourne.

The exhibition comprises two sections:
The Margaret Gunnersen William Hoggan Thomas Award for ASV member sculptors with greater than 10 years sculpture experience.

The Tina Wentcher Sculpture Prize and its method of judging was originally a bequest of sculptor Tina Wentcher who died in 1976. For the past 20 or so years it has alternated with the Andor Meszaros Prize. The prize conditions are intended to encourage sculptors with less than 10 years experience.

Plus, of course, my art on the walls!
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To all my followers and students - very soon I will be taking off to the UK for a summer holiday! I am very excited - this has been on my 'bucket' list for years. London! York! Scotland! So much too see and do, as well as visiting with my favourite artist friend Mike Sibley. I expect to be a bit slow on updating this blog for you, but keep an eye out, I will try and post a few images as I go if my esim works!