Ink, Color, Paper

For some time now I have been practicing “urban sketching,” which is a fun way to record what you see around you.  Sit down, have a cup of coffee, take out the ink, color, and paper.  Go to a park, visit a zoo.  The world is around you!

Part of the process of this style of sketching is to realize the essentials of what you see in front of you.  It is a good way to evaluate and decide what to keep, what to discard.  By the same token, you learn about your materials.  To me, one of the most important elements is the paper – how it responds, how it reacts.  After a bit, paper becomes like an old friend – you know its nuances, when it’s in a good mood, when you are having difficulties.  And, like people, you find you like some paper better than others.

I’ve picked up a number of sketchbooks, many with heavy paper to handle watercolors and ink.  Handling a wash is critical.  However, learning what a paper can and cannot do is also important, and part of that is just using it.

To date, I have a Stillman & Birn, Hand Book and Pentalic watercolor sketchbooks.  Stillman & Birn doesn’t respond quite like I would like it to for wet washes, but it holds lines well.  I need to practice with it more to get a sense of its personality.  Hand Book seems to have better wash-handling qualities.  Pentalic, so far, appears to be the best.  I also have decided I like spiral bound vs. signatures.