Since my return from Oregon, a lot has happened, much of which just threw life into chaos. I still have a messed up ankle which limits my ability to walk a lot – couch surfing became a major part of my life because Josh and I got covid. I don’t recall being so sick but luckily I got Paxlovid and that seemed to make a major turnaround in how I was feeling. Josh didn’t, but he recovered although he is still coughing. With covid and a bad ankle, TV was my friend, as was endless sleep. Before we got covid, though, we had to put our lovely dog Smudge to sleep – but that is a story for another time perhaps. We just miss her.
My energy levels have been really inconsistent, some days I sleep a lot, others I feel like my old self. The biggest issue has been getting back into our lives – doing what we like to do and completing them. Josh has been insulating the garage, and I have been thinking about things to do. Finally I had the energy to clean up the house a bit, and the studio, and finally to just get it together enough to fill a pen with ink and find some paper and paint.
I did a pencil sketch first, and then inked in the above using Carbon Ink by Platinum. Very nice stuff! You can put it into a pen and draw without too much worry about clogging up your pen. I think it is a pigmented ink, but I may be wrong. It is different from writing ink because of its intensity and being waterproof, which most inks are not. After inking in the drawing and letting the ink dry, I erased my pencil sketch and scanned the image.
From here, just find the right pan paint set. This is one by Koi, and as it got a good review, I thought I would try it. It is inexpensive, but the colors are really nice and have a clarity and beauty that many cheap watercolor sets lack. Very pleased with the results – good transparency combined with richness of color.
It always feels good to get back to what you like, doesn’t it? Slow steps. I am so bored with not feeling good and hobbling around! Hopefully the visit to the orthopedist – delayed because of covid – will not indicate surgery for messed up tendons and sloppy joints. Ah, well.
Carbon ink, 100% cotton paper, Koi watercolor pan paints; about 8×10.
Ink, Yarn & Beer 
I like both versions! Judy
Actually, I think that the pencil sketch is more interesting! More room for imagination. J
You might stay at home a lot now, save the rest of your limbs from chaos.
So sorry to hear your lovely doggy has died, painful times mentally and physically! Glad to see you drawing and painting again.
Oh, so much to deal with! But you managed to do such a vibrant painting and have it turn out so well. Hope you are back to normal soon.
It’s nice to see your art again -N! Feel better each day.
You’ve been through it lately. I hope you recover from all of it fast!
Thanks, JIm! Me, too!
Thanks, Anne! I am feeling better – but patience is not my forte!
Thanks, Fraggy, for the thoughts. Losing Smudge was hard but we still have her sister. And, I am housebound, still, but can get out for limited movement. The heel needs to heal – main point of injury. And it does feel good to have the energy to return to more creative endeavours than just watching the TV!
Funny how we all like things – such as drawings – for different reasons. Glad you like it, Judy!
Thanks, Judy!
I bet it does!
Platinum ink is designed for fountain pens, it is all I use in my sketching pens. I love this. Was curious why you scanned before painting?
Hi Terry – sorry it took a bit to get back to you. It’s been nuts over here. I like the Platinum ink and have used it in the past, and only recently got some more. Glad you liked the sketch. I like to scan my ink drawings at times to see which I might prefer – before or after color. Having a reference is possible with scanning. Hope this helps!
Not slow at all, thanks for explaining. I have heard of scanning then finishing in Procreate, but it sounds like perfect logic as to why you scan. Good to compare.
I love this. You are truly talented
Thanks, sarev08. Glad you like it!