You know I’ve been rattling on for some time about the book Fast Sketching Techniques. Well, a little while ago a friend bought this book Art of Sketching . She said, and I agree, that this book is ‘the next step’. Fast Sketching Techniques is all about sketching faster, and shows one (terrific) method of doing it. This book shows many many ways of sketching. I have had a lot of different books about drawing, but after six years at art school, most of them become redundant.
This book has so much in it…..too much to tell you. But it is about sketching, not drawing. For someone who can already draw, it is chock full of ways to draw – ways to see. For the beginner – it’s hard for me to say, but my thought is that it shows so many ways of sketching that it would help the beginner find the way that suits them. Two of us had a look at my friend’s book and we both ordered it from Art on King right away. It is generally available in a number of shops around Sydney, and the great thing is the price. Unlike the price-tag of most art books in Australia, this book costs around $25.00. 
I painted at the Royal Easter Show last Tuesday, demonstrating on the Matisse stand. It was very very quiet, apparently because it is usually school holidays when the show is on, but this year, no. I painted these two little fat canvases(as well as a big one). These are on canvases 10cm square but 3cm deep (that’s about 4 inches square and 1.2 inches deep), textured with Matisse Gel Medium and textured papers, lace and gauze. I got my long-coveted rain jacket (from one of the exhibitors at the show). It’s very ‘country’ and I love it.
Today is my first day at home for ages and I’ve spent most of it putting art books for sale on ebay australia. (To pay for the new one) And I’m in the middle of reading Alan Bennetts new book “ The Uncommon Reader“. I do love that man. It’s a funny book, but thoughtful, about the Queen becoming a reader when she finds a mobile library parked outside Buckingham Palace. And have you read “The Lady in the Van‘? It’s fabulous. A tiny book, but it’s the one that made me love him for his kindness. And the movie “The History Boys? Again, fabulous.
Huh? The show on outside of school holidays *entirely*?? That’s ridiculous! I have “The Uncommon Reader” sitting on my shelf right now – guess I should pull it out and actually read it…
If you’re enjoying Bennett, try “The Clothes They Stood Up In” as well. Such insight, and such gentle humour.
Hi Wendy. I LOVE these two paintings. The texture is FABULOUS, and I’m crazy about texture. I also love the colors you used. These are just great.
And thanks for leaving a comment on my blog on the grunge painted fabric. I urge you to try this technic. It’s so easy, no rules, and lots of fun. And yes, it should work well for bookcloth, I would think. The acrylic paint would strengthen the muslin, or you could use a heavier fabric.
Thanks so much for the tip on the sketching book- I’m off to Amazon right now!
Your paintings are beautiful.
Ohh yes, that book looks like just my thing! …next time I just ‘happen’ to be walking past the book shop I might just have a little look…
They are jewels of paintings, Wendy. What a shame the show fell outside school holidays. I’d have thought they’d have been given a day off for ‘children’s day’.
I’ve added the sketching book your recommend to my Amazon Wish List – not I just have to remember to point my nearest and dearest to my Wish List!
Great texture on these little paintings!! I like them a lot. Super color too. I’m going to check out that sketching book.
Such a lot to absorb in this post. Now I remember why I thought I should go to the Show – to see you demonstrate, but I forgot. Your paintings are lovely. I’ll look out for the book too, as a beginner (still and probably forever) it may be good for me.
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