Thursday 12 May 2016

Behind the covers.....

Hello all and thanks for dropping by here. A couple of weeks ago I created a cover for a little Moleskine Sketchbook, it looked like this:
The full description  of how I made it can be seen here in case you missed it. Anyway, today I thought I would show you some of the pages inside... It is a mix of watercolour, ink and pencil work, and please bare with me, it's baby steps for sure, as I practise to get better at painting and drawing..... Anyway, here goes:
There is nothing that I find more difficult than architecture and perspective. Of course I kind of know about horizon line, vanishing points etc, - but knowing and actually managing, is quite a different thing..
I seem to have a fascination with Hawthorn, so the page above shows first the blossoms, then the berries. I am trying to learn to paint more loosely and less precise...

The drawing below was copied from a photograph I found on line, always good to practice birds. On the whole I find drawing a lot easier than painting.
This one was done with watercolour pencil mostly and then finished with some light washes of paint.
Here finally a double page that I have called reflection on an ordinary day. A view from my bedroom window, and a little study on blueberries which I love to have for breakfast.

Well, that's it for today, thanks for indulging me as I practice, practice practice. Hope you are all having a good week and see you next time.

32 comments:

Marisa Job said...

Beautiful project!! Love every page!!

Maryann Laursen said...

WOUW Astrid, it´s sooooooo sooo gorgeous. And if I could just make anything, that people was able to see, what was, then I would be happy ha ha ha. I think these pages are amazing and totally fabulous and your skills are soo amazing. Every drawing/ painting is just fabulous and sooo awesome, and the pages looks sooo gorgeous. Stunning work as usual hun, keep it comming, I´m drooling all over here, when I see it.

Annie said...

Your watercolour pages are stunning Astrid x your Hawthorns and the bird are just wonderful. Great details and shading. I understand what you mean about architecture......however, your house looks amazing, with great details....the bridge is fantastic too

TFS and Happy Thursday ......enjoy your blueberries xxxx
Annie x

Valerie-Jael said...

The pages are fantastic, your little book is a treasure. Hugs, Valerie

Words and Pictures said...

So lovely to see your journey with the watercolour drawing and painting. I'm in love with the hawthorn berries - that looser look with the colours working almost in an Impressionist way - it's simply wonderful. And I love the "reflection on an ordinary day" too, with the journalling and the sense of simplicity and peace within it. Thank you for sharing your beautiful work with us.
Alison x

brenda said...

Again I am in awe of your artwork Astrid, I can tell like me you appreciate Nature, just wish I could put it onto paper as expertly as you.

B x

Mrs.B said...

Beautiful artwork Astrid, it's lovely to follow your journey.
Avril x

Almo said...

Beautiful pages Astrid, they say practice makes perfect and you are certainly getting there. For me the Hawthorn blossom and the little chaffinch are my favourites but I also love the view from your window. I too am enjoying following your progression with the your watercolouring and drawing and look forward to seeing more. Mo x

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

Oh my goodness, I'm blown away! You draw too!!! You are amazing! I LOVE the watercoloring and the hand written messages on the pages. Glorious!

Lys said...

It's gorgeous! I love your journey and everything looks so authentic, watercolours and words. Beautiful!

Diana Taylor said...

What beautiful and delicate work - I love your water colours and I especially love the berries - what luscious colours. Your 'reflection on an ordinary day' is delightful and how lucky you are to have a view like that out of your bedroom window! Really beautiful.

Shell said...

I LOVE what you have created Astrid! Each page is beautiful and the hawthorn flowers are absolutely stunning. So pleased you are sharing your talents with all of us :)

chrissie said...

The pages are stunning with fantastic artwork and journaling

Love Chrissie xx

Redanne said...

You can definitely add drawing and painting to list of excellent skills Astrid. I love the beautiful Hawthorn, the bird is gorgeous and the house is wonderful! Hugs, Anne xx

rachel said...

amazing work Astrid - you never cease to amaze me - your art is fabulous x

Meggymay said...

Wow Astrid these are stunning pages, fantastic artwork and beautiful delicate pages.
Yvonne xx

Kathy Bradley said...

I can't believe you think these sketches are practice - wow - they are all so very gorgeous. I love, love each one - but my favorite is the little bird!

Patty O'Malley said...

I love these pages, Astrid! You are so talented! That view from your bedroom window is fantastic!

Beverley said...

Simply gorgeous Astrid, such a privilege to see your artwork. THANK-YOU for indulging us !!!

Brenda Brown said...

Oh Astrid you are such an inspiration with all your art and these pages are exceptional. When I was teaching I loved getting my class out into the environment drawing and painting and you have reminded me of forgotten skills that I should get back into. I love the different scenes you have challenged yourself with and the expressive style you are cultivating. More please xxx

mamablitger said...

Astrid what a pleasure to see some pages from inside your awesome little book. I LOVE the cover...but the inside is wirth to study much closer as well. Even though you say ir's baby steps I dont see that. To me it looks rather proffessional and well done. I live the romantic vintage feel you created.
Thank you so much for sharing your fabulous art.
Hugs from Monica....
Spain

Suzanne C said...

This is beautiful inside and out. Your watercolor pages are so lovely and soft.

Pamellia said...

Wow Astrid, just amazing! It's funny, I am the exact opposite with a pencil. I am much more comfortable with the geometric lines of architecture and line of sight. There's symmetry and a defined set of rules to follow to get it right. What I have problems with are the subtle natural lines of nature, like plants and animals!! You seem to have mastered both my friend, your pages are incredible! hugs and happy weekend :)

Debbie said...

beautiful images Astrid

Juliz Design Post said...

Oh my goodness Astrid, I loved your cover of this book but I am in love with it even more now. Exquisite work, you should be very proud of this achievement. Thanks so much for sharing with us all.
Have a lovely weekend, Julie xx

Jackie PN said...

Astrid, you never stop amazing me!! What glorious paintings!! I think you could teach- your watercolors are just divine! That's my opinion and I am sticking with it!
xo

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Hi Astrid the cover is beautiful and so are your watercolour paintings. You are very talented, I would be happy if my paintings looked like yours. You are also inspiring me to go back and take more lessons, maybe this Fall there will be time. Take good care, Shirleyxx

Ruth said...

Thanks for sharing your beautiful watercoloured pages, I too love hawthorn but I think your bird is my favourite. Wonderful work Astrid. Ruth xx

Sandy said...

I am in love with your water colors -- Astrid if I could only do half as well as you ..... I hope you show us more. Your paintings are quite beautiful!
sandy xx

pearshapedcrafting said...

Oh Astrid! Your watercolours are all fabulous - I love the little bird and those delicate Hawthorn flowers. Chrisx

Dorthe said...

What beautiful art work, Astrid. They are all amazingly painted, ,you are a master, also in using pencil and paints. They are so lovely, and I want to touch the fat papers to feel all the texture,behind your , amazing bird, hawthorn, and all. Do you also use hawthorn in your food ? I do :-)
Hugs, Dorthe

experiments in paper said...

Wow, Astrid - I only wish my baby steps were as advanced as yours! I am crawling still I believe, lol! Love how you've put all of it together, and really, your drawing and painting, as well as your "put-it-all-together" skills are exceptional! xxx Lynn

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