Ornamental Kale and Pansies

Returning to the same garden planting I continued to draw the ornamental kale and pansies. For this piece I used a heavier paper (98lb), Canson’s XL Series Mixed Media. I discovered this paper not long ago and like it very much for general purpose  use. Another advantage this paper has is sizing which allows the ink/water to sit on the surface and flow better while the heavier weight absorbs the water and allows the ink to creep. In watercolor and this kind of drawing there are certain techniques that work best when the water is on it and other techniques that work best when the water is in it. This in it, on it relationship is all part of what you are manipulating.

I am tempted to add some color to this piece but I won’t because, especially with my plein air work, I’m coming to view my art as artifact. I t is a record of a singular experience; the expression of my relationship with a particular subject at a particular time. After this moment has passed all we have is memory and that is at best less rich.