YouTube drawing tutorial

Seed Pod Variations – A sketchbook/journal page – 7 Sept 2023

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This was so lovely to do! I love seed pods, and working on variations to see what will flow in ink from the pen tip is always a delight.

Not stressing over ‘oops’ moments, or not being happy with a drawing isn’t an easy thing to do. However, I push along, knowing that this is a sketchbook page.

Sketchbook pages aren’t meant to be perfect, finished or aesthetic. They’re pages to explore and experiment. Even the wobbly drawings I’m not happy with can turn out to be ones I’m happy with, once I work with their bare bones and add detail.

There were certainly a few gaffes on this page. But instead of gaffes, I like to think of them as starting points to work from as I have worked out something I don’t like in this instance. That is always a valuable experience and leads to new skills, techniques, etc.

I only added colour and shade to some of the seed pods. They give me an inspirational nudge if I need it when I look through a sketchbook. They act as a reminder that colour and/or shade breathe life into a line drawing, especially when the line drawing looks very simple and bare of embellishment.

There are so many ways to add embellishment to a simple line drawing, that sometimes it’s nice to leave the simplest line drawing as an invitation to work with it and create more variations and a later point in time.

I have a video that shows how I created this page on YouTube. It is available to view from 18:00 UK time tonight, 7 September 2023.

Pattern Explorations 23 August ;23

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Link to the Draw With Me video on YouTube.

Zentangle Inspired Drawing 29 July ’23 and why I’ve been missing…

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A #DrawWithMe video tutorial featuring this design is available from 21:00 UK time today, 29 July 2023.

Missing from social media…

It’s been nearly two weeks since I last posted any art to social media. I managed to burn myself out with too much adulting, a people-y couple of hours, and pushing myself way too much to get all the sketches done for the Daydreams book. I just ended up exhausted, unable to focus, and couldn’t even muster the energy to draw for my own pleasure. That is a bad sign.

I’m having to learn and understand a lot about myself at this time in my life. Lots of things have changed – not the big things in life, but things of personal matters to me, including health, age and a couple of other things. This means I really need to make sure I start to set limits for myself as to how much I realistically can do. It seems that it may be better for me to do less, rather than push myself to my maximum limit which results in the start of burnout.

What does burnout look like for me? Intense fatigue, inability to focus, a loss of joy in things I usually enjoy, a desire not to communicate or leave my home, an upset digestive system, and frustration if I try to do anything slightly demanding.

I still remember how I was when I have my first huge burnout and all the health problems (physical, mental and emotional) that built up in the run-up to it. Back in February this year, I nearly ended up in such a state again. Just a few months isn’t quite enough to fully recover, however. It took me years to recover from the first two big burnouts, which happened within a year and a half of each other.

It’s taken me until now to recognise the connection between what’s happening to me, which is only being exacerbated by perimenopause.

This means that I’ve had two weeks without being able to make any social media posts. I’ve avoided social media, apart from reposting posts I’ve found interesting on the times I’ve checked in. I’m not the most sociable person, being an introvert, but am less sociable during times like this.

I’m exhausted not just from the pressure I’ve put on myself to get as much work done as possible. There’s also been the masking when I go out where people are so they don’t know how much I’m struggling inside. Keeping that appearance up is exhausting. I’m a bit like a swan – calm and serene above the surface, but underneath I’m going ninety-to-the-dozen to keep myself afloat and moving.

Yes, I know the expression is nineteen-to-the-dozen, but I really have felt like it’s ninety not nineteen.

The thing is, that’s how I’ve always been for as long as can remember. I didn’t have the words or way to describe how I felt or thought when I was a child or teen, or even an adult. In therapy, I had to learn what emotions were. I was astounded to discover that not everyone thinks or feels like I do.

Not having conversations about my constant anxiety bordering on fear, or my negative self-talk meant I thought this was all normal. If only I’d had those conversations as a child!

Still, I got there eventually…and am still learning about myself and how this impacts me, especially at this time. I have to know my own limits and do a lot more self-care of my energy and focus, mind and emotions, body and soul.

I’d like to think I’m making progress. However, when everything crashes in it can be hard to remember all of this. I get caught up in a maelstrom of fear and the old negative, destructive thoughts of that inner voice that is so damn judgemental.

The positive thing is I recognised that I was spiralling down back in February and sought out medical help. The hard thing is working out what my new limits are. I need to learn to stop before I start to crash and fatigue and low mood and other problems set in.

I think I may have overdone it today – I recorded, sorted out and am uploading a 2 hour how-to tutorial today. I enjoyed drawing and so on very much, but I feel so tired now. Perhaps all the social media was a bit too much! But I do want to do it and will take a break in a wee while for sure.

A collection of some of my recent ‘small art’

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I’ve been doing smaller pieces of art lately, and here a just a small selection of them.

The top design is one I drew and started to add colour and highlight to in a YouTube #DrawWithMe video.

Small artworks are just the thing needed when I don’t have the energy or brain power to do anything larger. They do have, however, their own challenges!

What I had a flash of inspiration from somewhere, probably watching an arty crafty YouTube video. The inspiration was to use gloss Mod Podge to coat the artwork. The glossy surface really brings out the colour and cleans up the watercolour from the black lines. There is no, or very little, movement of colour when it’s applied, so long as it’s applied quickly with little fussing. I did apply a second coat as there were brush marks in the first one.

All are Zentangle and diaper patterns from Medieval Illuminated Manuscripts inspired, apart from one. The one with trees, birds and buntings was inspired by Danielle Donaldson in her book “Creative Girl”.

Oysteroid and A Grid Pattern

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I had a peaceful and content time this afternoon as I created this page in my sketchbook. Well, the pen drawing part with some examples of how I’ll colour it. And I filmed it too, and you can watch it on YouTube.

I started with the stack of Oysteroids, a tangle pattern that I particularly like. I decided that I’d like to use a geometric pattern as a counterpoint to the roundedly organic Oysteroid.

So, I did! I like the way that this instantly gives a feeling of layers or volume.

Colour always vexes me. So, I decided to stick with an analogous colour scheme, choosing Fern and Mustard Inktense pencils to create stripes on the Oysteroids. I carried this palette into the geometric pattern. That was fine until I foolishly decided to use some Red Oxide Inktense. I have no idea what I was thinking! However, it did give a very ‘earthy’ feel to the pattern, in contrast, perhaps, to the sea-related Oysteroid.

That led me to wanting to use colours that remind me of the sea on the right-hand side. I’ll hold judgement on those until more colour is added. If the red oxide doesn’t work out, I have a rather lovely gold ink that can hide it away! Or black with gold highlights…

I used my fine and extra fine nibbed TWISBI Eco fountain pens, which are filled with black Dokumentus ink.

As you can see, I couldn’t help adding some pattern and texture to one of the Oysteroids. I’m sure the others will be treated in a similar way!

Exploration of Zentangle Fragment A1

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Link to the accompanying #DrawWithMe YouTube video tutorial.

This afternoon, I spent a lovely hour or so exploring variations of a simple pattern cell, or fragment in Zentangle terminology. I picked one of the most basic ones there is and just tried variations to see where it let me. In about 20 minutes, I’c come up with 12 variations.

I then chose one of the variations to turn into a grid pattern. I had a very pleasant surprise as the pattern started to build up and star shapes started to appear!

The Zentangle pattern Flux and a simple daisy motif complete the design. I did start this drawing off with the fluffy flux foliage!

The next thing to do is to add colour and/or shade with highlights. But not today. I actually feel I need to eat something. So, that’s what I’m going to do when I’ve finished all my social media posts.

“B” Entangled Monogram WIP

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Accompanying YouTube #DrawWithMe Video.

Today was a day for quiet art, with some colour. I’ve started in a new A5 Sketchbook – A Royal Talens Art Creations one. It seems monograms are the theme for this one, at least for now!

It was a nice way to spend an hour this afternoon. It’s been very warm here in the Valleys of South Wales, UK, today. Thankfully, the sun has moved around from the front of the house and it’s feeling cooler now, just a bit.

Anyways, back to the art.

I drew the basic outlines of the design. I knew I wanted to add colour before adding the details of patterns. It also meant I could just enjoy adding colour without worrying about having to reink the lines affected by the paint; that’s always a recipe for disaster for me!

To add colour, I used soft yellows, greens and pinks from the Kuretake Gansai Tambi Art Nouveau set of watercolours.

I really, really love these watercolours. I love the way the imperfections and water-spots create a wonderful background texture. I think I’ve finally accepted that imperfections can be perfectly acceptable and wonderful! I now want to work out how I can replicate this in my digital and tradigital art. But not now. Not today.

Today, I’m flagging in energy once again. I could just go to sleep. But if I do that, I may not sleep well tonight. So, instead I will go get a drink and make something to eat. And maybe do some more art!

“Purple Roses” Entangled Botanica Tag/Bookmark WIP

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Cool, soothing, calming blues, teals and purples are just what my migraine befuddled self needed this afternoon. The migraine had mostly lifted, but left me feeling tired, ‘off with the fairies’. I decided to film this drawing as I thought those who like to draw along with me would enjoy some flowers, this time roses.

I coloured the background with Distress Inks, and added a little texture with a stencil. Water splatters are a must, dried with a heat gun to give that darker edge to them.

I love the way the texture and variation in the depth of colour shows through the coloured pencils that are applied to bring volume to the drawing. I used Gamsol and tortillons/paperstumps to blend the colour pencils out and create highlights and shadows.

Touches of gold ink will bring some precious luxury to the design.

There’s still a lot to do, however. The first coat of added pencil colour needs to be completed. There may be a need to intensify contrast. And then there’s the patterns and contour lines to be completed with ink. A drop shadow, white ink highlights, and more shimmery golden details.

The appearance of torn, collaged, patterned paper to the right of the tag is becoming a favourite thing of mine to add.

I hope a good night’s sleep will come tonight and I’ll wake tomorrow feeling as ‘with it’ as I’m able to be. I have work to do for my next colouring book called “Daydreams”.

Accompanying YouTube #DrawWithMe Tutorial Premieres at 20:00 UK Time 5 June 2023.

Intuitive, Abstract, Neurographica Style Art – Adding colour WIP

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I decided to add colour to this artwork using Derwent Chromaflow pencils and Gamsol with tortillons/paperstumps.

I loved the colour as it was, but the design looked rather flat; there was little sense of ‘volume’. So, I hope to bring that out.

So little of the coloured pencil is needed when it is blended out with Gamsol, and it is translucent enough that the underlying waterdrop texture is still visible.

Although I mostly used pink, purple and blue to create the background, I thought that teal would make a good addition. That was a good decision, in my humble opinion!

White dots and lines from a Uniball Hybrid Gel DX pen add highlights that show up much better on the more intense colours. Spots and lines of gold will also add some interest, but I need to be conscious of not overdoing it!

I was really nervous about using Gamsol with linework drawn with Dokumentus ink. I had no real need to be; the Gamsol didn’t affect the ink. I let out a huge ‘Phew!’ at that!. My TWISBI Eco fountain pen with Dokumentus ink and an extra fine nib worked beautifully on areas where coloured pencil and Gamsol had been added.

I have a lot of work to do until this design is complete. I am, however, in no rush to do that. I can work on it a bit at a time. I am likely to post updates from time to time though!

If you’d like to see how I added colour with pencils and Gamsol, then a YouTube video will be available to view from 16:00 UK time on Friday 2 June 2023.

Intuitive, Abstract, Entangled Art Bookmark – WIP

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I easily forget how much I enjoy drawing ‘small art’. A small piece of paper is less overwhelming, and the creativity is no less soothing to heart, soul and mind.

Drawing with pen on paper is never overwhelming. It is a contented, peaceful, delighted experience for me, especially when I work intuitively. The flowy, abstract patterns, with various patterns and textures are always a joy to draw and work with. Starting with just one shape and allowing the design to form, not knowing what will appear from the nib of my pen, is a think of wonder, surprise and magic.

I lose myself in the intricacy of the drawing. then, there’s the addition of colour and contrast to bring the drawing to life. What was flat now appears to have volume to it. The colours may evoke emotions or memories. There is a story to be told in the drawing, but not one that is obvious as an illustration would make it. This is an inner story, an inner expression of my creativity, emotions, thoughts, and what shapes, lines, patterns, textures and items that make me smile.

If my art makes you smile, or brings you joy, peace and/or calm, then it’s done it’s job. There is enough in this world to make us think, to make us feel uncomfortable. We’re assaulted by such things constantly through the media. Time and space to have a break from all of that, to remind us that there is still wonder and beauty, kindness and compassion and creativity in this world is important. It’s also important to remind ourselves that us humans have a great capacity to create these important qualities that heal and soothe and connect us, help us to feel we belong as a member of humanity.

I’m not sure I got all the words I could say out there. Hopefully you’ll understand what I’m trying to get across.

I think what I’m trying to say is that I hope my art reminds you that beauty and wonder, times of peace and contentment, joy and belonging are essential to each of us. That’s still not right. Perhaps once day I’ll manage to express these feelings succinctly in words.

Adding colour, however, is a another tale. I get overwhelmed by the process at times. I doubt my choice of colours, and soon regret what I’ve decided to do. I always try to remember to scan my drawing in before I start to apply colour with traditional media; if I mess up at least I have a clean copy I can add colour to digitally.

Also, there are many times where I just get fed up of the process of adding colour and give up before completion. I can find it a very tedious process. Yet, when I complete the process and it all comes together I’m often really surprised and pleased with the end result. The frustration comes in because it takes so much longer to add colour than it does to draw a design!

Having said that, there have been a couple of pieces of artwork I’ve done recently where I’ve partly coloured them and I really like the effect, especially one where I’ve added shade first. That is something for me to consider going forward for sure.

There is a ‘Draw With Me’ video on my YouTube Channel, available to view from 1900 UK time this evening (19 May ’23).

Here’s a list of the materials I used in the video.

  • Canson Imagine mixed media paper – 6.3cm x 21cm (2.5″ x 8.25″)
  • TWISBI Eco fountain pen, extra fine nib
  • Faber-Castell Pitt Graphite Matt pencil, 4B and a paper stump (tortillon)
  • Derwent Inktense Pencils – Madder Brown, Red Oxide, Sienna Gold, Willow, Mustard, Shiraz, Poppy Red, Leaf Green and Fern.
  • Kuretake Zig Waterbrush, fine tip.