Sunday, July 16, 2017

fun in a box

 This exciting box arrived yesterday. It was expected.

Usually I open packages right away, but yesterday was a tough day, physically. Instead of thinking my exciting package would turn the day around, it seemed more likely that the difficult day would dull the joy of the package. So I waited til today.

 A week ago I decided to augment my set of Staedtler watercolor pencils. I had to choose a different brand, so that I could order from Open Stock and choose each color individually. I've been very happy with the Staedtlers, so I hope these Faber-Castells work well with them.

 The individual labels peeled off easily, which is very nice. The last time I bought pencils from an art supply store, the labels were not only thoroughly stuck on but also wrapped in tape, right around the entire pencil - talk about overkill. Nothing gets those labels off, and it's a nuisance when trying to sharpen the pencils.

 Woo-hoo!
Staedtlers on bottom, Faber-Castells on top.
(And in case an eagle-eyed reader notices it, there is one Caran d'Ache pencil, also. I bought that one last year when I was really craving Payne's Grey.)

Today I began working on an ink drawing with watercolor.
Here's the ink:


And here's the beginning of the watercolor:


If it comes out well, I'll post another picture.

If you've never used watercolor pencils, I encourage you to give them a try. Here's a close-up look:


So. Much. Fun.
~~~~~

16 comments:

  1. Wow... Isn't it funny that I've had exactly that same thought on a few occasions when a package has arrived? I hide it under the bed until the next day :)

    I love seeing your drawings. Your talent astounds me because I can barely draw at all! Keep sharing!

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    1. It's a skill, this savoring of the good things, isn't it? :)
      And thanks very much for the encouragement!

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  2. If I ever receive any mail (which isn't often anymore) I always wait for just the right moment to open it so that I can thoroughly enjoy the contents. Have fun with your new pencil set. I have used watercolor pencils before. And actually, recently bought some Stabilo GreenColor pencils that are FSC certified. The colors are muted, almost vintage looking, and they color beautifully. I took colored pencils and markers with me to Dubai so that I could journal but found very little time to do much more than that. As you will see by my next post, I did a whole lot of walking on Friday. :) Have a good week.

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    1. I love seeing the FSC logo on products :) I had a very small part in Green Certification of a large state-owned property in MA some years ago.

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  3. So many pretty colors. It's always fun to get a package like that (even when you order it yourself).

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    1. Very true, and with my memory, there is almost always at least one surprise in the package!

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  4. Love it..."If it comes out well, I'll post another picture." Your painting looks on its way to very well.
    Watercolor pencils, I'll put them on the August budget.

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    1. It will be #drawingAugust time on twitter soon... :)

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  5. Such fun in a box! I admit that even if I'm under the weather I can't wait to open it. Even if I'm not up to using the contents for a few days. Glad to see you enjoying these new pencils.

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    1. Liz, are you getting ready for #drawingAugust?

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  6. Love the watercolor! I signed up for Blick's emails but have been reluctant to order; it might just start an epidemic LOL

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    1. Blick's emails are so enticing I don't open them unless I already know I'm going to order something! Jackson's in the UK is the same way, but they also post a lot of informative videos and such, so "safer" to open ;)

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  7. Just my kind of mail. It is good that you were able to enjoy opening it. I have a set of Faber-Castell watercolor pencils which I mostly use with my handlettering. It is fun. Your watercolor looks lovely.

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    1. They are a bit magical, aren't they, watercolor pencils? It's been a revelation to me :)

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  8. Beautiful! I've never tried watercolor pencils, but I'd love to - must get a few. Your waiting for a better day to open the package made me smile - my husband does the same thing.

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    1. The colors mix just like regular watercolors, so a small set is enough to have a lot of fun! And I am surprised but kind of tickled to learn that so many other people do the same thing about opening packages :)

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