Alcohol Markers: 

I fell in love with this medium  because of the beautiful subtleties that can be achieved with a variety of colors and layering. No brushes, water, mediums or mess required. Because I have an illness that requires I sit or lounge about, this medium is perfect. I can create unique effects almost impossible or at the very least, rather difficult with any other mediums. They truly stand in a class all their own. So here's a quick Kurbits sketch using alcohol markers. If you look carefully you can see the subtle shifts in color that cover and highlight beautifully, even over simple black lines for a lovely effect. 

 

 

Art Books/Paper:  

I was reluctant to post my sketchbooks because I kinda have a lot of them. I mentioned this to Anna and she asked me to post anyway. :) I guess I'm not the only art supply hoarder out there, though I like to think of myself as a 'product tester' instead because each product is different in some way. Some I love, some I hate, and some have been downgraded from their intended purpose to journal/dry media sketch books as they can't handle wet media (markers, pens, dip pens and ink, watercolor, etc.). I've even used some to glue or tape works to with notes of what I loved, what I hated, or what I learned in the process. Surprisingly, I have found some of the cheaper watercolor pads (like store generic or student/hobby grade Canson XL-type pads) work a treat with alcohol markers, and I love the subtle texture of the finished piece. 

As my art passion is primarily Scandanavian Folk Art, I love to play and experiment with all types of mediums, hence, the various papers shown. A couple are new but have been included because I have used them before and really loved them, or they were a gift. The following photos are a select compilation of  A4 or smaller pads/books, etc. Some are inexpensive, some are not so inexpensive, but I do actually use them all. 

For my favourite papers used most often, I will usually buy in Imperial/A0, A1, A2, or A3 size and cut them down if/when needed. It is honestly so much more economical. When I need a quick book on the go however, the pads are my go-to. I have recently acquired a book glue-binding and spiral-binding machines so I can make my own art books using a combination of, or just a single particular paper, on the go. Hopefully, this will save me even more cash. All of those larger papers mentioned here are not shown because it would just be a pain in the arse! 

 

Above are a few of my current active sketchbooks. The black double-sided Kurbits piece was done after I absolutely hated, and was totally OCD about a piece being in that sketchbook. So I gessoed it black and went to town with ink and charcoal. I probably should have kept the original, but it really bugged the hell out of me, so, eh. 

 

...and finally, here are some favourites I often go to depending on the medium. Enjoy the paper Pr0n! :) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for another great class Anna. You know I am so grateful to have the opportunity to continue learning with you. Cheers!