I am a very happy girl whenever I get to deep dive. Not only did I figure out the geometry of a triangular pencil case and how to draft the pattern for it, I also pulled out my sewing machine and promptly stitched one afterwards. For another Outside the Lines art supply review, I painted this same picture twice, so I could compare the behavior of paint on both cold press and hot press watercolor paper first-hand. I am excited to share more about sewing and painting along with another set of black and white everyday photos.
Cracking the Code of The Pencil Case
I really wanted to sew a pencil case for myself. It would have been easy to follow one of the myriad patterns out there, but I wanted to understand the 3-D geometry of a triangular pencil case so I could draft a pattern for any size. After drawing and playing with the lines and angles on scrap paper and building a little model pyramid from the mini pattern cut-out, I had my math for the project.
Fabric pulled and pattern drawn out, I set about sewing.
I followed a sewing tutorial for the triangle box corner. I really, really did not like the little “pockets” it originally created in the left photo. So off I went to stare at the stitched pieces until I came up with an idea. Since this was at midnight, I grudgingly decided to go to bed. Next day, after a couple of tries, I found the correct seam line that avoids the “pockets”. Now my little case looks like the right picture. I am just glad I did not tear any fabric while continuously undoing the stitches until I got what I wanted.
I used a piece of faux leather for the bottom, and was happy to see that it stitched up just like fabric without even changing my needle. I love the bi-color case.
Now I am all set with my new sketchbooks and my brand new pencil case. One note – the case tapers toward the top, so longer pens and pencils need to sit at the bottom. Otherwise it holds my plethora of pens and pencils easily. It measures 8.0″ x 3.0″ with a depth of 2.0″. Next time I will make it a little longer for my Tombow markers.
Life in Black & White – Simple 365 Set 16
I took black and white photos over a year. Time had rolled into October during this set. That is the time I can finally head outside after spending long months at home.
That year though, it was different. So all the photos are from around the home. Things that remind me to be happy. Greens from the garden, art supplies (of course), little notes and cards that bookshops sent me with my orders, and so on.
I dabble with making fruit and herbal wine, so last of the mint got collected for a new batch of wine.
Please Click on the image thumbnails to see the photos.
I created a page with all the previously shared photos from Simple365. That way I can relive my journey through the year via black and white photos, like in an old photo album.
These two are stylized paintings of my cats. My vet contacted me for a set of prints of these paintings that he wanted for his collection. In these photos I am preparing the prints for framing.
I really like the black and white versions of them. The contrast surprised me.
Outside The Lines
The Two Textures of Hot Press and Cold Press
Although I paint with almost everything under the sun, I am in love with watercolor. There are two kinds of watercolor papers – cold press (CP) and hot press (HP). The difference is mostly the texture, which makes the paper behave differently.
I mostly use the textured CP paper for my paintings. However, occasionally I reach for the smoother HP paper. I often found myself wondering: what is the real difference?!
So I set out to paint the same painting twice, side by side. Same colors applied the same exact way.
Painted on hot press paper
Because of the smoother surface, HP paper tends to be lighter and gentler. This paper can’t be overworked like CP paper. So it needs a more sure hand.
Paint sits more uniformly on the smooth surface, so it looks more even.
Painted on cold press paper
I work on very wet paper and I continuously layer my paints until I get the color intensity I’m looking for. CP paper is much hardier, so it is a much better choice for me.
The texture of the CP paper is a bit temperamental with paint. The ridges and valleys hold on to paint unevenly, resulting in a more unexpected yet dramatic look.
I got much sharper lines and edges on the HP paper. Because of the smoother surface, the paint does look a bit more brilliant. Although, I hasten to add, you really have to try to see the difference.
CP paper creates a much softer edge. The texture of the paper makes the colors look a bit mellower.
When I painted the face of the fairy, I had to be super mindful to avoid the wobble of the brush as it went over the rougher surface of the CP paper.
My Takeaway
CP paper – Hard-wearing, softer outlines, and temperamental with paint. The result is not always very predictable, but that is the nature of watercolor anyway.
HP paper – Gentler, sharper outlines, more predictable paint dispersion. I found it provides a bit more control. It also stays wet longer, even in our dry California climate.
I used Arches 100% cotton paper for these paintings.
Owl and The Autumn Fairy – At The Hollow
A Little Story
All summer I wait for the Orion constellation to show up in the night sky. The idea of the owl and the fairy came from that. Each of the four fairies come to visit their owl friend when they wake up at the beginning of each season. Here, the Autumn Fairy is very happy to find her friend at the Hollow. First of many visits.
It will be a while before I can step outside comfortably without having to worry about breathing. I am looking forward to the first sighting of my perpetual sky friend.
Until next time,
-Soma
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