I completely enjoyed the class I took with Jane LaFazio in early 2012 — Sketching & Watercolor, Journal Style — and regret that I haven’t made use of my new skills beyond the class. So I decided to get back into a class with Jane and take it to a new level. I’ve never done much in a mixed media style so her class Sketching and Watercolor in a Mixed Media Journal was the answer.
The class is online — so handy for getting things done on your schedule, not the instructor’s. And Jane is a fabulous teacher! She’s so thorough with explanations, illustrations and feedback that even I can make progress.
Lesson 1: Something from Nature. We were instructed to select something relatively complex and interesting to us. We’ll be sketching different parts and different views to fill a page. We’re then encouraged to create some stylized images based on the realistic ones we’ve already done.
I’ve already learned a lot. For instance, the first thing I sketched was the ‘April in Paris’ sweet pea at the top of the page. I love the plant, but as a subject for this class it was a bad choice. By the time I had the sketch done — really just a couple minute’s time — the buds were sagging. I didn’t notice that at first, so erased and sketched again. Jane is steadfast about sketching from life, not photographs. When I reviewed the adjustments again I realized that the buds were in yet another spot — that’s when I realized what was happening. With that, I moved on to the watercolor stage.
Then I went out and found 2 other items that would work for the lesson. I really like the Red Bud with its striking colors, large leaves and the seed pods. I’ve probably attempted too much in this first sketch and will need to go back to selecting smaller portions of the Red Bud for additional work from new angles.
Jane liked the style and tone of my page — she’s always so positive! But I needed to go back and get more pigment in the paint for those green leaves. I also took a close look at one of the pods and added it to the page. It was interesting to see how much yellow-green there was on a pod that initially read as red violet.
I also have a nice piece of eucalyptus that I’m eager to sketch and watercolor.
Very nice, Franki. And I love the line and oval border you put around the second image.
Thanks Jean. Creating a design – like the border – to ‘finish’ the page is always a challenge. This one seemed a natural to me.
That is so much fun… I brought all my art goodies on our trip, but now at 1/2 way have not used them.. so Signing up for the Free Strathmore card drawing class for Sept.
Love your art pieces!
I have that class on my calendar too! I’m hoping to make this sketching/watercolor more of a habit. Wish me luck.
I love your redbud choice. We have one in our front yard and especially love the fushia colored flowers on the branches in the spring. Also wanted to compliment you on the bibs you’ve done! You are an inspiration!
Hey, nice to hear from you! There are a lot of redbud in Montclair. The seed pod really caught my eye. It was a challenge but fun. As for bibs. . . you too could be making some!
Nice work. I took Jane’s class a couple of years ago. I need to start practicing again, too.
Yup, the time slips by, doesn’t it? I have a big journal book now with this class. My first goal: FILL IT!
Enjoyed seeing your work as I got a lot from Jane’s class on the internet. Lucky you being able to have her in person!
Actually, Heather, my class with Jane is on line. You know what a great teacher she is to be able to do this without any face-to-face contact.