Wednesday

Maryland Montage --- Sketching in a Moving Vehicle

Stillman & Birn Alpha 5.5x8.5" hardbound sketchbook
Noodler's Kung Te-Cheng ink in a 0.3 (fine) Platinum Preppy fountain pen
Private Reserve Sepia ink in a 1.5mm Pilot Parallel calligraphy pen
Noodler's Golden Brown ink in a Pilot Plumix italic pen
Brown Sharpie Calligraphy pen
Winsor Newton, Daniel Smith, Holbein and Schmincke watercolors
Background page toning done previously with diluted acrylic

I've done montage formats like this before in open studio life drawing, at the zoo, and other times when I was just grabbing images on the go. But this is the first time I did it in a moving car. (At least I wasn't driving!) We were on our way home from our niece's wedding in Maryland. With just two page spreads left to finish this sketchbook, I couldn't resist the temptation. It was quite an experience. I learned two important things:
  1. Drawing straight lines, in a moving vehicle at a high rate of speed with potholes and curves, is not going to happen.
  2. If you think you don't get carsick, try sketching for awhile!

Initially, I was having so much fun that all I could think about was, "Why didn't I try this sooner?" I even did another two page spread after this one, since one remaining page spread was even harder to resist than when there were two left.. By then my stomach was in knots and I was definitely done for the day. I think the next time I sketch in a car, it will be parked!


3 comments:

  1. I can't believe you could do it that gracefully. Perhaps the roads are better in Maryland; perhaps you have better shocks than I do.

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  2. Well Carol, in all fairness, it was on the highway, and my husband had cruise control on and pretty good shocks (certainly better than my car). All in all, a fun experience until you get car sick! (I'll bet you'd be great at it.)

    Jamie

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  3. Hi Jamie, say I understand completely about trying to draw a straight line while traveling on these byways. Yep, it ain't going to happen. I gave it a try yesterday. Got the sketch completed, then onto the watercolors. Lol It was a hit and miss thing. Told to dodge to bumps. Lol it was a joy! Love your art. By the way, I ride in a rig with hubby :-)

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