Scoot n Sketch - Artist's Nature Journal

Explore the beauty of nature through sketching and painting with mixed mediums, including fountain pens and watercolors, both in the great outdoors and in your own studio. With a portable artist's kit, like a pochade box, you can easily take your art with you wherever you go, just like artist Ryn and her trusty companion Tess, who enjoy creating art while exploring the scenic Australian bushland and gardens of Kangaroo Flat.

A fountain pen is not just any ordinary pen. It is a tool that allows the writer to have greater control over the flow of ink, resulting in smoother and more refined lines. Fountain pens come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, each with its own unique writing experience. And when paired with high-quality ink, the result can be truly breathtaking. Whether you prefer a bold, black line or a soft, pastel hue, the wide range of ink colors available is sure to inspire your writing and artwork.

Watercolors, on the other hand, offer a completely different level of artistic expression. The transparent and vibrant pigments blend and interact with each other, creating a depth and beauty that cannot be achieved with other media. When combined with the fluid lines of a fountain pen, the result is a harmonious and stunning composition.

But how do you choose the right fountain pen and watercolors to match your style and preferences? There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are a few tips to get you started:

    Fountain pens: Consider the size and weight of the pen, as well as the type of nib (the metal tip that comes into contact with the paper). A fine nib is great for precise lines, while a broader nib allows for bolder strokes. You may also want to consider the filling mechanism (cartridge, converter, or eyedropper) and the material of the pen (plastic, metal, or resin).

    Ink: With so many colors and brands to choose from, it can be overwhelming to make a decision. Start by choosing a color that you love and that complements your writing or artwork. Then, consider the type of ink (dye-based or pigment-based) and the properties (fast-drying or waterproof, for example).

    Watercolors: Like fountain pen ink, watercolors come in a wide range of colors and brands. You may want to start with a small set of pan or tube watercolors to get a feel for the medium. Then, you can expand your collection as you grow more confident in your skills.

In conclusion, writing with a fountain pen and watercolors is a beautiful and fulfilling experience that can bring out the best in you. So why not choose to shine by adding these tools to your creative arsenal? You never know what amazing creations you will come up with.

A mature, experienced nature artist's journey with Line and Wash predominately using fountain pen and ink line & watercolour wash by award-winning artistformerly of Buninyong Gallery.  Line and wash artworks may be impressionistic and developed further with Sofft tool washes of extra-soft pastel PanPastels or other mixed mediums using an alla prima technique that is perfect for delicate portraiture and florals and atmospheric, aerial perspective in landscapes.

Ryn’s aim is to share her extensive experience and know-how with you, including motivation, art business skills, perspective drawing, composition, colour harmony and mixing, light and shade, and the integrity of using quality materials if you plan to sell your work, and to learn from others without copying them. We encourage you to do original artwork. All artwork and video content shown here is copyright (c) ScootnSketc