Yesterday I had the joy to hold TWO Nature Sketching with Watercolour Pencil classes at Dromkeen homestead at Riddells Creek, an hour out of Melbourne. This was part of the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival. Dromkeen also had a Wonders of Nature art exhibition with 130 pieces of art by amazing local artists. I visited for the opening two weeks ago and was very excited to meet and talk to some of the artists involved. It continues for another two weeks.
In the photo are a small suitcase with sketchkits for those who have purchased them. They contain a pack of 12 FaberCastell watercolour pencils, a Pentel medium waterbrush, an A5 Art Spectrum 210gsm smooth watercolour sketchbook (draw and wash), an Albrecht Durer watercolour pencil, a hints and tips sheet and a serviette ! all have a purpose.
I also have a backpack of some of my sketchbooks to show examples. I take a pull-up banner which I display at events. I also have done some swatches of the colours in their kit.
My class was held indoors. Autumn has decided to arrive in Melbourne and the day was drizzling. This is not good for watercolour and watercolour colour paper (or people). I made a decision to hold my class inside when I arrived on the train from Melbourne. This was Plan B. The class was held in Garden Room which is a separate room from the homestead, as there was so much happening in Dromkeen tea rooms and Art Gallery.
I collected some autumnal leaves. branches with lichen, nuts and a few peacock feathers (there used to be peacocks on the homestead property) for attendees to sketch.
An email was sent to participants with the following links.
- The 26 watercolour pencils I carry everyday http://alissaduke.com/2022/03/the-watercolour-pencils-i-use-2.html
- My top 12 http://alissaduke.com/2022/03/top-12-watercolour-pencil-colours.html
- Hints and tips http://alissaduke.com/2014/03/five-watercolour-pencils-tips.html
- Practical hints and Tips http://alissaduke.com/2017/05/practical-blog-posts.html
Happy sketching every and let me know have any questions.
