F is for my new frog fella

Finally more Watercolours and gauche work to share. Load of new info on my blog this last month everyone. I would love you to come and see all the things I have been up to. Going nut with creativity lately! Kayleen's Blog

Book Launch

My first book. Mostly in watercolor.

IF response to Duet

Hello everyone and thank you to Vanessa for getting back to me so promptly so I could post on WW. I am looking forward to sharing my journey in the wonderful world of children's book with you all. I finally have something to post as I have been working mainly in oil and acrylic of late.

The Illustration Friday them this week lends itself to the idea of friendship. When I think of duet I think of togetherness. As a result I illustrated two painting friends creating a painting together which will be an upcoming gift for a friend of mine on her 50th birthday. I have written more on my blog if anyone is interested. I really enjoyed breaking out the watercolours again. I also thought I better justify spending a fortune on several W&N tubes after a sale at Dickblick the other week. The paints are so much cheaper than her in Australia!

Favourite Art Materials

Hi Everybody. I am so happy to be part of this blog.

Above is a watercolor and colored pencil painting that I did recently to represent me as a character. I like otters and I like to paint, seemed like a good match.

Arches watercolor paper is my preference. Anywhere from 140 to 300 lb. cold press. I've try out other papers from time to time but always end up back with Arches. It seems to be the only paper that can take how rough I can be with it. I like to rub away and scratch into it, glue things on it, and have been known to take very fine sandpaper into a wash for a textural effect. Prismacolor is my favorite color pencil; they have a rich creamy pigment. And lastly, my first choice for watercolor pigments are Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolors, then Da Vinci Artist's Quality Watercolor, and at the moment I am fairly happy with Holbein Artists Watercolor. Anyone else really meticulous about their brushes? I can't walk into an art store without having a good look at brushes (though I am always on the look out for a premium drawing pencil). Having said that, I take very good care of my brushes and have brushes I still paint with that are 15 years old.