Week 2

Create an Observation Icon

BY DORY KANTER | from Art Escapes

illustration

Isolate small aspects of your travel experience this week into delicious visual treats. Choose a single theme for a group of icons on a page or devote a whole page to one special image. We all seem to appreciate the natural world more when we travel, when we see with refreshed eyes. Perhaps it is because we take the time to really look that makes the difference.

Materials

illustration Arches 140-lb. (300gsm) cold-pressed paper, cut into small squares

illustration full-spectrum triad pigments: permanent Rose, Winsor Blue (Red Shade), Winsor Lemon

illustration double-stick mounting tabs

illustration gold Krylon pen

illustration no. 4 round or medium Niji waterbrush

illustration pencil and pens

illustration sketchbook

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1. Create a small painting

Cut a small piece of watercolor paper, and paint a pot of geraniums, like the one shown above. Use the full-spectrum triad, which is perfect for the bright, primary colors of this vibrant environment.

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2. Gold leaf the edges

Color the edges of the finished painting with a gold pen, creating the effect of a gold frame. Be sure to go over the edges two times with the gold pen to ensure an even metallic coating.

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3. Press on mounting tabs

When the gold ink is dry, attach a double stick mounting tab to each corner of the back of your painted observation icon, and place it in the center of your sketchbook page.

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4. Title your creation

Add a title and caption, including the place and date. The painted image is highlighted with the raised mounting and the gold edging.

From the Artist…

These geraniums were one of many that graced the courtyard of my hotel in Bodrum, Turkey. They are the perfect example to demonstrate how to make an observation icon. I love to use a medium sized Niji waterbrush when I travel. It holds water inside the handle. All you do is squeeze and clean water comes out.