Goldenrod Dancers
Slow drawing is just my speed this weekend. I was laid low this week by a terrible cold, and I’ve barely had energy to do anything but rest on the couch. I was glad I felt up to sitting at my desk yesterday and today to be absorbed in the curled and complex leaves of goldenrod that was stunted by the goldenrod bunch gall midge. I loved just turning off everything else—the cough, the sore throat, the impending snow, the projects that didn’t get done this week—and just drawing. This may get a bit of watercolor, or not, but that’s a decision for another day.
Tips & Techniques– Those of you who have followed me for a while know that goldenrod galls are a perennial subject. What made this different was the paper—it’s 140lb Fabriano soft press watercolor paper. Soft press is hard to find and only comes in sheets. It’s right in between hot and cold press paper, so it has just a bit of texture and behaves well when adding watercolor. The texture and absorbency of the paper doesn’t allow a Micron 005 pen to glide smoothly across it, but it makes the pen feel more like a pencil when shading and gives the drawing an Old-World feel. Always good to mix it up!
Drawn In 
Jean, I hope you feel better very soon. I can’t draw something this detailed, delicate, and beautiful even when I’m well. It does have an Old-World feel. Adding color might change the feel. Take care of yourself and rest up.
Thanks Elaine!
that is a really beautiful drawing!
Thank you Jonathan!
No doubt your time drawing surely made you feel so much better …… maybe as wonderful as to dance along with your gorgeous goldenrods. I love how the midges do their own dance amongst the leaves. A beautiful vintage effect on, what?!!, soft press paper. First I’ve heard of that middle of the pack papers. Always learning! Take care of yourself. Sounds like more extreme weather heading your way.
Good snow day here! But it’s been another less than productive day. Just picking up the pencil now.
Its a beautiful drawing, and a wonderful composition too. I always lean to keeping the monochrome look, but adding colour could enhance it too! I think it will work both ways!
The flow of this reminds me of some of your drawings. I don’t want to do a fully colored watercolor on top of this, but I could see a light wash of burnt umber…maybe.
LOVE this……your expertise really shines!! I’ve never heard of “soft press” paper….sounds like something I need to try sometime. I hope you feel better soon. So much junk going around right now.
I think there is a lot of junk going around. Stay well and thanks for checking in!
I’m with all your other followers, beautiful work. Maybe you could help us out by giving a hint as to where you found the paper? Also, did you use a black micron pen, or was it another color? Whatever you used, it gives the drawing all the color it needs. Thanks for sharing, even while not feeling your best.
Hi— I used a sepia Micron. I ordered the paper online. Maybe from Blick?
Thanks Jean, appreciate you taking the time to respond. Feel better soon.
Dear Jean – I hope this finds you
love seeing your sketches. Hope you are feeling better soon.
Thanks so much!
Such a lovely ink pen sketch! The details are beautiful, and I really appreciate you sharing those helpful watercolor paper tips. Thank you for inspiring us!
You are welcome Jane. Goldenrod makes for such a great winter subject. I find it more interesting now than in summer…though I certainly appreciate the golden fields of autumn.
I love the sepia color you chose – with the white paper background, it evokes the dried plants standing in pristine snow, perfect for winter. I had that terrible cold earlier this month; hope yours passes quickly. Sending virtual cups of hot lemon tea your way!