Experiments, tea pot, Cattle Point, and Sicily

Dear Sarah - Day 168 of our daily drawing exchange

June 17, 2025
Hi Nikki,

IG sometimes get it right: it coughed up a Swedish artist named Eva-Lena Sommarigen sommarigen.com on my feed. I absolutely love how she uses ink and watercolour. Everything is loose and fluid and not fiddly. I tried my hand at a few things in her style--a teapot, a mug, a glass, a small jug--and while my drawings lack her finesse, I like the effect, and will try it again. And keep following her.

I also re-drew the Cattle Point scene onto watercolour paper and tried using washes to differentiate between the mountains, the sea and the rocks in the foreground. I think I'll paint this scene again but with no ink and much looser washes, especially on the objects (boats and buoys).

This process of experimenting with all different kinds of art techniques reminds me very much of trying to find my voice when writing. What feels authentic and natural? What sings and what doesn't? What is boring and what is dull? I already know that while I like doing detailed drawings (in black, white and grey) I also want to be able to do loose, sketchy work that incorporates colour. I also know that I need to learn to use watercolour with confidence. To that end, I'll be starting a daily course for beginners on July 1st. Maybe while I'm in Canmore you can join me. Should I bring my own paints and brushes, or do you have lots?

XO S

Hi Sarah -

Sticking with the approach from yesterday, started a loose sketch from a photo I took of a village in Sicily.

I couldn’t agree more that this freedom to play, experiment, try different techniques/subjects/media feels very much like developing/finding a voice in writing. I like loose and scribbly - but want to improve what underlies that looseness (so, more accurate perspective, shapes, proportions). I also love the idea of colour, but have yet to develop the skills needed to do a good job with watercolour (or any other colour-source, for that matter). Then again, I love zines, and comics, and collage and … life is too short!

As for art supplies - I don’t think you need to bring anything, though you may wish to have your favourite tools with you. Your visit will inspire me to get a little bit organized as I’ve been accumulating art supplies and stuffing them here, there, and everywhere…

I’m curious - did you do the watercolour areas first and then add pen over top? Or start with line drawings and add colour after (for the teapot, cup, etc.)

Until tomorrow-
Nikki