In my previous post I described my developing mixed media practice, so I thought I would share something about my postcards which are a consistent strand of my art practice, for around 15 years. I think this is due to the portability and ease of use, the postcards lending themselves to travel and just being out and about similarly to a sketchbook. Unlike a sketch book they are separate little artworks and can be viewed and framed as such.
The Hahnemuhle postcards are my favourite, they arrive in a nice tin which doubles up as a good firm surface to draw on. I always use an artist’s pen, it’s instant and can be taken anywhere without any mess. I have a reliable little kit of Faber Castell artist pens in varied thicknesses, from superfine to brush. Occasionally, depending on time restrictions, and if I want to respond directly with colour I will start with watercolour.
I have a variety of (cream cheese type) lids that make perfectly good palettes alongside my well worn watercolour box. If it’s breezy, I might use a bit of masking tape or a bulldog clip to hold things down.
I like to capture the sense of the place I am in; the climate and colours usually jump out at me and I particularly enjoy boats in little harbours, lush parks, and the activity of people around me and their pooches!
I don’t often remember to note on the reverse the location and date, and yet I can recall the place usually quite well, something about the mind muscle memory that sets it in the mind. The date….well that’s another matter! That said, and especially when showing in a window I think the details would be good to have on the back, I will try to remember when drawing my next batch of cards.
