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Today was like Christmas. I came home and my wife said there was a package waiting for me on the kitchen counter. She was curious but not trying to pry. ( I hadn't mantioned that I had ordered this). My youngest son was dying to know what was in the box. I had checked my USPS tracking number earlier in the day and didn't expect the package for another 48 hours. But there it was. Waiting for me to open it. My first Moleskine sketchbook.
Since I started blogging, about a month ago, I kept running across sites or comments that talked about the wonderful sketch books used by artists, writers and all around brilliant people to record their thoughts and images--Solitary blogs of the last century if you will. The quality of paper and binding seemed to be why these little books seemed so attractive. Along with the eleastic page holder and the bookmark ribbon.
So, I tried mine for the first time tonight. The paper didn't take the water color pigment the way I thought it would, but that's OK. It's just something I have to get use to. But I certainly felt the attraction to the book, to the pages. Maybe that's why my first sketch in this book is of a boy with a big smile on his face. Maybe it's me. (even though I really know it's the friend of my 13-year-old twins) But that's OK too.
16 comments:
HOORAH!
The Pistons won again!
Hey, didn't I see this guy in the stands?
He does look like Eminem, but cuter!
I live in the suburbs of Detroit, on the east side not too far from where Eminem lived and worked as a busboy in a local resturant.
oooo! I'm jealous about the moleskine... I've never had one. I use cheap Strathmore sketchbooks. I'd love to get a moleskine, but I'm not sure where to get one. I may have to go downtown to one of the fancy-schmanzy art stores. What size do you have?
These late basketball playoff games are gonna kill me. Gotta work in the a.m.
Can wait to see what else you draw in the MSkine!
Wow, Stunning picture. Must get me one of them Moleskins! Looks like fun!
Well, this sketch and your text both gave ME a big smile early in the morning! So well done, Chuck, my man. Can't wait to see further adventures of Chuck in Moleskine Land. I've got several of the little critters, but I can't seem to make myself go that small, even when I'm doing travel journals!
Congrats on taking the Moleskin plunge. I have a larger sized one waiting to be used here in the studio. I know what you mean about the watercolor handling different. I hope you enjoy it---looking forward to seeing more entries. This one makes me smile. What a happy vision. :)
Good morning everyone. It is 70 degrees with no humidity and a lovely breeze here in Columbia, Md. Which is a very rare thing this time of year. It was 93 and soaking two days ago. I think I have to call in to the office and plead for a day off!
It was so nice to wake up and see your comments. I must do some sketching today in this really cool little book.
Carolyn, I got mine online here:
http://www.moleskineus.com
It ain't water color paper, that's for sure. But I think that's part of what give it it's own look. Who knows. I think I need some coffee.
I'll be back.
BTW, mine is 5.25" x 8.25". Has anyone found a larger one out there anywhere?
Congratulations, Chuck. Welcome to the wonderful world of the Moleskine. I have a soft covered on in my carryall. Once you get past the nervousness of making a mark on the first page, they are a really great companion. It is easy to see why you had no problems getting past the first page jitters. This is a lovely entry.
Cheers
Robyn
Scratches & Scribbles
Thanks Robyn. I know what you mean. I was nervous about the first page. Why does it seem so sacred and precious?
I hope to make my next entry tonight!
You got the watercolor to stick! I love my mole skin for drawing in pen and ink...just dreamy. But disappointing for water works. Are you going to try binding your own book? I made my first one and put both drawing and watercolor paper in in at Karen's suggestion. I LOVE IT! I have a pix of it on my site. Not too hard to do either. I really like your blog. Lindsay
The boy is a lovely piece! What a great way to start your book. I recently bought my first Moleskine also and watercolor my ink sketches. The results are better than what I think they will be when I'm painting them (does that make sense?). I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! I also found a group at flickr.com who post photos and scans of moleskines, some lovely work!
Chuck:
I found your website through the EDM group and I really like your stuff.
The moleskine had the same "trance hold" on me as well and I ordered one. I too was disapointed in the slick surface and struggle to get the surface to work- so I haven't used it for watercoloring. It is great for ink pen drawing though.
Actually I recently put together my own bound volume of Farbriano water color paper so I now have exactly the size and paper I want because I made it.
I love your work. I am a big fan of watercolor. Very nice.
The Moleskines are really magical!!! I wish you everything best!!!
welcome to the team playa...
You guys know there's a moleskine with watercolor paper in it, right?
The sketch looks like Livers the Newsie, from here:
http://www.shorpy.com/node/19.
Welcome to the world of Moleskine, from someone on the writing side. Lucky man, setting out on the Moleskine road. All those memo pockets and Japanese notebooks still to discover!
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