FARRARS HAMLET, SADDLEWORTH. by IAN PARRY

This is a nice one, again it is an improvement on reality. I have done a few pen and ink watercolours and discovered by accident that using water soluble ink for thre roof lines, tiles etc when washed over makes it run. This uncontrolled makes a mess but if it used sparingly can give the old smoked blackened building look very well. I keep meaning to try a deliberate picture with most of the pen waterproof but selected areas water soluble jus to see waht can be achieved..

Really like your style. It is so crisp but not overworked - that's a real skill to achieve that balance. Tell me - do you do the drawing in pen first and then add the watercolour or is it the other way around?

Thea ...... thanks for you kind comment .............. I create a good drawing first, this is essential ..... I use a very feint outline in pencil and then be brave with either a rotring 0.35 draughting pen primed with sepia ink or a soft pencil, say 2b or 3b. Once I am happy with the drawing I introduce watercolour paint but continue to employ pen or pencil as the work proceeds...... Ian.