" Scene on the walk to Blubberhouse " base drawing

Interesting technique Mike, a matchstick might be a bit fiddly for me.

Frank , the matchstick is in a holder - similar to old fashioned pen nib and nib holder. I have bamboo holders , dowling that I have drilled a hole into, - even rolled paper and wrapped selotape around it. I have standard sized matchsticks and jumbo matchsticks. ends cut at 45 degree angles - gives a fine edge or a flat surface. I have dilutions ranging from full strength through 75 , 50 , and 25 % and one at 10% for tonal variations where required. There are at least 3 different presenters with DVDs out on the subject - I think I may have taken it a bit further with using dilutions for tonal work.John Hoar has a couple of DVDs on line and wash , Ian King has one. They both incorporate line and wash with watercolour. The matchstick is more expressive than a straight nib - you have a fine line or a block effect. The two different sizes of matchstick extends the range. You can also trim bamboo to a nib shape as well. The effect achieved is not so "mechanical" in appearance as the steel nib.

The technique results in wonderful results as you have demonstrated here Mike. I've seen John Hoar use the same method.