I think having mice to play with instead of dolls when I was little was the best thing for me!
Amazing that we have the same “trapping” modus operandi. I had a lot of critters when I was young – wallabies, ferrets, wild ducks, a lamb, and we lived right in the middle of suburbia, although my dad was a farmer originally.

I had a look at the fabriano website – ahhhhhh such beautiful products in their catalogue. The pastel papers are rather lovely as well. So much to add to my WishList….

http://www.cartierefabriano.it/

b.t.w.: the reason why keith was put into the jar is that when i was a kid i caught mice exactly the same way as you did – couldnae believe that the same thing is being done on the other side of our blue diamond

have a nice week-end everybody

Ellisillus, thanks for both visits! I must admit that the brushes were getting rather tedious by 5pm this evening (keep forgetting the time diffs we’re on – you on your lunchbreak, me watching late night telly). I am trying to “loosen” up my style, but find myself returning again and again to “fine & detailed”. I really liked your mouse – so expressive with your lines of colour.

Thanks for the explanation to Tim – I have a pad of the Bockingford 300gsm, surprisingly convenient. It’s got a real “tooth” (textured dimples Tim), which I normally wouldn’t use for a fine watercolour, but it was OK. I have discovered the ultra smooth surface of clayboard (like laminex), that will hold watercolour. I’m going to sketch out a 8″ x 10″ slab tomorrow.

Reg, watercolours are a real challenge for me too! Always scary to look at that blank sheet of paper!

Tim, Ellisillus was very kind to answer the paper question. I have hoarded watercolour papers of various weights and textures for years – time to start using them! Check out Ellisillus blog (your wife will like his artwork for sure). Just right click his name (open in another tab option). In fact, check out all the artists here that have commented -such a varied and imaginative interpretation of the theme “Canned”

Janie, thanks for stopping by – your blog has some great images – love the toys, they have such “human” expressions!

Artists workshops are always a great source of inspiration and knowledge for me, can’t get enough of them!

@ tim: bockinford is a very nice watercolour paper made in the uk by st cuthbert’s mill. for more infos you might wish to consult http://www.inveresk.co.uk – they also have an online-shop, but depending on where you live, bockingford paper should be available in art supplies shops.

e.