I do like the pen work ere Laure. I like pen work a lot anyway. I used to be afraid of it now I just go with it. I would still be afraid of that skinny little sketchbook though.

Great info--I've got a sketchbook made from what I think is the same type of paper. I'll remember the get in/get out principle when I work in it.

Very striking effect with the intense colors and pen work. I love the addition of the dots for the background - I love polka dots! I'll assume that they were what was done with a stamp.

Thanks, Lisa! I'm having too much fun with the shape! I've found all kinds of cool things to put in that book.

KJ, I find that principle stands the test of time no matter what kind of paper I'm working with. Less chance of overworking the piece.

Yes, Claire, the dots are stamped. I then when back and darkened a few with pen as they weren't quite bold enough.

I love this - it is fun - you're right.

I enjoy penwork both before and after WC washes and that word 'graphic' really sums it up. A great reminder!

Fun, fun, fun! I love that boot...perfect for the April showers soon on the way.

I'm crazy about this! I love it, love it, love it! (can you feel my enthusiasm? ;-)

I'm thinking of trying one of these Handbook journals so the advice is great. Forewarned is forearmed or something like that. I think your boot looks terrific and not splotchy at all. Okay, I went back for a closer, closer look and see some splotchiness but all the rubber boots I've seen in real life have that too so it looks more real to me and is not a minus in any way!

Your work is so much fun. I like how you add things that are unusual, like a polka dot background. I am trying to figure out what was the stamp you used. it says watercolor ink and stamps underneath the photo.

Thanks, Ms. Gillian! I'm more of a penwork after work kind of girl. If I do the penwork first, I feel like I'm doing a paint-by-numbers piece!

Thanks, Kelly, we've had rain two days this week with more on the way!

Thanks, T!

Timaree—save your money and make one out of paper you love instead! Seriously. I made one to take to NOLA out of Arches and I LOVE it. This one...not so much. Thanks for the kind words, too!

Hey, Cris, thank you! The polka dot background is stamped, but then I went back and added some pen work to some of the dots that didn't show up well.

Laura this is eyecatching! I assume you stamped first (no dots show through though anywhere, so wondering if you masked the painted image and stamped later?)

What kind of brush did you use - nothing is bleeding out of the perfect outline, though yes I understand you had a paper that didn't accommodate that. Just perfect; oh did you use w/colour pencils maybe? So neat a result whatever you used.

Hey, Carole, thank you! I stamped last! I also did the outline of ink last as I really didn't intend to ink this one. I use tracing paper to create a mask and then use tape to hold it in place while I stamp.

I used a waterbrush (like I use in the videos) and for this one, I didn't use any watercolor pencils. If and when I'm not using a waterbrush, I tend to use sable brushes.

Love, Love, Love this! The color, design-Everything. Your work is such an inspiration!

I like that the paint looks a little "blotchy". To me it kind of looks like water on the boot. Anyway, these are great tips. I have always liked working with pens in my paintings. Gives them a "finished" look, I think.

How great is this! Spring, rain, flowers...

So pretty Laurie! Spring is HERE!!!! Excellent work and it is so incredibly fresh!