Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Meet the Correspondents: Nina Khashchina

Hi!
Intruduction
I think I am better at drawing and painting than at writing. If there are things you would like to know about me beyond what's posted below - drop me a line or post a comment and I will try to answer ;)

I started focused nature sketching about a year ago and enjoy the process of drawing and painting as well as identification, observation and just plain calm moments while I spend time with my subjects. Here is one of the pages from my sketchbook about a year ago:
March 12, 2008: Evergreen Pear

I use mostly watercolors, watercolor pencils and ink. Rarely use pencil under-drawings. Oils and Acrylics are great for studio but too cumbersome for on the go - as a freelance graphic designer and illustrator and a young mom I need to be ready to drop everything and run (literally). Sometimes all I have is 10 minutes between things - so the simpler the better. I made a little gouache set this month and trying it out right now :)

I am on a quest to a simple set-up, always experimenting with some new pens, brushes, pigments, paper etc. Here are some of my sketching set-ups:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23173190@N07/sets/72157611296595847/

I started book binding about a year ago too and enjoy it very much. The ability to choose your own paper, size, number of pages - and the fact that you create something with your hands make it special for me. You can see some results here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23173190@N07/sets/72157606244662915/

I work in my sketchbook daily. Small drawings or 10 pages - does not matter - I enjoy the continuity and flexibility, the rhythm. Sketchbook became an art form in itself for me.

I am open to critique, suggestions and experience sharing :) I am honored to be a part of this blog and look forward to sketching and looking at other sketches!

You can view more of my works at:
http://www.apple-pine.com/
http://apple-pine.blogspot.com/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23173190@N07/


Now - off to draw!

6 comments:

  1. Welcome, Nina, I am so glad that you joined the group! As you know, I love seeing your work.

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  2. Hi Nina! It is so wonderful to meet you!!!!

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  3. Excellent post! I was inspired by your sketch kits and your handmade journals. Your work is great!

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  4. Such an interesting and vibrant sketch page!

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  5. Nice to meet you Nina! Love your sketchbooks, thanks for sharing. I just started exploring making my own, and you are so right, it is great to select your own paper. I'll have to bug you about putting on covers and what you find is the quickest way of putting one on.

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  6. thank you all!

    urchin; the fastest way for me is to salvage cover from the real book (our local library usually had lots of books to choose from and it's only a buck - I tear it apart recycle insides and use cover :) Otherwise - just follow bookbinding instructions - I found a bunch on youtube and in library bookbinding books :) Good Luck!

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