Things I learnt today:
1) Stippling is fun. I never really tried it before as I doubted I’d have that kind of patience, but it’s very absorbing. Although:
2) if you see something on your piece of paper that you think is a bit of dust, don’t try and wipe it off, it’s probably a bit of ink that hasn’t dried yet.

So I’m now working on the second version of my picture for the Animal & Wildlife challenge

Great Penny! I like to see how you pick out the little details, like in the eyes.

I’m glad I finished mine early, I’m quite busy this month and I didn’t want to miss yet another challenge. I have too many ideas at the moment; this always happens when I don’t have time! I write them all down in a note book; it’s a big list.

Looking good … I like the close up. Sneak peeks only

I won’t get much done in the next week – I’m away on holiday to France tomorrow. I’ve bought myself a new sketchbook that I’m going to take. I bought it mainly for doodles and improving my pen technique. It’s one I’ve not tried before – a Hahnemuhle Nostalgie. The paper’s lovely and smooth and the ink doesn’t show through, and I love it already.

Since I bought it I’ve become fascinated in looking at other people’s sketchbooks that have been posted online. It’s really inspiring!

I carry my notebook around with me most of the time – It’s a bright multi-coloured thing. It has notes on things I want to paint, I plan and compose paintings in it, make notes as I walk around exhibitions, do sketches, make shopping lists … things like that. If only I actually did half of the things that I’ve got planned in there!

Hi Mark, your kitty is lovely. I enjoy looking at your drawings in Pen & Ink, I love the stippling. I recently discovered I enjoy stippiling and plan on praticing it some more. I look forward to seeing this develop.

Gordon – a lovely scene and a great drawing. Love those details and range of values. Please show us the finished piece when it’s done