Friday, February 24, 2012



WEEK 8   CUBA


   At first, because I was very busy and because I could not think of a legitimate reason for our Bookseller to get an ok to travel to Cuba, I was not going to do this week's postcard. The pull was irresistible, however. :) 
  Week 8 does NOT find our Bookseller in Cuba.  He had wanted to meet his friend Nick there, but Americans are restricted from travel to Cuba unless they have a special license. He had no legitimate reason to travel there, so he stayed on in Dylan country, Wales, for some relaxation and exploration.
   Hank calls every day but is sure to send a post card from each place he visits. Wifey, who loves the postcards and adds them to her personal collection, decided to send him one, for a change, since he is missing out on a trip to Cuba.

                                   


I forgot about the generic postcard I created last week, but finally did use it for 'age' color. I found a vintage Cuban card online for inspiration and one for postage. As you will see in the 
next picture, it is Cuban postage,but sorta authentic (VINTAGE.) 


 My handwriting is almost as bad as Hank's, so here is a translation:

Dear Hubby, 
   So glad you were able to get a room at The Dragon! Enjoy! Too bad you could not meet Nick in Cuba.  Thought I'd send you a vintage Cuban pc I found in the store, stamped and all.  Altho in an envelope, I pasted your temp. address over original. 
   The calls are good, but I do enjoy the postcards!
Love,
Wifey




I copied this postcard from a vintage Cuban postcard I found online, including the Saying on it. I used Derwent's INKTENSE Outliner pencil to draw and then the color pencils to watercolor. I used them DRY and then used a wet brush to make them truly watercolor.
Using INKTENSE before learning how to watercolor was not smart for me because it is as I always used to think of watercolor-unforgiving. Once the wet has dried, it is permanent! One is left to cover the mistakes with layers or live with them. I did a bit of both.
I finally uploaded the pic and that is where I copied the lettering and edited it to fit. Otherwise, I tried to not cover over the INKTENSE so you could see how much of a beginner I am. :) Most of it is original color except where I overlaid the lettering. That required editing.

  






24 comments:

  1. I think you have done a great postcard! I have not got any inktense (yet) but I know what you mean about watercolouring, well done!

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  2. Well, another week in Wales can't be too bad... not much sunshine or dancing but the singing is good - and I hear they make an excellent griddle cake in the Dragon!

    Inktense are fun - they're a bit Forrest Gump... never quite know what you're gonna get...

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  3. I'm enjoying your little story as much as your postcards.

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  4. great postcard. Glad to see you figured a way out on this. :)

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  5. very funnn'age Key West close enough ;-)

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  6. Lovely postcard and what better than relaxing a little longer in the rolling green countryside, sounds like just what was needed! M

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  7. Super postcard and I like the way you have gotten around the story. I agree Inktense pencils take a bit of getting used to.

    Janet xx

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  8. love the vintage postcard...good choice!

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  9. a good vintage postcard. a clever storyline

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  10. pfft your card is great, as always. I m so glad you joined in this week. you are quite right about the Inktense, I must admit I do not use mine often, I love them but I am always unsure how to handle them.

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  11. Oh, Wifey really lives! ;)
    Great turn in the story!!! ♥
    I love your postcard! I have to look into the Intense pencils. I'm very happy with the coloursoft ones...

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  12. Fantastic up-date of a wonderful old advert, lovely story too. I enjoy popping in to see what your up to. Caz

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  13. Well done on your card. I looked at the card on google and thought it was so cute. I think you did an amazing job recreating it.

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  14. Great card, love how you have recreated it! Valerie

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  15. Don't think you need to apologise for your watercolour looks great. I think this challenge is a great chance to try out new things :)

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  16. I think your watercolouring is very good, and i am very much enjoying your story too.

    dx

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  17. Great drawn postcard and colouring. Clever way round the the travel restrictions.
    Jen x

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  18. Looks fun and colorful! Great job on the postcard. :)

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  19. You created such a fun card...those inktense pencils are FAB...you did a wonderful job...great way to experiment with all our 'treasured supplies'. aloha, Lei

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  20. Fabulous image *shimmying along* :D Clever way to keep your story authentic too :D XXX

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  21. Fab card. Love your drawing. Cuba gave me probs too - there was no way my character could get there, so well done on getting round it in your story.

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  22. Fun card and a great twist to have wifey write this week

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  23. What a clever and inventive way to do this week's challenge!

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