Ann England from Sidmouth Society of Artists writes about the group’s recent Zoom demonstration by artist Liz Chadderton. Once again, the demonstration was shared with Exmouth Art Group.


This was an inspirational demonstration by Liz, who is a full-time artist based in Berkshire. Liz used pen and wash for the session but this was definitely with a difference!
Her time was divided into two starting with the pen drawing and then taking up a paintbrush for the wash.
To start with, Liz showed us how to make a ‘Cola Pen’ from a Cola or similar tin using a clear step by step method. She then explained how she used the pen and waterproof black Indian ink to sketch a kestrel in flight, demonstrating how she manipulated the pen to make the thick or thin marks of the kestrel’s wings and body. However, in starting any drawing of a bird or animal, Liz always starts with the eye as this is bedded in the animal. Still using the cola pen the kestrel came to life and ‘took flight’.
Sidmouth Herald: Kestrel in flight art demonstrationKestrel in flight art demonstration (Image: Liz Chadderton)
Satisfied with the pen drawing, in the second half of the session Liz took up the paintbrush to start the wash ensuring that the ink was totally dry. This is vital as by using the wet-on-wet method it could be disastrous to have the ink run.

Liz uses Bockingford paper 200lbs minimum 140 and a daisy wheel palette containing the chosen colours to give good harmony. She uses transparent paints and mixes her colours on the paper not in the palette as one does not want to see veils of colour over the ink. Using a thick brush Liz began the wash explaining the importance of the balance between the pen and watercolour and the need to combine the two.
This was a most enjoyable demonstration and as you can see well worth the time to view.