Working in a Series

Artists commonly work in a series, choosing a theme and creating different iterations based on that theme.

In my series, I began with a photo taken during the polar vortex, when the temperature was about 10 degrees F. My first artwork was a colored pencil sketch done at the breakfast table in my nature journal.  That drawing showed me that I wanted to be able to blend the colors more than the colored pencil drawing. So I made a watercolor painting of the scene.

I was taken by the way the light sparkled off of the snow as the sun set in the west.  The shadows looked as blue as the sky, but I also saw hints of purple and magenta. Wet-in-wet applications of pink, purple and blue was the best way for me to express the sparkly colors I saw in real life.

Each step along the way, I made new discoveries, observed more details in the photograph, and found new ways to express the bitingly cold, fresh air.  

Often, I think, we want to create something "good" quickly. But spending time exploring different techniques and materials gives us more creating time, builds our skills and lets us get lost in the process.  If your only purpose is to experiment, play and make discoveries, there's no need to rush. And when you don't rush, you relax into the process, and that makes it easier to learn new things.

I like the way that the cool blues in both the drawing and the painting lent a feeling of extreme cold and wintriness.  The bare-limbed trees in the midground were delightful to draw/paint, and they created a feeling of deep winter, too.

What scene would you like to get lost in?  Why not try a series of artworks -- in different media, using different approaches, different color schemes, etc.?

Happy Creating!

Quick Sketches: J.W. Waterhouse

As a patron of The Unexpected Gypsy, I enjoy getting inspired by her art practices.  Lately, she has shared her copies of drawings by British artist J.W. Waterhouse.  She included the source material from the book:  J. W. Waterhouse: 93 Drawings ,by Narim Bender.

Copying other artists'work is called making a master copy.  As long as you don't pass the work off as your own original creation, there's nothing wrong with making master copies.  In fact,  it's a great way to learn from the masters.

Every drawing teaches you something, and especially master copy drawings.  

What artists do you admire? Pick a favorite artwork of theirs and try to recreate it.  The process will unlock new understanding and provide inspiration.

Happy Creating!

Quick Sketches

I keep natural mementos at my desk -- feathers, stones, seashells and the like.  That means there's always something fascinating to draw when I want to warm up, or when I'm procrastinating doing something else.

The sketches above were made with a Bic ballpoint pen in my writing journal. The ballpoint pen creates different sorts of marks than a graphite pencil, colored pencils or a fountain pen.  Trying different materials and media expands your art practice and opens up new ideas.

Also, the practice of drawing sketches with no expectations is freeing and relaxing.  Nothing special, just practice and play.

Here are photos of the little items I drew in case you'd like to make a quick sketch.

Happy Creating!

Florida Travel Journal

The beautiful thing about a travel journal is that it is a place to quickly record your observations and sketches.  There's no expectation that you will create finished or "perfect" artworks.  You are free to experiment.

These are some of my quick sketches and watercolor explorations from our trip to Florida.

This pencil sketch of a sea turtle will always remind me of the magical experience of watching an adult sea turtle swim along the beach with apparent ease in the heavy surf.

A loose gesture of the sea oats brings back the feeling of the wind and sun on my face.

And I can just hear the sound of seashells tinkling in my hand when I collected this gathering of shells to paint.

I was sketching the dunes backing the beach, and a man sat down right in my composition.  So I included him in the scene.

Bird observations remind me of how excited I was to witness Magnificent Frigate Birds soaring over the shoreline.

When I glance at this simple kelp drawing, I can just hear the surf pounding and feel the grit of the sand between my toes.

The salt air caused this watercolor sketch to dry with an interesting texture. The salt attracted the moisture in the paints, creating clumps of color.

I encourage you to take a sketchbook with you on your travels, even if those travels are to a local park. 

The act of making sketches cements the memories of the visit in your mind, and you'll have a hand-made memory book to revisit long after you return home.

Happy Creating!

Weekly Planner: Geraniums in Bloom!

I have a potted geranium on my studio desk thatI saved from the first frost last fall, and the blooms lift my spirits.  Why not incorporate them into this week's planner?

I began with an ink sketch with my Lamy fountain pen.  After the ink had dried, I added watercolor washes.  This notebook isn't made for watercolor painting, but it's still fun to decorate the ink drawing with some color, even if the paper crinkles.

I love the colors I see in this plant.  They create a beautiful color palette.

What do you see in your everyday life that inspires you? A quick sketch is a lovely way to celebrate the subjects and colors you enjoy.

Happy Creating!