Every Day Sketching

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Bird in blue ink: micron pen

Bird in blue ink: micron pen

I am getting used to sketching everyday…it seems like all the sudden its become a habit! A habit that I look forward to and one that feels a lot like meditation. And, I am getting to the point where I feel comfortable drawing in locations that might not be ideal. The bird in blue sketch was started before supper and finished up after supper–that is a first. I couldn’t get a sketch in at lunch, so before and after supper had to do.

Nice surprise in my email from #sketchbookskool–an assignment! Awesome. This one was to scrutinize a tree. Once I started looking around for resources I realized that I have a lot of great tree photos in my photo portfolio to draw from! I love this view of the trees from my regular weekend walk with my dog Big.

Trees. Black ink, little bit of color added.

Trees. Black ink, little bit of color added.

Two Trees

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Inktense and graphite

Inktense and graphite

I have been thinking about this image for quite awhile. So, I decided to make it the subject matter for my first “finished” piece of the new year. I’m not sure what that really means, but I suppose it will just be well attended to and slower to complete. My approach is to get to know the subject by doing at least 2 or 3 warm up sketches. And, they can fulfill some of my more minor goals too. The first sketch was done in my 75 Days of Ink Journal. Fairly quick. Next up, color! I am missing color with the ink drawings, but trying not to break the rules.

The sketchbook skool folks are emailing assignments to previous klass participants! That is pretty awesome. This week’s assignment is to scrutinize a tree. Perfect for Ink!

Ink only

Ink only

Lunch time ink

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Warm-up sketch for flower journal

Warm-up sketch for flower journal

Sketching at lunch is great, I have limited time, so I really have to focus quickly. Perfect combination for ink only drawing. I am officially behind in my challenge–yesterday was packed with so much activity I didn’t get a sketch in. That means I have to do two today or three tomorrow! It’s a work day, so I will try to at least get one done. The gladiola is a warm up sketch for my flower journal.

I want to start drawing the same subject several times–just to get to know it better. I always want to move on to something new, but I feel I need to spend more time with the same subject. I think I am ready to do that.

Lunch time sketch

Lunch time sketch

Ink Only

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Pitt Pen size S

Pitt Pen size S

I like it–I am enjoying the ink only challenge that I am working on. I feel a little stifled with just the black or blue choice, but I am sticking with it. I have devoted one book to the ink only. This is my next project, devoted sketchbooks. I think that it will be nice to look back at a themed book. So far I have three going:

  • Ink only
  • Flower Journal
  • Ideas (needs a better title)

The book that I chose for the flowers I have been holding onto for a long time. It was a gift from my mother and I have been afraid to touch it it is so pretty. Of course, that is ridiculous. I did a cover/title page, so now It’s mussed up and I can move on to fill the pages.

After the ink journal is done, I might start an animals only journal. This was the last week for #sketchbookskool. As the first class, this was a great experience. I am not as sad to see it end though, mostly because I need to move on to do some finished work. I have plenty of ideas to work on.

Hosta

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Hosta on Stone
Hosta: Encaustic on Stone

Size is approximately 2 1/2″ x 3 1/2 ”

Substrate is stone found along the beach in Stockton Springs, Maine

Materials: Casein and colored pencil, encaustic

Image is inspired by a photograph that I took of a Hosta plant blooming outside of a motel in NewHampshire. It was raining and overcast that day, and the motel wasn’t the greatest. But, the flowers were beautiful.