Ice

Yesterday as I was sitting outside Planet Fitness getting ready to go in, I happened to spot the little shaved ice place that resides in part of the parking lot. It had all sorts of purple stuff all around it. As I looked down I realized my shirt matched all that purple color. So I quick took a picture thinking I might like to do a sketch.

This little sketch book has been waiting for me to finish the last few blank pages. The sketch went ok and the ink was ok too. However, as I began to add some watercolor I realized why I had been so slow to finish the book. This paper takes pencil and pen just fine but watercolor just sinks into the thin paper so fast that it becomes hard to work with. 

I really have come to like the thicker watercolor paper and I’ve been doing a bit more with color.

The bluejays are liking our bird bath this year and I have enjoyed watching them.

AND... this little guy paid me a visit tonight.

Too fun...k

Lunch

I belong to a group of gals that go out to lunch every month. We usually find a different place each time. We call ourselves “Starving Artists”. Of course none of us are starving but we are all artists. Each of us preferring differing mediums. Today was our lunch date. My friend and I arrived a bit early so of course I pulled out my sketchbook. Bet you can guess where we went...

Yep! That’s us sitting in the front window. It’s fun to catch up with everybody’s summer. We often get together once a week through the winter but take the summer off because everyone is busy. We also have a plein air group that meets every week during the summer months.

Keep drawing...k

Zesto

My friend and I were driving past Zesto’s the other day and she made the remark that it was one of her favorites and it had been there a very long time. On our way back, I took some pictures.

This is the results...

I decided to check out just how long it had been there. Here is what I found.

That was fun...k

Saturday Fun

My friend and I have this favorite little restaurant that we go to very often. However, they have been closed for about a month while they returned to the country where they are from and to visit family.

It was great to go back today and have our special “spring rolls”. In fact they are the best spring rolls in all of Fort Wayne (my opinion).

This was one of their customers that happened to catch my eye. A little boy about 4.  I took a quick picture and sat down to sketch it out this afternoon. I started with pencil and was going to ink it in when I changed my mind and decided to go right in with watercolor. I actually liked the way it turned out.

Tonight we went to a musical comedy at Concordia High school called “The Drowsy Chaperone”. A couple of the cast are friends. By the way it was a great show. I’m not one who usually likes musicals but I really enjoyed this one. 

Of course while we waited for it to start I had my pencil out, then put some ink to it. It was part of the scene throughout the whole play.

Bye...

Plein Air

Today we met at the Bass Mansion. The weather is still really hot and humid. We found a shady spot under some trees and set up our chairs and equipment. I decided to walk around and take some photos to see what else might catch my eye.

I am still interested in trying this direct watercolor method that Marc talks about. However, it does not come easy. I was not happy with this try but I did learn a few helpful things. I guess that makes it ok. Maybe I’ll go back to pencil and pen drawing.

Anyway after lunch we headed for the Mall. There are always interesting subjects to sketch. Even if you don’t find anything to sketch the people and outfits are worth a good laugh. I won’t go into any details except to say the Starbucks coffee is yummy. 

Here is a small taste of what drew my eye.

Bye...k

Tuesday

I didn’t get to draw people today but I was viewing a YouTube video and heard them say that a hand was always available to draw so... a hand it is. No drawing. I went right in with watercolor. I guess Marc would call it “Direct”.

I also tried some lettering with iridescent ink and a dip pen. Came out kind of interesting. It really is iridescent. The photo doesn’t pick it up.

As I was sitting at my desk I spotted my other watercolor travel kit so... why not give that a try?

Thats it for today...k

This and That

I’ve sort of fallen out of my sketch routine. Maybe it’s the very hot humid weather we’ve been having? It’s even too hot to sit in the car and sketch. I probably should (I dislike that word) work on some people sketches. They are hard and I’m rather critical of what I come up with. It would be cooler to be inside where there are people around to draw.

I did do a quick one at church of the artificial plant sitting on the platform.

We’ve had a family of hawks in the neighborhood. They have been very noisy and the little ones are learning to fly and do whatever it is they do. Anyway I was watching them the other day and decided to take a video. I’ve never tried to post a video so here goes. It’s a hawk in a tree learning to fly?

Bye...k