Three Summer Sketches

I sketched these this summer, but forgot to post them.  It was a busy summer!  The first is a scene from the Nyquist-Harcourt Wildlife Sanctuary in New Paltz, NY, done on a hike with my sister, brother-in-law, and nephew.  The two California sketches were done while staying at Manhattan Beach to attend the wedding of another nephew. 

Digital Sketches on the Plane

Flying home from my nephew's wedding on Sunday, I was bored, and started to read some posts on Facebook.  There was a post about digital sketching, and bamboo paper was mentioned.  I decided to try it.  I did the first 4 on the plane, sometimes during a little turbulence.  I started  with my finger and then found a stylus that came from the Dollar Store.  It was very entertaining.

Sketching With My Grandkids

My grandchildren like to sketch, and some of them are quite good.  Unfortunately, they don't live near me, so our opportunities for sketching together are limited to occasional visits.  So I decided to try a virtual sketch challenge.  Our first subject was animals.  They didn't have to be real.  I did one of my stuffed bears, and Brandon and Matt followed my lead.

My "Kiss Kiss Bear"

Matt's "Vincent" a Beanie zebra

And Brandon's stuffed bald eagle from scout camp

This was fun, and I hope we can continue it, and perhaps even get more of the grandchildren interested in participating.  Our next subject is "buildings".  I can't wait so see what the kids do this time.  Maybe if this project takes off, it can get a blog of its own.

Presby Iris Garden 5/20/15

Two sketches that I did today while at the Presby Iris Garden with Joan.  Done in my Super Aquabee sketchbook with mini travel palette and water brush.  I also used a pen on the first (closeup) sketch.

Mothers' Day Flowers

Three sketches of my Mothers' Day flowers.  The last one is done directly with watercolor, without any preliminary drawing.

Three More Flower Journal Sketches

I did these last weekend of my neighbor's tree and plant, and some colorful "weeds" in my backyard lawn.

Mini Daffodils

Every few years I start a flower journal as soon as I see something peeking out from the ground.  It's been a tough winter, so I'm not sure what has survived this year, but today I found some mini-daffodils that I bought last year.  I was sure that they wouldn't make it, but they and one purple crocus have appeared.  That gives me hope that there will be more flowers as it gets warmer.  So this is the start of my 2015 flower journal. (pen and wash in my Super Aquabee sketchbook).