This is my favorite sketch done while in Palm Springs. I feel like with this sketch and water coloring, something started to connect in a new way between my eyes and hands. Regular sketching exploration is new to me. Until Sketchbookery class, I've only occasionally sketched live, now I'm hooked. Thank goodness for artist friends with passionate interests, the constant learning is a big happy gift in my life.
On this evening, we drove around in the car to find something that sparked some interest in both of us. There was no question once we rounded the corner.
One thing I really enjoy about Mary Ann's sketches is that you can see the Mary Ann-ness of them, her artist's voice comes through. I also am smitten by her use of color and mixing of them in her sketches. I tried hard to copy her blending and combining of colors on this Mexican Bird of Paradise plant, but I just haven't found my there yet. The good news is all it takes is more practice...it never discourages me to practice more!
I tried a second time, but the results weren't much looser:
For someone that truly believes in pursuing freedom of play and imperfection in art, I feel too tight, too structured, when sketching. Which I find fascinating about creativity; how changing the medium can bring out a different side, a different style.
Now, put a brush and ink in my hand vs. a pen and watercolors and the freedom of expression and imperfection are readily apparent.
Have you found that to be true for you in creative pursuits? Am I crazy? don't answer that!
(as I've written on the page above, these are directly copied from a Nathalie Lete coloring book I bought in Paris almost 10 years ago...boy, am I happy I made that purchase, adore her art and find it endlessly inspiring.)
Totally inspired by Mary Ann, this page of sketches of things on the table made with brush and watercolor paint.
These sketches were from photos taken while out driving around. So many great colors and statement houses to be found.
Live sketching on the left, from a photo on the right...
I couldn't resist adding a little blue paint pen to bring out the sage color of the Olive tree.
And a quick little last bit of fun...
It's obvious right, the fun I'm having with it? I'll stop shoving sketch photos down your throat soon, promise. Although, I don't plan on stopping sketching soon, so I'll just be sure to include other parts of life too ;).
(and...I am seriously excited to do some sketching in Italy!!!)
Ed: a little tale from our travels:
sometimes when mary ann and i are together ideas spark and creativity flows so fast i feel like i'm inside a pinball machine, flying from place to place, banking off walls, bells and lights flashing…
other times it's like a scene straight out of Dumb and Dumber:
the setting: out by the pool, in lounge chairs, late night
prop: binoculars, possible a margarita or two on the tables
MA: here,look at the stars! (handing over binoculars), you squeeze them together to size them for your face, then turn the knob to focus
me: (while doing the squeezing and turning and looking for stars), hmmm…i'm not seeing anything, is there a way to turn them on?
MA: no, what are you doing over there?!?
me: well, I don't know, but it sort of looks like the moon's surface, no stars…
MA: give them here!
MA (takes binoculars, fiddles with them, un-squeezing and un-turning and looking for stars) and says, "did you break them already?!?"
me: eventually getting up to go over and examine how she's using them and say, "it looks like there are caps on the lenses"
in unison: BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA!
True story, 'nuf said
