Coming and Going

After spending a couple of "dry" weeks, artistically, I decided to just DO something! I have always loved figures, but haven't attempted to paint them very often, thinking I need a model, and why pay for a model when the first paintings for a while won't be any good. So do you see how backward this thinking is? I decided to just do it, paint figures without worrying about making them realistic or even attractive to anyone but me. This is the start of my efforts. I began from a gestural drawing done in open figure last week. This isn't done, but not sure what more to do. It's large-ish, 34" square. It's oil with some charcoal. The charcoal is another piece which I decided to leave in, even enhance. Usually I just use charcoal to sketch the rough outlines, but I like charcoal, and I like line, so why not emphasize that? I kinda like it.

These three sketches were done along the Pacific Coast this past week. My husband and two daughters and I were there enjoying the sun and surf. I did several sketches of water and rocks before feeling comfortable with them, although, "comfort" is a strong word to use in reference with sketching water! Can't wait to turn some of this into paintings, as it was the colors of the sky and water that were spectacular!

A quick pen & ink sketch of my grandson Avery laying on the back of our couch. Did a painting from this sketch.

Bob, Portrait in Pencil

Did a quick 15 minute sketch while my husband was watching TV, then worked on it more the next day. I love pencil, it's so easy to blend! I think I captured him, or at least all but the back of his head!

Debby Painting

This is my friend Debby. She is working on an oil painting from yesterday's plein aire class. I'm not sure it's still considered plein aire if you spend more time in the studio than on site...

Bob with the Remote

My husband is willing to sit still long enough to draw him in only one of two positions, this one, and sleeping.

Faces in Concrete

KAREN MASBAUM

I had a hard time getting into drawing the whole building, but liked these faces that are carved in concrete on the front of the Blacherne on Meridian. They were difficult to see because they are a little high up the face of the building, and not very big.

Pedestrian Bridge Over the White River

This is my first time using Photoshop Elements to organize, edit, and upload an image. Very frustrating! I'm sure I'll get the hang of it someday...

Holcomb Observatory

Did this with the Urban Sketchers group, Butler Campus is so beautiful, we'll have to return here to sketch again.

Barbara at Petite Chou

As part of Urban Sketchers, Barbara, Connie, and I met for breakfast in Broadripple. I had a difficult time getting into the mood to sketch, this is the result. Need to keep up the practise!

Leadville CO & Southern

We took a historic train ride into the mountains from Leadville CO to the Climax milybdenum mine. Had one short break where we got off the train to stretch our legs. I had only been sketching this for about 5 minutes when the train whistle blew, signalling it's time to re board. I'd heard they had left people behind before, so I wasted no time in scrambling back up the hill.

Camp Site

This was our campsite at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in southern Colorado.

On the trail in New Mexico

Mineral Creek, Gila Wilderness, NM

Finally back from 2 week road trip. We would choose the hottest area of the country to go to. Drove 3 days, through Arkansas, Texas, into New Mexico. Had planned to backpack in the Gila Wilderness, but temps over 100 each day discouraged us. Did get in some hiking early in the day. This is from a rest stop along Mineral Creek, where there is ruins from old gold mining sites. Just gorgeous!

NCAA Building

When I got out of the gym I sat down in the shade to draw this, the NCAA Headquarters. The building was recently re-opened after renovation. It sits on the canal, but I was in the grassy amphitheater near the White River to draw this.

My Kitchen

This took longer, I did it over a couple of sittings. Was playing with my new markers.

Guitar Player

The reason the guitar case is empty.... This was done in about 5 minutes. Bob does not sit still for long.

Guitar Case

Decided to post some of my very rough sketches. This was done in less than 10 minutes. Just trying to capture the "untidyness" of the bedroom.

Downtown Skyline

Another skyline from the library. It's a favorite subject.

Along the Canal

Several of us "Urban Sketchers" met on the canal this morning, and this is my result. One of my favorite places in the city.