This was an attempt to paint a very ornate Pennsylvania spice chest in 20 minutes. These pieces are on the small side (usually less than 30" tall), very intricately constructed, with many small drawers and sometimes hidden compartments. Popular with the well-to-do throughout the 18th century, they were a way for a cabinetmaker to display his skills while creating a special piece for the rich clientele. Those commissioning such spice chests were showing off that they could afford such pieces, as well as the expensive spices (or oftentimes jewelry) that were stored in it. Pen and watercolor, approx. 5" x 5".
As a mystery novel/tv show fan I enjoy comparing the two classic varieties of the suspenseful "whodunits" with each other; murders and jewel heists. Occasionally there will be a delightful combination of both in the same story, entertaining on several levels. The (fully imaginary) jewel choker painted here for this 20 minute sketch was likely inspired by one of these grand, Deco-era mystery tales. Pen and watercolor, 5" x 8".
Another luscious fruit to add to my virtual 20-minute painting fruit basket! Plums are such a lovely deep rich color. I used thicker watercolor paper here so I could build up the layers of color without the paper buckling as it sometimes does on regular sketch paper. Without having a complicated shape to draw (such as yesterday's hole punch), more of the 20 minutes could be devoted to rendering the light and shadows on the shape as well as the total composition. Watercolor, 5 1/2" x 8".
Tonight's wonderful shiny metallic desktop object (aka hole punch) captured for eternity in a 20 minute sketch. This is a handy tool if you need to punch a small hole for whatever reason. Watercolor, approx. 4" x 7".
They (Necco Wafers) taste like sweetened chalk with a smidge of flavoring, but everyone in my family likes them for some reason. The classic pastel candy colors were perfect for a 20 minute watercolor, not too much rendering here. The wax paper wrapper was even fun to draw! Pen and watercolor, 5" x 5".
