This sketch was drawn while waiting for our meal, and painted after the meal was over. Certainly not a 20 minute sketch, but not a laborious painting effort either. Unfortunately, while the food was very good, our service was slow as molasses or maybe even slower, so I had plenty of time to add details like our interesting chandelier. When you bring a sketchbook, you can make the best of time spent waiting in random places - a way to make lemonade out of lemons for sure. Pencil, pen and watercolor, 5 1/2" x 8".
I intended to paint this simple portrait but was enjoying the effect of the colored pencils as they were, so I held off on the water. I think the real challenge here was for the model - to hold the pose for 20 minutes! It's nice to be reminded to draw and paint people every now and then. Colored pencil, 5 1/2" x 8".
This was an interesting subject! The clear plastic buttons really aren't clear when you try to paint them... just like glass or cellophane or any of those items that appear clear or transparent at first glance. Perhaps next time I'll try this on a brightly colored background to give a completely different effect. 20 minute sketch - watercolor and watercolor pencil, approx. 4 1/2" x 6 1/2".
Even though things have been crazy lately, I've tried to fit a 20 minute sketch in as close to daily as possible. On these busy days, it's easier for me to sketch or paint whatever I have laying around than invent something. These impromptu still life paintings are often the most satisfying to paint, too, since I can immediately judge the "success" of my efforts. I was surprised to discover that I haven't painted a bunch of bananas in 20 minutes before, since I always have bananas on hand! Watercolor, 5 1/2" x 8".
This pear had a beautiful dark red color I was eager to capture in 20 minutes. I never get tired of painting produce, I guess... most artists who like still life would agree. Watercolor, 5 1/2" x 8".
