A hot and breezy summer day spent by the shores of one of New York's beautiful Finger Lakes, what could be better? It was a perfect opportunity to make a 20 minute painting of the scenic view. Watercolor, 5 1/2" x 8".
I love black licorice, and have learned over the years how good the "real stuff" is - Dutch licorice (drop/dropjes). Unfortunately, if you who don't like black licorice, and try a piece of the good Dutch stuff, you will probably think you're being poisoned! The flavor is that strong. Dropjes come in all sorts of assorted sizes, shapes, textures and flavors; ranging from different levels of sweet to salty (zout) and extremely salty (dubble zout). I've enjoyed most of the ones I've been fortunate enough to try, but I think the dubble zout can only possibly appeal to those with 100% Dutch blood. (Anyone want to prove me wrong?)
This 20 minute sketch shows only five types of the sweet versions out there. The honig drop (honey licorice, shaped like a beehive) on the far right is one of my personal favorites. Pen and watercolor, 4" x 8".
This small 20 minute sketch was a nice relief from today's summer heat, just something bright, refreshing and cheerful. Pencil, pen, and watercolor, approx. 4 1/2" square.
The Renaissance festival I attended this past weekend has tons of opportunities for sketching for those inclined to do so. There are interesting people and sights everywhere, especially people in costumes! These sketches were pencilled in quickly, while watching the various performances. As opposed to my other sketches, though, these definitely took longer than 20 minutes to complete. These people paintings offer a nice relief from all the still life I usually paint I think!
An impromptu 20 minute sketch of my fellow campers reading and enjoying a campfire this weekend. Pencil, 5 1/2" x 8". I really do enjoy sketching people, it's surprising how quickly you can capture gestures even when people are moving.
Portraiture is a subject I love, but in order to feel confident in it, more frequent practice is needed. To make my 20 minute timeframe I omitted sketching in pencil - and having the freedom to erase lines - and went right in with the paint. I ended up with a nice softly rendered portrait, where the head is a slight bit too big for the body. (Though it was a child model, and children do have different proportions than adults). Watercolor, 5 1/2" x 8".
After a few days of realism, I get the urge to just draw lines. These designs are my favorite kind of "doodling," controlled and symmetric yet free and relaxing to me. Pen and watercolor, approx. 5 1/2" x 8".
