Sketching Simplified

As the weather gets better, it gets harder to stay indoor and paint. I couldn't resist the urge to go outside and try plein air.

1.) I discover I need to to get a better sketch pad......at least one that's suitable for watercolor. I only got one dab of blue on the paper. The paper doesn't soak up the paint.

2.) Need to sketch FAST! That means no details and simplify everything. Believe me that sketch was simplified (for me) but I still need to simplified a lot more.

3.) Bring a folding chair, water, and wear your hat....and try to stay in the shade.

4.) Pack light. Pen and pencil and drawing pad is all you need if you are only sketching.

5.) Bring a camera to take pictures, if you plan to finish the painting at home.

I know it sounds basic but sometimes I forget and not done one of the things that I've listed. Ugh!

Preliminary Sketch

I do really detailed sketches before I put my watercolor on. Sometimes it looks like a finished drawing. Sometimes I am afraid to put color on it because there is always the chance you can ruin the painting by muddy up the coloring.

I took some time out to join the Spokane Sketcher to brush up on my drawing skills. I have to admit I am a bit rusty but it was fun meeting other artist and sketching. The problem (for me) sketching on site is that I never finish it. I would always finding something (details) to keep on drawing.

Travel Journals

I never thought I would find time to sketch when I travel. We went to the Oregon Coast. It was easy to find time to sketch at the campsite and the beach.

Remembrance

I just finished a commissioned dog portrait of a Boxer. The dog passed away in the summer of cancer. The person who commissioned the portrait saw the finished work got teary eyed. She was really happy she have something to remember a beloved member of the family and I'm glad I am doing something that's rewarding.

Pet Portrait

Did you know Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever are really popular breeds in America? I'm so lazy. Instead drawing one of each breed, I combine the two and call it a Golbrador Retriever. Besides doesn't most people own a mutt anyways? :p

Wedding Gown

I took a Fashion Illustration class for fun but I wanted to draw more than just the basic fashion croquis from class. I don't think the class was right for me. It was more of a drawing class for fashion designers (with no drawing background). I needed something more challenging so I drew something else. I drew the same dress (with the same back view) from the last croquis drawing I did in class.....except with more detail.

Croquis

More Detail

Underpainting

I finished two drawings and they are going to be painted over with watercolor. It's scary and stressful to do that especially when you spend so much time on the drawings and there's that possibility it could be ruined by bad coloring. Eeek!