“Marmalade On Patrol” is part of my solo show, “Island Spirit, Island Time” currently on exhibit at First Federal Savings & Loan, 6058 College Ave, Oakland, CA 94618 (at corner of Claremont). Open weekdays, now thru June 30. Hours are Mon thru Thurs 9:30 am to 4 pm; and Fri 9:30 am to 6 pm. The bank has a small parking lot in back. I hope you can stop by! The bank is looking festive with my works in bright, tropical colors.
Trilliums blooming in Michigan, inspired by the photography of Brian Masck. My dearest friend Beth Masck (Brian’s sister) sent Brian’s wonderful pix of trilliums to me from our homestate, noting “They seem to like the cold, wet weather.”
My 5-min. sketch of instructor Susan Cornelis, who posed for the class at the end of our weekend Quick Sketching workshop in Sebastopol, April 29-30. Only 1 or 2 min. for very rough, multiple pencil lines to capture gesture & big shapes — looking for negative space such as the triangle created by her arm. You can see the stray pencil lines remaining — no time, and no need to erase. Another minute to go over the lines I want to emphasize, using waterproof ink (Staedtler pen). Then just a minute to add a dash of color and shading. This sketch was done in Holbein Multi-Drawing book size 6 x 9″. These are handy spiral-bound books ideal for ink-and-watercolor sketching, such as on travels. See Susan’s site at Susan Cornelis.com
Recently enjoyed a sketching workshop in Sebastopol, Calf., taught by Susan Cornelis. I highly recommend her, especially if you are new to sketching. This workshop focused on having a sketch kit that you can easily carry, and being ready to sketch anytime, anywhere. She provided tips for sketching in public — being observant, but non-intrusive. She pointed out most people are preoccupied with their own digital devices or conversations, and if they do happen to notice you sketching, they will probably be curious and friendly. You only need a few things for a set-up that is portable and easily accessible. Her philosophy is to get out there and sketch! — whether you’re on vacation, at a café, or just waiting for an appointment. Here is the work I completed that day:
While eating lunch, I sketched my tea and the view outside (January, Green Turtle Cay)
Sketched casual restaurant while having dinner (grilled mahi-mahi… veggies… pineapple upside-down cake!)
Seagrape by lovely shoreline, a common view in The Bahamas.
Sadie is silky, so lovely! A watercolor portrait for Joan’s mom Jan.
Portrait of Sam, embarking on a favorite activity.
Pet portrait for Demie of her companion, Buzz. He’s lovable and energetic.
Kamakura restaurant (Alameda, Ca.) was damaged in a fire in mid-Jan. It will be several months before it reopens, according to the East Bay Express. I did this sketch of the sushi chefs at work, but I didn’t have a chance to go back and show them the final version. I miss the place! Sending my well-wishes to the owners & staff.
My new online acquaintance, Peggy (check out her creativity) likes it when I post the source along with my sketch or painting. So here’s one for Peggy…. This shed / dock area in Hopetown, The Bahamas, appears shady & gray. The photo doesn’t at all capture the tropical atmosphere. But I remember why I took the photo, the feeling of the island, and I like the geometric composition, so played with some brighter colors in my sketch. I’m focusing more on the play of light as the true subject matter. You can paint from other people’s source photographs if it’s only for practice; never enter such a painting in a show or event as your own work. Better yet, paint from your own photographs…. But when you do, put yourself back into that moment. The light, the atmosphere, how you felt, what interested you about the scene. Now paint THAT.
Observations in watercolor by California artist Beth Bourland. Paintings & sketches are available for purchase.
