Outdoor Canvas
I’ve been creating a new perennial garden this week, which has left little time (or energy) for painting. Still, I had to sneak in a page of plants to record what’s going in the ground. I love taking the plants out of their containers and seeing the roots all wound round or tangled. I could get lost sketching them in detail, but then my garden would still be sitting in pots. So I am content (for now) to use my yard as an outdoor canvas, and to sketch with soil and plants instead of paint and paper, knowing that this garden will provide inspiration for many future paintings.
Drawn In 
You are giving me ideas Jean. I am doing exactly the same thing. Spending all day yanking things out the ground leaves little energy for sketching but I have been wanting to do the same thing. Your spread of plants is perfect.
It was fast and fun to do, too. I wanted to get the whole thing down with a quick sketch and two rounds of paint. Glad I did it. So much happening at this time of year– I don’t have time to experience and paint it all….but, I suppose, that’s a good problem to have.
you are as inspiration
Thanks Donna Marie!
love the sketches!
Thanks so much!
What type of sketchbook do you use :0? Is it a Moleskine? A5 size?
I use Stillman and Birn, beta sketchbook, it opens to 8.5×11. I like the size for carrying and the paper takes ink and paint well.
Happy sketches!
Happy to plant too!
You are incredibly talented, Jean. Thanks for doing a workshop in our Killington Gallery.
Mike Young
Killington Arts Guild
President
Thanks Mike– Nice to hear from you! Hope spring has arrived in the mountains. I imagine your marsh is full of bird song these days!
Perfect combination, planting and sketching!
Thanks Birgit! I enjoy them both.
Great documentation Jean. I usually just take photos. Now I know to bring on my paints!
I also noticed you planted one of your favs, the Baptisia.
Yes…love Baptisia. I planted three– two blue and a white that the nurseryman convinced me I would never regret.
Cool!
Love your “Garden Canvas” sketches. What fun you must be having, happy gardening and thank you for the beautiful inspirations.
Our new house has no landscaping to speak of, so I suppose I could have called this “blank canvas.” Its a lot of work to dig new beds, but very rewarding as well.