In and Out of the Garden
When it’s 80-degrees with 90-percent humidity, sketching outside—or doing much of anything outside—is not easy. But flowers in full bloom don’t wait for ideal weather and I figured I shouldn’t either. Pen and sketchbook in hand, I found myself quickly wilted among the daisies. So, my afternoon became a dance between painting indoors and sketching outside, with welcome breaks in between until the page was complete. I can hardly wait for August!
Drawn In 
So much life and animation in your sketches. I just love your blog!
Thanks Denise! Your comment is such a nice start to my day.
Your blog has opened my eyes to the wild flowers at my feet that I never noticed before. I’ve become more aware of the splashes of color along the roadsides and edges of our rural property. The colorful details I now incorporate into my own landscape sketches.
That’s GREAT Bernadette! SEEING is one of the most important skills to hone as an artist.
So pretty. I love the variety and your observations. You inspire my motivation and I get excited when I see you’ve posted something. I look forward to them.
Thanks Erica. My motivation ebbs and flows depending on my week, so I am grateful for this blog and its many followers to keep me on track.
Oh! Jean I have to hand it to you. I can just imagine you wilting among the daisies. But just look at that delightful painting with poppies still in bloom. I think I see your hyacinth bean vine too. I look forward every week to see what you have created. My garden is on it’s own until the weather cools a bit. I DO go out in the early morning which is my favorite time. The light is beautiful for picture taking.
Yes– That’s my hyacinth bean getting ready to bloom! I should have gone out early, but I was running 5 miles instead! Yikes– talk about wilting. I’m glad you are enjoying your garden and seeing what’s blooming from week to week!
Gorgeous! I just discovered you, your blog, your art and your lessons, Looking forward to many good techniques to use in my nature journal.
Hi Cynthia- Glad you signed up; do feel free to ask questions about techniques or subject matter. Hope you are enjoying your nature journal!
Beautiful. Let’s not rush August. I feel July is going fast enough
You are right about that. I wouldn’t mind a little less humidity or a good place to swim to appreciate July a bit more.
Well, if you are in the neighbourhood….
I enjoy your posts so much! Thank you!
Thanks Nancy– I’m so glad!
It’s not easy to be outside in this weather, but the results are so beautiful!
Thanks– I’m so glad I made the sketch. It was worth it!
So gorgeous! Whenever I start thinking that my pen will make my sketches too “clunky”, I look at yours – so light & lovely. As always – an inspiration.
(I’m heading to NH next week – going from 68 degrees here in the Pacific NW to East coast heat & humidity – talk about wilting!)
I use a Micron 02 and it’s hard to be clunky with it. The thicker the point the more graphic it gets, so I don’t use larger sizes unless I want that look or I’m in a hurry. Maybe by the time you get to NH the humidity will have abated. NH is lovely– hope you enjoy the change!
Love, love, love! Thanks for the beauty you share Jean, and I’ve shared again via Twitter https://twitter.com/ExploringColour/status/1282453256745017344
Thanks Liz! You must be in seeing winter in full swing about now…cold, but without the snow we get here. Hope you are well!
We’re right into winter and NZ does get snow in both North and South Islands, you can see some in a photo I posted this morning. There was light snow falling in a couple of places as we drove home recently and a wee bit at home (but more on the hills behind the town). In winter our town’s likely to get a reasonable dump of snow lasting on the ground for a few days – perhaps a couple of times during the season. I like to see it on the hills, not keen on it around the house and on the roads!
Your posts are always a joy – light and refreshing and with your unique and oh-so-talented touch. Thanks!
Thank you. I enjoyed seeing this page take shape, despite the heat. It’s satisfying when all the elements come together.
I love this page…and I LOVE this time of year!! Our garden is brimming with blooms – lots to paint!! 😀
Enjoy your garden…and painting in it. Your floral paintings are beautiful!
Your gardens are amazing 🙂
I mostly plant flowers that I will want to paint and that will attract hummingbirds and butterflies. I enjoy seeing what unfolds month to month.
“…quickly wilted among the daisies.” 🙂 But your work is anything but wilted! It’s full of energy and cheer. Here’s to more flowers than you can count and a break from the humidity!
Thanks! I’m glad you appreciated that line (…quickly wilted). There are new blooms each week and we did have a few days break from the humidity. Today, we’re back to 100%! I’ll save my lamenting for winter.
Another memorable line: “I’ll save my lamenting for winter.” I’m giving you carte blanche for a good complaining session anytime the heat and humidity conspire to make life difficult. Go for it! 😉