Back in the Game
I haven’t sketched outside in weeks. First I was sick, then tired and recovering, then making up for lost time getting our house ready for winter. Suddenly, daylight savings time took my evenings and November’s sunshine grew thin. So, despite yesterday’s chill and plenty of weekend chores, I headed out with sketchbook in hand and a vow not to return until I had something on paper. Here you go…a simple sketch that puts me back in the game.
Tips and Techniques- Getting out of a sketching habit is like getting out of an exercise habit. The longer you stay away, the harder it is to get back in. When that happens, whatever the reason, it’s best to bite the bullet and begin again. Though these beech leaves are simple, it was the act of being outside and putting pen to paper that I needed most. If that should happen to you, pick something, anything, and put a line down. Soon, there will be something good in front of you.
Drawn In 
Glad you are feeling better, and painting like you never left it!
Thanks so much Denise!
Lovely – and good advice!! I need to get going again! Thank you.
Good luck Patricia– wishing you good sketching!
Lovely, lovely painting!
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Thank you Angela.
I can hear them rustling in the wind 😉
Indeed, they were.
Amen, sister.
Getting ready for a week on the Oregon Coast with sons & their families. Lots of preparation, but my sketching supplies got packed first!
And a very happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Good for you Melissa. Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and some excellent sketching time.
Very glad to see this, and that you’re well enough to be out and about again!
Thanks Kate. I appreciate it! Happy Thanksgiving.
So sorry to learn you were sick, but thankful you are feeling better, and painting like you never stopped — a simple subject done beautifully! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
Thanks so much Elaine. It’s tough to be waylaid when you’re used to full speed. I’m very grateful to be back on track.
I am also glad you are feeling better, I really enjoy seeing your lovely work.
Thanks Laurel. Although I’ve been painting indoors, it’s just not the same as getting outside and poking around, then quietly observing and sketching.
Glad you are recovered. I picked up a beech leaf today on a hike with a goal of doing a rubbing and a watercolor. Thanks for your insights.
Best,
Claudia
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Hope you enjoy the art you create with your beech leaf. I love the curl of these leaves when other trees have dropped their foliage.
you for your consistent inspiration and beautiful work.
Thanks for your nice message. I appreciate it!
Thanks for the “just do it’ advice. Sometimes we over-think getting started!
Glad you’re feeling well, & out drawing. That’s good medicine too!
I’ve been one to overthink getting going, or to heap on pressure to make a come back with something extraordinary, or to simply prioritize other things. I’ve got to keep all those things in check!
Thank you. Good point.
This spoke to me. Thank you!
41 is chilly for those fingers…but you’re tough! Seriously, I’m glad you’re feeling better and getting back ou. I have been out less often than usual this month, not because I was sick but because it’s been rainy and gray. In a word, uninspiring. But once in a while, I do get out and I always find beauty. It’s good to see your beech leaves – I remember them clinging to the trees well after all the others are down. Lovely!
Rainy and gray is uninspiring, especially when it’s prolonged. It is getting cold for outside sketching, but if the wind isn’t too bad and I wear gloves, I can manage for a while. Too bad we can’t trace places for some new sketching subject matter from time to time.