Fall Collection II
There is still a lot of nice fall color here in New York, but this weekend’s rain brought a lot of leaves down and, by next weekend, I expect I’ll be seeing a lot farther into the woods. I’ve been picking up pieces of fall—nuts, fruits, berries, leaves, flowers—for weeks and stowing them in small collections on my desk, on the back porch, and on windowsills. I did another page like this a few weeks ago, but the collection has continued to grow. It’s nearly time to let it go back outside, but first, a sketch to save the season before it goes.
Tips and Techniques– The nice thing about a page like this is that you can work on it and let it build a little at a time. Don’t feel the need to rush. You can sketch directly outside or bring things home to work on when you have time. If there’s a gap in your composition, go for a walk. Soon, you’ll be noticing more and more, your page will fill, and your windowsills will start to look like mine.
You’re Invited…ART EXHIBIT: EXPLORING HOME: Sketching Through the Seasons
Opening Reception Sunday, Nov. 5 at 2:30pm
November 1-30, Kinderhook Memorial Library, 18 Hudson St., Kinderhook, NY
This show features sketches and watercolors done within a 10-mile radius of my house. Kinderhook is a small town but there are several excellent lunch options, farm stores, and places to hike nearby. I’m happy to share options for making this a day trip or a weekend getaway.
Drawn In 
Every Piece you do is so lovely! Thank you for sharing your work and techniques with us.
Avery Gunther
Avery- How sweet of you to write me. Thank YOU for being on the receiving end. Knowing that people find what I’m painting and writing useful means a lot to me!
There is a peacefulness to your art- the painting and your writing!
Doing art helps me to practice mindfulness and gratitude. Thanks for your note.
Brilliant! Delightful! Made me smile!
Alison
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Great!
What a delightful “memory” collection, Jean! It always amazes me how you retain breathing space around these compositions. Love your Fall Collections tag; adds a touch of whimsy. Your tips and techniques is perfect advice too …… I’m always collecting items along our hikes and my daypack is loaded with baggies and empty pill bottles for these treasures. But help! What’s your secret of getting rid of these items after the sketches are complete! My glass fronted hutch is full of specimens! Hahahahahah! Wished I could attend your upcoming art exhibit! Have fun.
There is a children’s book called Letting Swift River Go and in one scene a young girl and her cousins catch fireflies on a summer night. Her mother reminds her “you have to let them go, Sally Jane.” I often repeat that line to myself when my desk is overrun, and then I just take things outside and let them go. The collection lives on in my sketchbook.
This is so beautiful 😍 well done!
Thanks so much!
I looked at the NYC temperature today and the overnight low there is our high today. I know you’re weather is cooler but I assume you’re having some of the same lingering warmth and maybe the autumnal process is slowing. Or not. In any case I know you’ll find more things to sketch out there!
The Sycamore balls are so fun to see – that’s not an easy one to sketch. The Black locust – one year I gathered a whole bunch of them. Where? In NYC, where I lived. I was on my bike down near the World Trade Center before it was even imagined. All in all, you have a great collection here. 🙂
Thanks. It’s always nice to see what you collect with your photos.
One way or another, the urge persists…
😉