Brushstrokes
How do we measure a year? In months, weeks, days, hours? Or perhaps in moments lived. Experiences remembered. In births and deaths. In friends made or lives touched. Miles walked. Milestones achieved. Breakfasts and dinners shared. Gardens planted and harvested. Travels taken. Birds come and gone. In what we create, give, leave behind. In brushstrokes, bold and subtle. I hope you’ve made some good marks in 2023.
Thank you for following and sharing your thoughts and feedback. I’m very grateful for your support.
Tips and Techniques– When drawing outside in winter, try to capture as much information as you can before stopping. Block in major shapes, note values, and add a few details if you can. Then snap a photo and add more details and color indoors to finish. I sketched this nest directly with a Micron 005 sepia pen while standing in a thicket of goldenrod and new white pines as the late afternoon light faded. I’m not sure what bird made this nest, but it certainly chose a tangled spot. It was a struggle to unravel both nest and vines before my feet got too cold and sent me packing. Still, sketching outside opens good possibilities for winter subjects, and I’m always glad to be outdoors poking around.
Drawn In 
Beautiful, as always. But who is poor John?
Happy New Year to you and Dan.
❤️Ellen
Happy New Year Ellen! My brother John, unfortunately…but he’s doing very well.
I love “How do we measure a year?” ….. Happy New Year, Jean!
Happy New Year, Liz! Here’s to a wonderful summer in New Zealand. Thanks for connecting me to your part of the world!
Measured by the low angle of that winter sunlight, and its frosty blue undertones. Lovely.
Thanks Sam. It was a good find. I look forward to seeing where 2024 takes you and to enjoying your bird photos.
Absolutely gorgeous, I am in awe! You have such a beautiful gift of design, shape, color and watercolor mastery. Your poetic word descriptions match well to your artwork. I appreciate your posts and the beauty of your work and words. May you be blessed as you have blessed so many others.
Thanks Bernadette. I have to admit that I struggled with this one, so I’m glad it turned out well in the end. I always appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. Happy New Year!
I love this so much. Your words are beautiful. What a nice reflection for this evening. I can see you so clearly standing in the woods with your sack on your shoulder, pen and paper in hand. Did you have mittens?.. thank you so much for sharing your words and your art.
You got it Mary! I did have light gloves, and luckily it wasn’t windy. That’s the deal breaker for me. I’m so glad you came to Italy! I hope your New Year and new home prove wonderful!
Well said.
Thanks Laura. Happy New Year!
Beautiful paint, beautiful words! Hoping for an opportunity to take an in person workshop with you this year. Your work is such an inspiration!
Happy New Year, Denise! I hope 2024 is filled with creativity, inspiration, and artistic growth for both of us!
Wonderful sentiments, Jean! May you continue to brighten the day for others with your beautiful work!
Thanks so much and Happy New Year!
Your work is always inspiring! Great idea to make a list of memories from the year. Love the winding of the vine incorporating the nest! Nature knows just what to do and we are often in awe at its design. Wishing you a wonderful 2024!
I’m glad I made the list and I think I should do it every year. There are so many things that I want to highlight and remember and that with the passing of years, I may forget. It may also serve a valuable record for someone who inherits these journals in years to come. Here’s to a creative journey in 2024!
Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful artwork, nature notes, and drawing tips! Wishing you a Most Wonderful New Year!
Warm wishes,
Janice
Thanks so much Janice!
Well said, Jean, there are many ways to measure a year. You had a good one but I do see a death and – some one lost an eye? Not good. But life is like that, isn’t it? I know you’ll make the best of 2024. Have a very healthy and creative year, Jean!!
Thanks Lynn. I look forward to the New Year unfolding. I’m sure we’ll both bring some good things to life through pen and camera.
Jean, needless to say, your capture of nature and its expression in art is just so beautiful. Your narration about your work gives a ‘fourth- dimension’ of real time experience of your creation. Thank you for being so generous in sharing your work and giving us so much inspiration. Happy new year filled with joy, peace, health and abundance of art work.
Thank you Patty– What a wonderful New Year greeting! All the best to you in 2024!
You were the first person who told me how I can sketch outside in winter (and not die, hahah). Keep it small & simple, bring one or two pens, and sketchbook and your phone). Get the big shapes down first and finish it at home before you forget what you saw. It has given me back fun for the wintertime! Thanks! 😀
Yay! Wishing you a wonderful winter season and great travels in 2024. Looks like you’ve got some terrific things planned!
I used your brushstrokes idea & made copies of my year to enclose in my Christmas thank you cards. Thanks for inspiring me all year every year.
Great! I was glad I wrote down some things before the new year gets underway and I forget. Hope your friends/family appreciate your thoughts.