Indian Summer
Back in my own habitat this week, I enjoyed sitting and sketching in the field in the warmth of Indian summer sunshine. The goldenrod is in its glory, while other plants are fading. Still, I like showing flowers past peak and I find their curling petals and dried seedheads as worthy of sketching now as when they were in their prime.
Tips and Techniques– Consider not only what you want to convey with your subject, but also how you want your page to feel. After sketching this page using a sepia 005 Micron pen, and adding color and the title, I decided to add a loose wash of yellow in the background. That choice gives this page added warmth and offers a nod to the abundant goldenrod in the surrounding field. Had I chosen not to add yellow, or to use blue to mirror the sky, the page would look quite different, and much cooler.
Drawn In 
Beautiful!
The warmth of the recent beautiful weather shines through. Another inspiring drawing from you. I so admire your work!
Thank you. We have had sone beautiful and warm days lately. I was hoping that would come across on this page.
Good morning Jean!Sorry if this becomes a duplicate comment, but once aga
Sorry you keep getting cut off Barb! I didn’t get a duplication…just a cut off message.
oh no!
I love the intricate detail in this painting, Jean, and the use of s sepia Micron, which I’ve never used…any reason for that as opposed to a black?
When you added the yellow wash afterwards (I always like that wash addition on your paintings), is that done wet-on-wet, or on dry paper? Interesting, as you say, how it adds a different feel and warmth to it, as opposed to what a blue would do.
Thanks so much for showing us your lovely art and sharing tips, Jean!
Hi Barbara- I sometimes think the sepia is especially nice for plants. I love sepia drawings but haven’t done many until the last year or so. Just another thing to try. I added the yellow wet on dry paper. This sketchbook (Stillman & Birn Zeta) doesn’t do well with very wet washes or wet in wet techniques.
Thanks for the reply, Jean! I will try both!
That is just lovely. All flowers are drawn beautifully. I especially like the Queen Anne’s lace all curled up, so accurate.
Thank you for not calling it “native american” summer. ;D
Hi Dawn- It’s been a lovely time of year to be outside sketching…no matter what you call it.
Love it, truly refreshing!
Thanks Jane!
Years ago I sketched a place where I had spent some special in my early twenties. Autumn light was falling down, and I added a wash of Indian yellowā¦ Later, when I wrote my blog article, I titled āThe Golden Light of Memoryā.
That golden light is beautiful…and memorable!
I like “Field Work” – it’s a great title for the page. September is beautiful – the light, all the signs of abundance fading gracefully, everything mixed together. Thanks for this sweet slice of the season. š
Right back at you with gratitude for bringing me a slice of the Pacific NW.
š If there’s any chance you’ll be in NYC in mid-October, let me know. We’re staying on Long Is. from 10/14 – 10/28. It will be lots of running around seeing relatives. Going into the city 3 or 4 times. It would be great to meet you if you happened to be in the area! š
Oh– good to know you are coming to NY but this will be a missed opportunity. My schedule is crazy and booked for October and early November. I hope you have a great time! Sorry to miss you!
No worries, it was a looong shot. š I hope all your fall activities are fun and inspiring, Jean.
Beautiful! I love this season. Even the fading flowers and plants have beauty to them
Thanks. The weather has been so great this fall. Got to get out and stop doing chores!
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