Along the Roadside: November
If you were to walk along the roadside here, you would see a landscape of tawny browns, russets, and grays, mixed with pale ochres and faded greens. But every now and then, a pop of red hangs on, waiting for wind or birds to snatch it away. It’s late November’s palette. I appreciate its bright surprises, glinting in the cold sun.
Tips and Techniques- Even when it’s cold, I often take my sketchbook with me when out for a walk. I stop to sketch what catches my attention and hope that a page will emerge from it. On days when I don’t bring my sketchbook, I still pay attention to what’s growing or dying along the roadside, so that I might come back around to it another day. I sketched this page with a Micron sepia 005 pen and added watercolor and text back at home. Wishing you many good walks!
Drawn In 
Such a simple but beautiful little scene. I love the smallest of details that you use like varying the size of your temperature numbers so that you can include your ‘cold’ comment below them. Always so much fun. Thank you for sharing!
I love the pops of red that the berries and rosehips provide at this time of year
It’s nice to see them!
Thanks Linda. Thanks for looking at the details!
Thanks for the continued joy, pleasure and anticipation generated by your sketches!
Thanks Carol. I’m glad you continue to enjoy them.
As always, reminding us to look for small delights in our daily lives. Thank you for inspiring us!
I’ll keep at it! Thanks!
A beautiful composition of late year plants, Jean. And the junco is a delightful addition. Your palette mirrors ours here in central New Mexico, absent the pops of reds right now. All of the red ripe prickly pear fruit have been gobbled by resident coyotes. Your tips/techniques are perfect reminders that winter boasts its own unique displays and to be active observers of nature no matter the time of year. Now more than ever it’s so important to pay attention . Thank you so much Jean for sharing your world.
Thanks Barb! I didn’t get out to sketch or paint this week, so I’ve feeling overdue. Winter has set in, so I will need an extra push, but it’s always worth it to me to be outside. Enjoy the season.
The sweet Junco holds his own amidst all the color – and I love seeing your Bittersweet, because it’s something I’ve drawn and painted myself so it’s easier to imagine you making this sketch. Such a cheerful plant.