“It was one of those winter days that suddenly dream of spring.” – Shirley Jackson

You know those days—when the sun comes out and the wind drops, when you can see a bit of color in a shadow, and hints of grass show through melting snow. When geese are flying overhead in magnificent noisy flocks. We were lucky to have a few days like that recently. Not warm enough for a real thaw, but welcome just the same.

Tips and Techniques– Use the negative shapes between trunks and branches when drawing trees. Those spaces will help to guide you as much as drawing the limbs themselves.

If you are looking for some painting inspiration, join me online for Sketching Through the Winter, starting Thursday, January 29 at Winslow Art Center. We’ll paint birches, birds, and other fun things to keep you focused until March.