Farmers Market Quest
I’ve been visiting farm stands and farmers markets for several weeks, looking for fresh subjects for my Farmers Market sketchbook series. I accidentally discovered The King Farm near South Dartmouth, Massachusetts, when we made a wrong turn and pulled into the parking lot to get our bearings. A large tent revealed a bonanza of produce, baked goods, and two long tables with containers of mix and match flowers. Last week, I found buckets of colorful flowers from Damsel Garden at the Kinderhook Farmers Market. I love the riot of colors and textures… Read More
In the Garden- July
I have hopelessly neglected my garden this year in favor of other activities, and it is now a rather messy tangle. Delighted that last year’s morning glories reseeded themselves, I didn’t have the heart to cull them and now they are climbing not only the arbor but also most of the flowers. Still, from a distance, and with a bit of artistic license, it’s a colorful and lively scene, and not altogether too bad. Tips and Techniques-When I first started journaling, I didn’t quite understand the concept of editing what I was… Read More
Unexpected Detour
Well, I can now say with confidence, never again. Our planned 400-mile cycling tour (see previous post) was a combination of great cycling, good people, sleepless nights, extremely hot temperatures, and unexpected detours when my husband got sick. These pages aren’t beautiful, but they are an honest snapshot. I found it nearly impossible to record much along the way, but I thought I’d share this anyway to give you an idea of the trip and what a simple travel journal can look like. As always, thanks for following along!
Never again?
The first time I cycled 400 miles across New York along the Erie Canal, I swore I’d never do it again. Too hot, too long, too exhausting. It was 2010 and we brought our sons, then 13 and 15, on the highly organized and supported 8-day Cycle the Erie Canal tour. It seemed like a good idea when we signed up, but by the time we started, my older son was in the throes of being a miserable teenager and much of the ride was a slog. In 2012, I agreed to… Read More
Farmers Market: Apricots!
Ah summer! Farmers markets and farm stands are abundant now with beautiful fresh vegetables, fruits, and flowers. People stroll relaxed and chatty, stop for coffee or a bakery treat, pet dogs, smell the flowers, compliment the growers and makers. What a pleasure. I’m ever grateful to have a small but robust weekly farmers market and several lovely farm stands nearby. The apricots are just in, and this piece pays tribute to the bounty and my good fortune. Tips & Techniques- So many decisions go into making a piece of art. You must… Read More
June
It’s been a while since I took my sketchbook for a walk. That’s mainly because I’ve been cycling more than walking lately in preparation for a bike tour in July. In a few weeks I’ll be cycling 400 miles from Buffalo to Albany, New York, with the Cycle the Erie Canal ride. It’s an eight-day tour that attracts 650 cyclists from all over the country each year. I’m excited, but also nervous about riding 50-60 miles a day. Hence, the training. But even at cycling speed I’ve enjoyed noticing what’s blooming— vetch… Read More
A Trio of Peonies
I don’t know whether it’s been my neglect or all the rain, but our peonies put on a less than stellar display this year. We had a few blooms and, thankfully, I cut three to enjoy indoors before a big downpour that I knew would knock them to the ground. These three have made a lovely display on the kitchen counter and I finally spent a few minutes sketching them before their inevitable fall from grace. Tips & Techniques– The drawing stage of this page began with a continuous line drawing. Basically,… Read More
So Fleeting!
Our poppies unfolded this week and enjoyed a brief three days of sunshine. I’m working on the sketch of day four now, post downpours; flames ragged and nearly extinguished. Tips & Techniques- Instead of offering a tip this week, I thought I’d ask you for one: What types of tips or techniques are most useful or interesting to you? Your answers will help to shape future information included here. Thanks!
Spark Your Creativity!
If you are an artist, or an aspiring one, you already know the value of practice—there’s no substitute for making marks on paper. But sometimes, you need more than that to jumpstart your creativity or to take your artwork to the next level. I’m excited to announce several new classes and workshops designed to offer techniques, ideas, support, and inspiration. I hope you’ll consider joining me! Fun Farmer’s Market: Creative Layouts & Lettering Online at Winslow Art CenterThursdays July 10, 24, August 7, August 21; 3:00-5:00 PM Pacific /6:00-8:00 PM EasternAdd some… Read More
May Showers
So much for April showers bringing May flowers! We’ve had more than our share of May showers, too. The flowers have come despite the wet weather, but it’s been hard to get out to enjoy it all. I’ve been sketching in snippets of time, trying to capture blooms before they’re knocked to the ground. I started these three pages weeks and days ago but haven’t had time to finish them. So, for better or worse, today’s downpours gave me time to paint. Here’s hoping May showers bring June flowers…and a bit of… Read More
Drawn In 