sketchbook musings

These sketches are the first in a trial of a new Stillman and Birns Alpha sketchbook. I love the feel of the paper -- it is smooth and takes ink and watercolor beautifully. I see a little bleed through of the ink, and that bugs me, but overall, I like it. I think I might try a heavier weight paper (maybe the Zeta style) the next time around, though.

My mother came up from California for a nine day visit. I always think of flowers when I think of my mom. She loves flowers! Over the years, her gardens have been famous for sweet peas, roses, gladiolus, calla lilies, and all manner of fragrant flowers. She made sure I had a big bouquet of flowers to enjoy during her visit, too. Filled with carnations, alstromeria, and mums, this bouquet has already lasted five days and still looks fresh.

A miniature rose Mother's Day gift from my son and his wife became the subject of these two sketches. First, I sketched the little plant as I saw it (the "organic" sketch on the right) and then I sketched it again as an experiment in abstracting the shapes toward a more geometric concept (the sketch on the left).

Finally, a page from yesterday. You can see that I am still experimenting with the geometric abstractions, and then just looking at what I see from the windows of the boat. The quiet of my time on the boat allows for dreamy musings. And naps. Life is so good!

Mother's Day

This photo is from January, when Mom waved goodbye to me at the end of our winter visit in California. She'll be coming up to Washington in August and September, so we'll be saying hello again!

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms!

I love you, Mom!

Shuffleboard

Shuffleboard refs and players

I sat in the stands and sketched while Mom played shuffleboard with her team. Mom is the team captain and when she plays, she has her "game face" on! Everyone playing at this level takes things very seriously. 

Many people asked me who was the model for the pot-bellied referee. I never said for sure, but I enjoyed the speculation and sucking in of tummies that followed. 

The score was tied at the end of the game, so Mom and her opponent played two more frames. On the final shot, Mom lost. Aaaargh! "Game face" became "frustrated face."

I am so fortunate to have time with my mom. Believe me, I relish every moment!

Sketching palm trees

Elegant Writer and water sketch

Ink and watercolor wash

Palms blowing in the wind

Only my sketchbook, pens, and watercolor field kit on this trip. Somehow the limitations of media provide an interesting challenge. I think that my sketches are improving. My thoughts about what to sketch are changing, too. 

Palm trees are everywhere in this desert community. The farmers market sells fresh dates (do you like dates?) and there are giant date farms outside the many bedroom communities. The trees have such a playful look to them, like Dr. Seuss characters with mischief on their minds.

Mom's team won their Bocci ball games today so they will go into the tournament games on Thursday. I have to say, I LOVE this stuff!! And the sunshine and heat are a delight.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Birthday, Mom!

24 x 18, pastel on Strathmore

Mom's birthday is May 9, so every few years, her birthday and Mother's Day are the same day. Like today! Mom lives in sunny Palm Desert, California and I miss spending special days with her. We talk on the phone, and she leads a busy life, but today, I just kind of miss my mom.

Modern Portraits

Georges Rouault (1871--1958) had a distincitve way of painting portraits. Whenever I see one of his pieces in a museum, I admire the bold lines, the graphic style. It seems to me that he strokes the thick black lines while making a face at the critics who would judge him.

Though my lines are not so distinctive, not so thick, nor so black as his, there is something of Rouault's spirit in my painting of Mom.

Another chance with Mom

Mom is patient and gracious and sat for me again today. This time: pastel!