YIPPEE!!! An Artist STAYCATION!! - Painting and Drawing Tips

You got it Girl.  (or Guy)  This is the summer to Stay Home and Enjoy life.  

No late flights.  No lost luggage.  No driving for hours on end on a hot day.  No huge drain on the checkbook.  In fact  . . . .

A STAYCATION means no fuss, no muss, no bother.  Just take a break and enjoy!!

Really, who wouldn't want to spend the day sketching here?!

I have been on a 3 week Artist STAYCATION, hence the no posts but now I am back.  Refreshed, eager, ready to roll.  (Well technically it was only 2 weeks as my daughter, grandson and sister joined us for the first week.  Everyone knows there is no time for an Artist when a 6 year grandson is about.) 

I love capturing little mini-environments - Trees, rocks, moss, by the water's edge.  And of course the mix of colour and ink

So what does an Artist Staycation look like?

The picture is different for each of us. I enjoy getting out and painting.  This doesn't mean I take 'a wack of stuff' and plan a Masterpiece.  I heading out to the park, with my Really Smallmendous Art Kit and sketch. (remember this is about relaxing, enjoying, exercising, painting) 

 Or pack a lunch, hike a trail, stop and sketch, then move on. 

ROCKS ON THE COAST - $130 Matted 8 x 10,  ink & watercolour  

Or walking along the beach, especially at low tide when herons are scouring the shallow waters for fish, oyster catchers are squealing as they scour about the rocks, and mother seals are training their young to swim in the still waters.  

Nice to catch the low tide and a shady spot - cheated a bit here, close enough to camp to bring a chair.  

I like to find a shady spot, sit on a log, watch the activity and draw to my hearts content.  

Alfred found a soft log to sit and paint on (not sure if soft log is an oxymoron??)

Or meet up with a few artists friends, kabitz and paint.  

Wendy and Kathleen on the Rocks - don't forget to cover up when the sun is hot

Or take a group out for an Outdoor Sketching Class.  (I know, this is technically working you are saying but really.  How can sharing something I totally enjoy be considered working?!)  

Outdoor sketching Class at the Park - Lots to draw and paint everywhere. 

Always fun to see what everyone sketched. . .

Outdoor Sketching Class Throw Down -  Love to see what each has created

See what I mean,  Artist Staycations are Awesome. . . .

ROCKS ON THE COAST - $130 Matted 8 x 10,  ink & watercolour  

Make your Artist Staycation a Success: 

1.  Keep your artist supplies to a minimum.  Once you add, snacks and drinks that pack gets heavy.  

2.  Take a towel or tripod stool for a sit-a-pon  

3.  Pack bug spray (unfortunately if you don't have it, you will need it. )

4.  Do a Test Run.  Nothing worst than being high up on a mountain trail and realizing your paint brush is home in your studio. 

5.  Zoom In for a mini-environments or Zoom Out for a big vista but focus on 'what really catches your eye' first.  This is no studio setting, working in stages of front to back.  You might be busy laying in your clouds while the sailboat you wanted to paint is sailing away.  

6.  Enjoy the Moment.  Your using a sketchbook, anything goes.  

Since I paint a lot on the go I am often writing about it.  Here are some posts that others have found helpful in organizing their materials: 

Travel Kit Saves the Day - looks at different types of small travel kits for painting and sketching

What does a Plein Air Trip Look Like - how to plan for a lengthy trip which will involve lots of Plein Air Painting.

What does a Plein Air Trip Really Look Like - how to enjoy outdoor sketching and painting on a trip when you travel companion doesn't paint.  

Outdoor Sketching Classes !! 

Ready to go out and do some sketching?  Have fun painting and sketching while learning new tips and techniques. Capture a moment in time without worrying about the World and the crazy problems of today.  Come Join me for a session or two.  Beginner to Advanced are welcome.

Class Size: max. 3.   Rescheduling for Bad weather.  Covid  Rules and Social Distancing will be followed.  

Sessions 2.5 hours, in local North Surrey Parks, Tuesdays 10-12:30 or Special Times to be set up for groups of 2 or 3.  

Cost: $45  

August Dates: Tuesday August 4. 11, 18, 25:  Time:  10-12:30:pm

Save a Spot Now. Contact Wendy    More information: artbywendy.com 

 Do you have big/small projects on the go?  

Looking for a sounding board, help, suggestions, techniques. You and your Inner Critic looking to expand your discussions.  I am available for Online Coaching/Teaching  (3 sessions 30 minutes each $75). more info here.   

  
Many find this post helpful: Turn your Inner Critic into your BFF

 

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Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy