Today was a scorcher!
Sun was blazing. Air stifling. No breeze to speak of.
A Real Scorcher.
Where was I?
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| Wendy n Max at Tynehead Park, BC |
I was sitting on my little stool, perched by a big old cedar stump, by a babbling little stream. The air was clean and fresh. Cool. The area around me was green with lush, sparkling greens: ferns, leaves, moss,. . . Every once in awhile a bird would flitter by, drop down to the water then slip away.
I was painting. . .
Max was quietly guarding . . .
Life was good.
Outdoor Sketching means FINDING A SPOT. . .
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| Forested little creek leading to Serpentine Fen |
Before heading out to sketch, I use to dither about where to go. Once there, I walked forever along the trail looking and looking. Looking for that spot. You know the one. The Prefect Spot. Anxiousness would start. What if I can't find a spot? I have to go soon, I wont have time to draw. Disappointment and Failure would begin to take shape.
Now things are different.
I have learned an important lesson. I was looking for the wrong thing!
Not what you wanted to hear, I am sure. I know I wouldn't have believed it before either. But actually it is true.
Before I walked around and looked for "The Spot". A really interesting, inspiring, awesome scene. But Outdoor Sketching is about capturing the feeling, the ambiance. Those awesome sketches we see on Instagram and Facebook are not staged scenes. They are just a selection of the images in front of the artist. It is the the composition, the play of lights and darks that gives them life.
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| Just a few moss covered rocks with the water trickling by. |
Check out my rocks. This was an eye opener for me. Those are just a few mossy rocks. But they're interesting. Eye catching. Capture the feel of the place. This didn't have to be some 'Perfect Scenery" to be engaging. I was thrilled with it.
When I studied my picture I realized it was composition, the play of colours, the detail that really made it work. And eye opener.
Now when I am Outdoor Sketching I look for a dry, shaded place to sit. Then I look to see what catches my eye.
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| Sketching at Starbucks, Edinburgh, Scotland |
Check out my Spot.
1. Starbucks, Edinburgh, Scotland, right in the middle of the Golden Mile. This was an awesome place to be. I scored a second floor window seat. Rain was pouring down. (note the windows). I was happy to draw and paint. The rain didn't spoil my day!!
Working with your surroundings rather than searching for The Spot can also lead to surprises. The statue in the left corner was painted while sitting at a restaurant in the Square in the old part of Rome. It was my first day and I was dying to try painting something. I never do statues but it was right there. I had to try. I loved it. Sketching the statue in ink then adding a bit of colour just seemed to work for me. I found for the rest of my trip I was constantly seeking out statues to paint.
Many find this post helpful: Turn your Inner Critic into your BFF
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| Gowland Pt, Maine Island, BC |
2. Found a shady spot after hiking the trails at Gowland Point. I started with the trees on the bluff and then just added more and more detail. Before I knew it, I had a great landscape.
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| Journal Page from my Trip to Italy, 2019 |
Working with your surroundings rather than searching for The Spot can also lead to surprises. The statue in the left corner was painted while sitting at a restaurant in the Square in the old part of Rome. It was my first day and I was dying to try painting something. I never do statues but it was right there. I had to try. I loved it. Sketching the statue in ink then adding a bit of colour just seemed to work for me. I found for the rest of my trip I was constantly seeking out statues to paint.
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| My Sketch at Tynehead Park from above |
Looking for "The Right Spot" wont make for the best picture. However, picking a location you are interested in - nature, urban sights is important. Then find a spot to work, see what shape, colour, light catches your eye and get to work. You will be surprised what you come away with.
Further Reading:
Wendy is on Youtube:
Wendy has FREE Tips & Techniques on Video now, many with supporting blog posts and FREE download PDF's.
Wendy has FREE Tips & Techniques on Video now, many with supporting blog posts and FREE download PDF's.
See a full linked listing here - artbywendy.com - workshop - Videos by Wendy
OUTDOOR SKETCHING SEASON is HERE!!
Next Sessions: Saturday June 5 & Wednesday, June 9
10am - 12:30pm
Upcoming Dates: Wednesday June 16 & June 23
Saturday, June 12 & June 19
Saturday, June 12 & June 19
Twice a week, Wednesday and Saturday mornings, I will take small groups out for Outdoor Sketching. Get Tips and Techniques for Sketching in Nature. Beginners to Advanced Welcome. Max. 3 per class. (Other times available upon request)
Mediums supported: pencil, pen, watercolour, watercolour pencils and coloured pencils
Location: Parks in North Surrey and Langley
Cost: $50 per session
Supplies: Bring your own supplies, don't hesitate to contact me about your supplies
Rainy Days: Not fun to plein air in the rain. You can defer to another available day or join me in my studio and work with me. (when Covid rules allow small inside gatherings)
Contact Wendy to Book Your Spot!!
Looking to Move your work to NEW LEVELS?
Online Coaching/Teaching (3 sessions 30 minutes each $75)
Are You and Your Inner Critic looking to expand your discussions. Here's how it works: Send me a few pictures of your paintings. I will prepare material to facilitate a discussion based on your goals. I am a sounding board, coach and teacher, with suggestions, techniques and tips to help you meet your goals and move your art forward. More info here. Looking forward to Zooming with you.
Many find this post helpful: Turn your Inner Critic into your BFF
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Have a great Artful Day,
Wendy
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