Jun 5, 2023

AWESOME VIEW, But what to Paint - Painting & Drawing Tips

I know you have been there.
Standing on a point, looking across the river, admiring the mountains, amazing view.  Then you feel it. That overwhelming doubt.  What should you paint?

Awesome view from the  Brook's Point,  Pender Island

Stop. Take a deep breath.  You don't have to decide this minute.  

Take a walk. Look around and take in the surrounds.  The goal is not to rush and set up and paint.  I know time is limited but you can always take a photo and finish later.  So spend a bit of time looking and enjoying the sight.  

*** There is a YouTube video to accompany this post.  AWESOME Scenery BUT What Do I Paint.  

Driftwood always makes interesting Subjects

What catches your eye?  
The mountains in the distance.  The reflections off the water.  Maybe its the clump of trees by the shore.  I was in that situation on my last sketching trip to Pender Island.  Standing on the beach, looking over the water, more Southern Gulf Islands in the distance, framed by a hazy view of the coastal mountains. A great view but nothing to focus on for a 'grand vista'.  

The large stand of trees came into sight, and with the fence made an interesting view of the bluff


I walked around a bit.  Actually, Max is a good partner for my outings as he makes sure I walk around a bit before painting.   

Things started to come together for me.  The trees on the bluff held lots of secrets painting spots. 
The trees with the small islands in the distance suggested several subjects

There was more driftwood further down the beach. 

This large piece standing up above the rest, would look interesting alone or with a seagull perched on it. 

And of course, you can really zoom in on the vegetation.  The salmon berries were shining in the sun, wild strawberry flowers were poking up through the grasses and the pretty pink wildflowers were everywhere.  I love to add a few drawing of the plants and flowers to my pages.  



I decided to try the bluff with the lighthouse on the point. 

I loved the bluff towering over the little Lighthouse.  

I settled down and worked on my picture and wouldn't you know, a sailboat came by to really add a final touch.  Unfortunately, I was done by then.  But, there is always next time!!


Wild Flowers and Gowlland Point Lighthouse 

Have fun with your sketching.  

*** There is a YouTube video to accompany this post.  AWESOME Scenery BUT What Do I Paint.  


Awesome Opportunity - 2 Artist Retreats in the Shuswap

June 23-26 or September 15-18, 2023

Join me for 4 DAYS of Outdoor Sketching, nature walks, deck and beach time, creative conversations, gourmet meals and simply relaxing 

Your Hosts, Joanne Denis and Myself.   Cost: $450 single room or $300 shared room
Art instruction, transportation (from Lower Mainland), meals and lodging included (Bring your own art supplies.  Space is limited to 8-10 attendees, Register Early 

Outdoor Sketching Classes - Dates are HERE!!

Outdoor Sketching Classes

Thursday, June 29, 10-12:30pm;  July 6 & 27, 10-12:30pm
  August 3 & 10, 10-12:30pm 

Experience the Joy of Sketching in Nature with Wendy 
2.5 hr classes; located in Surrey Parks;  Beginner to Advanced Welcome. 
Class Size: Max 3  $55 per session 
 

Available for booking special outings for you and 1-2 of your friends. 
Gift Certificates Available.


Original work, Commissions, Private Drawing Lessons, Prints and Cards of her Work, 

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Have a great Artful Day,
Wendy