Summer Houses . . .

This afternoon’s wild thunder led to the current deluge that’s making indoors a comforting refuge.

But these past few days have been made for outdoor indolence. . . hammocks, books, barbeque, Kir royales on the patio. . .

and quiet observation. . . .

occasionally translated onto the page . . .

Again, I reiterate that I don’t show my sketches because I think they’re “all that,” but because they’re a record of my pleasure at taking a chance and trying something new.  My artist GF, who taught the Illustrated Journal course I took, did aDrawing a Day project a few months ago, and I thought I’d try the same approach for a while. At an entirely differently skill level, obviously.

But I’m pleased to see that I’ve captured (for my own eye, at least) the yew tree’s characteristic twist . . . I have so much more to learn about drawing AND painting . . . but I’m having fun!

13 Comments

  1. Pondside
    23 July 2012 / 12:25 am

    I love the idea of a drawing a day. A sketching course would really be something to try. It sounds as though your plan to truly relax is working out. Do keep it up!

  2. NancyDaQ
    23 July 2012 / 3:11 am

    You're in such a gorgeous locale. How nice that you have some time to enjoy it.

  3. LPC
    23 July 2012 / 4:27 am

    Hammocks. Ah, hammocks.

  4. Lorrie
    23 July 2012 / 5:33 am

    What great discipline to sketch a drawing a day. I love that you share your work with us – it's encouraging.

  5. materfamilias
    23 July 2012 / 3:08 pm

    Pondside: hope you get a chance for some serious relaxation too — it's quite lovely!
    Nancy: It's best in the summer and I'm really happy to find time to just sit and savour it.
    Lisa: You know it!
    Lorrie: I can't imagine keeping up such discipline, but it's a good exercise for now.

  6. Unknown
    23 July 2012 / 3:48 pm

    I'm ready for something new…I took a watercolor class in University and loved it. Maybe I should try again. It is wonderful to be able to create.
    It's definitely time for something new for me! Only 5 days till I get to "my" island for the rest of the summer and I can't wait.
    Have a terrific day!

    • materfamilias
      25 July 2012 / 7:29 am

      Islands and summer . . . somehow they seem meant for each other, no?

  7. pomomama
    23 July 2012 / 5:29 pm

    your garden looks so lush 🙂
    great inspiration for sketching – i'm wondering about a sketch-a-day challenge soon … or some kind of create daily project

    • materfamilias
      25 July 2012 / 7:30 am

      I loved your cat sketches — will be checking your blog regularly to see if you show more sketching. .

  8. Marsha
    23 July 2012 / 7:02 pm

    I greatly enjoy your paintings, and the fact that they are at your (ever-changing) current skill level enhances the enjoyment.

    • materfamilias
      25 July 2012 / 7:30 am

      Thanks, Marsha — you can tell it's an enjoyable process, the sketching, right?

  9. Unknown
    24 July 2012 / 1:32 am

    Glad to hear you're getting in some relaxation time. The pleasure you feel in capturing what you see in your watercolors come right through.

    • materfamilias
      25 July 2012 / 7:31 am

      I'm so pleased to hear that, Susan — I really do have fun and I'm happy that the sketches convey that.

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