I can't Dance but I can Sketch

While healing from an injury I've been less active than usual. 

I especially miss my dancing. 

But having my art has been a saving grace. 

I've been sketching directly in my daily journal 

(InkPressions book, Tomoe River paper) more than ever. 

Sketching from observation is still so pleasurable, 

but I've also added memory sketching into my practice. 

Often it's a combination. 

Wishing you all a Holiday Season filled with beauty & kindness! 

Two Coastal Sketches: Early & Late Autumn

I spent a day on Mount Desert Island. 

Because it was full tourist season, 

I went to "the quiet side" of the island. 

That day was one of the most magnificent full color, 

ever changing weather, early autumn days I've ever experienced. 

This sketch was made sitting in my car, & it is from observation.

This late autumn sketch is more from memory.

On top of Mount Battie, looking out to Mount Desert Island.  

I had drawn a scant, scribbly sketch while there.

At home I started to add watercolor 

& because the ink lines were with non-waterproof ink 

they puddled & smeared 

& the image got lost. 

I was going to throw it away 

but decided to see it through. 

The final layer is colored pencil, 

bringing back some form & color.

The curious thing is that this imperfect sketch 

captured for me vividly what I experienced.

  

I am practicing more memory sketching these days.

It is challenging, but I'm enjoying it.