Kris Wiltse's Sketchbook

Painting Jennifer

2012-01-24T11:30:00.000-08:00

My images from our Monday evening figure session at studio 106. As always, it's a pleasure to study the human form with paint. Jennifer was our wonderfully elegant model. On one level very inspiring, on another intimidating. A fun challenge. The first image I feel I overworked. Too many colors makes for mud. The second image isn't finished. Our session ended before I had a chance to do so. But I'm posting it because it shows some of the process, and I like aspects of it. So it sits as is.

Déjà vu at Ott and Murphy Wines

2012-01-22T11:27:00.000-08:00

Another great performance at Ott and Murphy Wines by David Gregor and David Ossman. But this evening Eleanor Fye joined in, rounding out the duo with her lovely voice and tribute to Etta James. What a treat! The intimate space of Ott and Murphy is the perfect venue for their performances. Everyone, owners, performers and patrons, are always warm and friendly. And they have tasty wines too!

David Gregor on guitar. Playing his own music as well.

David Ossman recites poetry. His own included

A couple enjoying the performance and ambiance.

And of course a glass of Double Bluff Red.

Painting Anne

2012-01-11T10:09:00.000-08:00

Here's a few spontaneous paintings I did of Anne Belov, an island resident and artist who's work is known nationally. She was kind enough to take the time to model for us at Studio 106 in Langley. You can see her beautiful work here... http://nothingoverlooked.wordpress.com

I'm posting these in reverse order of completion. Last first because it's the destination I liked ending up at. The series somewhat represents my process of a warm up to unleashing rather than tightening up. It's always my intent to give myself freedom to explore and have fun when drawing and painting on-location. Most importantly, to have fun. And fun I do. But freedom is a little harder to come by. Lately, though, it's been easier. I've given license for every drawing to fail. In fact I want them to fail. To have no preconceptions, no pretty washes, pile on the paint, make messes, work fast and drippy. I consider placement for a moment, then plunge. It takes practice to get there, and it's fleeting. But happening more, so on that level feel I've been successful. So here's to a 2012 full of picture-making failures!

Happy New Year!

Nosh and Sketch

2011-12-29T11:41:00.000-08:00

nosh |nä sh | informalnounfood : filling the freezer with all kinds of nosh we bought at the Star Store.• a small item of food : "We have plenty of noshes and nibbles" said the waiter.• a light meal; a snack : in between noshes we sketched people at Prima Bistro and Mo's.verb [ intrans. ]eat food enthusiastically or greedily : there are several restaurants in Langley, so you can nosh to your heart's content | [ trans. ] there I sat, noshing my favorite food as I splashed paint on the table cloth.• eat between meals : today's grazing is different from what we used to call noshing or snacking. But noshing sounds better.ORIGIN early 20th cent. (denoting a snack bar): Yiddish.

First stop, Prima Bistro.

A local fixture at Prima

Then a portrait of Kelly at Mo's.

A pre-med student also studying spanish.

A profile at Mo's

Low Tide Stripes

2011-12-20T00:00:00.000-08:00

Here's a super quick sketch of Cultus Bay at low tide. Very quick because it was so cold. I'm always intrigued by the graphic shapes of sand that appear. And the lighting was interesting. Cool and crisp. This was another one of those "what the heck color is that" moments. A wonderful winter moment.

Beat and Jive at OM

2011-12-19T09:42:00.000-08:00

Had a great evening sketching at Ott and Murphy in Langley. David Ossman performed poetry readings of Ginsburg and Kerouac while David Gregor accompanied on guitar. I was truly inspired and can't wait for another performance!

Mr. Bennett bathed in mood lighting.

David Gregor playing guitar, though it's hidden.

Digital Dog 2

2011-12-08T19:09:00.001-08:00

This image was a quick sketch using "Brushes," a drawing and painting app for iPad. Though this program is simple, there's an almost unlimited number of brushes and the ability to apply surface textures. And of course a full palette of colors. It also records your process. This digital stuff is fun, but it can't hold a candle to the unpredictable nature of watercolor, the qualities of pen and ink, and the textures of paper.

Digital Dog

2011-12-05T09:50:00.001-08:00

Luxuriating....

Wifire Apparitions

2011-10-28T12:44:00.000-07:00

My first ghost sighting at Whidbey Telecom's WiFire Coffee Shop...

Happy Halloween!

Coupeville Coffee

2011-10-22T10:07:00.000-07:00

An unsuspecting gentleman reading the paper at Coupeville Coffee and Bistro. Not too long ago this coffee shop was called Miriam's. It's well loved and back on the list of sketching haunts!

Sherman Farm

2011-10-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

I christened my new sketchbook with this drawing of a tractor and pumpkins at Sherman Farm. Wow, have they got a lot of pumpkins! And old rusty machinery that makes for good subject matter. It's a delightful setting to draw and paint, and what a gorgeous day to be doing it.

The Dancer Sketching

2011-10-19T21:00:00.000-07:00

Here's a sketch I did sometime ago. I'm posting it because it has some qualities I'm interested in pursuing. Lately I've been playing with gouache which, for me, is very frustrating to work with. It's easy to make mud pies. But I find the opacity of gouache in contrast to the transparency of watercolor very appealing. I just haven't found my groove with it. Though this sketch has no gouache incorporated, it touches upon the kinds of paint marks and opacity that drives me to keep experimenting. A simple, transparent wash is lovely to apply and look at but I want to achieve more expression

Michelle is a great model.

Quick Sketch

2011-10-19T12:19:00.000-07:00

A few morning gestures...

Maybe a deer? Nope.

Sniffing the breeze

Morning Overcast

2011-10-15T11:35:00.000-07:00

Another woodland scene, but this was sketched on a cloudy morning. Again I perceived a lot of colors and enhanced them. A much cooler palette, and a much cooler morning!

Morning Woodland

2011-10-14T09:56:00.000-07:00

Whidbey had a nice break in the weather yesterday. And when it's sunny here it's gorgeous. The morning light filtering onto these trees was so striking I had to make some attempt at capturing the scene. So many colors I couldn't decide what was what. Were the tree trunks blue or violet? Leaves blue green or golden green? Sometimes I saw red, then sienna. With such indecision I ended up using all the colors in my travel palette. They're Daniel Smith watercolors... Hansa Yellow, Indian Yellow, Pyrrol Orange, Raw Sienna, Anthroquinoid scarlet, Alizarin Crimson, Cerulean Blue, French Ultramarine, Quinocridone Burnt Orange, Hookers Green, Sap Green, and Lunar Black.

As I waited for my first wash of the woodland scene to dry, I started the sketch on the left. I used Noodler's Ink, Kiowa Pecan, for the line work. It's water soluble so it bleeds a nice warm tone, yet retains a line.

Whidbey Island Winery and Mo's

2011-10-04T21:56:00.000-07:00

Whidbey Island Sketchers met at Whidbey Island Winery for sketching this week. We lucked out with a nice day considering it's October. Surely one of the very last for sketching outdoors.
Here are my sketches for the day...

The two below were done at Mo's in Langley. I gravitated to the gentleman on the left because of his great profile. Unusual and handsome.

On the right... At times I get tired of drawing the backs of people. Oh well. It becomes more about the medium, light and composition.

Trio Nouveau

2011-09-11T10:41:00.000-07:00

After sketching at an Alpaca farm we did more at Prima Bistro. To our delight Trio Nouveau set up on the deck next to us. Sunny and warm to boot! Then we were politely kicked out. We sketchers are not appreciated at this venue as all others love us!

I find people easier to draw than hats! Not that people are easy for me.

A Peaceful Day

2011-09-08T11:55:00.000-07:00

Sue V. shared her lovely garden with the Whidbey Island Sketchers for our sketch meet. Thank you Sue! It was a wonderful day with great company. I was filled with ahhhhs.
Here's a couple sketches I did on the deck. To the right is the talented Michelle, our newest member. She sat still for awhile which made her an easy target. She's a lovely model. I look forward to many sketchings with her and of her.

Below is an experimental sketch I don't care for but am posting because I'd like to share my experience with watercolor canvas board. It has no absorbency whatsoever, so I haven't decided if I like it. Hard to do any glazing because the bottom layers pick up so easily. Great for making changes if one's unhappy with parts or all of it. I was interested in giving it a spin as an alternative to the expense of framing watercolor paintings. Surfaces that accept watercolor are available on mounted wood frames similar to oil panels. Once painted, they can be coated with acrylic to protect the surface from dust. I think I'll continue playing to see where it goes.

Appaloosa Sunset

2011-09-04T23:41:00.000-07:00

Horses are magnificent animals. As a kid I drew them obsessively and today I remembered why. The angular face, elegant lines of the neck, curvilinear shapes of the torso, rump and upper legs, and the expression of weight on the ankles. Such dynamic anatomy. Always in motion, even when stationary. When I saw this Appy I had to sketch it. What artist could ask for more than a horse with spots?!

Evening Concert at Whidbey Island Winery

2011-08-25T19:02:00.000-07:00

I had the great fortune of hearing Levi Burkle (guitar) and James Hinkley (cello) play at Whidbey Island Winery. They sure make beautiful music as a duo. As well as independently. They're both great musicians. And the Winery's setting made it even more heavenly. Grape vines, tree canopies, grassy lawns and people picnicking, each with a glass of wine, all made for some good sketch subjects. Here's a few...

Waiting for the concert.

James and Levi

Sketched with eyes closed.

Sinking at Island Recycle

2011-08-15T14:13:00.000-07:00

The Whidbey Island Sketchers met at Island Recycle for our usual sketch session. It was a gorgeous day for painting outdoors. I thought these sinks in the grass were arranged in an interesting way so I gave it a shot. It's a funky drawing, like the sinks.

Later I did this sketch of Phyllis, a WISK member. The only one to date which looks remotely like her. I think my best drawing of the day.

Mother and Daughter

2011-07-26T10:06:00.000-07:00

I had the fortunate opportunity to sketch these two beautiful ladies, Stephanie and Alyscia. Stephanie is our favorite server at Mo's Pub in Langley where we often sketch. She was kind enough to sit for a number of sketchers at Studio 106.

This sketch was done in my Moleskine pocket accordion, a small sketchbook that expands. It's limited to 5" high but the width is left up to the imagination. The paper has a waxy surface that's resistant to watercolor giving drawings a look I've come to appreciate.

The first pose was quite long allowing me to experiment with different papers, watercolor and line-brushwork. I think this is Punjab paper. It's a nicely bound watercolor sketchbook I've had for many years. The paper is very rough with deckled edges and takes watercolor beautifully. I used a large squirrel hair mop, loading it with a couple colors then applied the paint broadside.

Stephanie taking a sleep-break during this warm afternoon.

Thank you for sitting!

Red Door and Book Cart

2011-07-16T19:44:00.000-07:00

Feeling rusty's an understatement. Here's a funky sloppy sketch of the South Whidbey Commons in Langley. When all else fails throw paint at it. I do like the splatters.

And a sketch of the warm and hospitable Mary, a Whidbey Island Sketcher. Thanks for having us!

Prima Bistro then Mo's Portrait Party

2011-07-04T16:17:00.000-07:00

A Prima evening with friends as Deja Blooze, a local jazz band, played some great toons. My first sketch is an attempt to capture the warmth and activity of the place. Next time we'll sit in front of the band.

The backside of one third of Deja Blooze at Prima Bistro

Later we migrated to Mo's for a little portrait party. First sitter was the charming and delightful Corey of Useless Bay Coffee fame. Turns out he's a sketcher too. A talented young man so we hope to recruit him into the Whidbey Island Sketchers.

Corey Sketching at Mo's

Then the amicable and proud James visiting from Tucson. James finds the Island's inhabitants friendly and approachable, much like himself. He was lucky and walked away with a sketch!

James Patiently Posing

Ott and Murphy and Mo's

2011-06-21T11:58:00.000-07:00

A fun Sunday afternoon and evening of sketching. First at Ott and Murphy's wine tasting room in Langley then a walk down the street to Mo's Pub for more sketching and Shepherd's Pie. Here's a couple sketches...

Rugs at Ott and Murphy. As much drawing as I've been doing lately, it was a struggle to see things right that day. I felt dyslexic so concentrated on capturing the sense of light.

Of the number of sketches I did at Mo's this is the only one I halfway liked. The last sketch was better but I gave it to a young man who was a subject.

A Wee Blackberry

2011-06-17T22:41:00.000-07:00

Little sketch of a blackberry cane at sunset.

An Evening at Mo's

2011-05-23T11:49:00.000-07:00

A pleasure to sit in Mo's Pub eating fries and sketching with Sue. It's very rich in wood tones and hunter green. Here's my sketches...

A Little Sun and Play

2011-05-01T20:48:00.000-07:00

Took advantage of the spring weather to sketch outdoors. I put together a gauche palette and did a test run sketch of the garden cart in my yard. I was a little concerned that the gauche would be too hard after drying but it turns out they re-wet well. Both images were done in my Pentalic "Nature Sketch" brand sketchbook. It's a fairly heavy weight paper, 130lb and quite inexpensive. It has a nice tooth and is acid free.

Here I used Tombow Dual pens, red and black, and incorporated watercolor. This paper takes direct washes great, but doesn't stand up to scrubbing or frequent re-wetting. That's okay, it's great for experiments.

Mo's Pub

2011-04-24T17:35:00.000-07:00

Finally, the long awaited (unofficial) opening of Mo's Pub in Langley last Saturday night. The place was packed with no place to sit when we walked in at 7pm, bustling with great energy. Beautifully designed and remodeled by James Anderson, complete with a fireplace, soft chairs, regular tables, cubbies, bar, upholstered bar booth, and area for darts. Truly pub style with British fare, along with regular pub grub like burgers and fries. We ordered three plates; Shepherds Pie, Bangers and Mash, and a Scottish Egg. All were yummy! Great atmosphere and a fun crowd. Thanks Maureen and Bob, for this great new addition to Langley! The grand opening is April 30th.
Here's a sketch of the late night bar crowd...

Madam Biker

2011-04-08T09:08:00.000-07:00

A sketch while on the ferry.

Bustling China City

2011-04-01T17:33:00.000-07:00

A sketch of the bar in China City. Friends playing dice, numerous people at the bar, others meeting for happy hour appetizers and wine. A bustling place on this cloudy evening.

Spring Day at the Commons

2011-03-23T21:44:00.000-07:00

What a gorgeous day to be outdoors. WISk and ASk (Anacortes Sketchers) spent the afternoon sketching in the sun at the South Whidbey Commons. It felt great and, as always, we had fun!

Sketchers across the courtyard.

The visiting sketchers at work.

Super Moon Saturday

2011-03-21T21:34:00.000-07:00

The Super Moon made for a bright and beautiful Saturday night. My impression of seeing it through an Alder.

Art Blog Feature

2011-03-20T13:19:00.000-07:00

I'm honored to be one of many featured artists from around the world at CÓMO CANTABA MAYO EN LA NOCHE DE ENERO. The blog features illustrators, painters, musicians, poets, film and film makers. Thank you, Pedro!

St. Patrick's Cookies

2011-03-18T01:06:00.000-07:00

Olde World Ales

2011-03-17T11:09:00.000-07:00

WISk met at Olde World Ales and Lagers in Langley on Wednesday. Unlike my usual "take time to decide" self, as soon as I sat down to work I made immediate decisions about my subject and how I wanted to handle the application of paint. "Just do it" was the operative phrase. With this first image, I toned the paper with a warm wash and splatters using a tooth brush. It was a dark wet day and I think the wash helps to convey that.

In the second image, Phyllis, a WISk member, was sunk into a big white chair that had some interesting shape and fold characteristics. I enjoy how line can move from light areas into dark and get lost, with hints and suggestions of objects. A fun sketch to make.

The Coupeville MusselFest

2011-03-09T09:32:00.000-08:00

I did a few sketches of Coupeville's Musselfest last weekend for one of our local papers, The Whidbey Examiner. It's an award winning publication focused on the Whidbey Island community, and local news and government. It's also the only locally owned, independent newspaper on Whidbey Island. Kasia Pierzga heads the paper. Thanks Kasia!

Mussel Men

Mussel Eating Contest

David Day cooks mussels in his paella pan

The layout in The Whidbey Examiner

What's a Hula Fish?

2011-03-08T15:16:00.000-08:00

An oddity. A little statue that has the body of a hula girl, like the ones you see on dash boards, and a fish head. Has very big lips and sparkly eye shadow and lipstick. Quite goofy but fun to sketch. Sat at a friends house sketching while the snow accumulated outside a couple weeks ago. Quite beautiful to behold.

Hula Fish with snacks.

A sketch of my friend, Sue, sketching Hula Fish.

Belly Dancers!

2011-03-07T18:18:00.000-08:00

WISk had a sketch party last weekend during the Langley Art Walk and it was a blast! Celina and Twyla Dill belly danced and posed for us during the event. They were quite an attraction and quite a challenge to sketch. Sure was fun trying!

Celina and Twyla Dill

Twyla

Celina

Marcia posed for us too.

The Saratoga Sound

2011-03-01T09:35:00.000-08:00

I attended a rehearsal of The Saratoga Sound, a Whidbey Island string quintet, a few weeks ago. It was quite the treat sketching in close proximity to them while they played. The members are Salvatore Morisco, violin and arranger, Gloria Ferry-Brennan, violin, Louise Fiori, viola, James Hinkley, cello and Kim Tinuviel, double bass. They're amazing!

Watercolors at South Whidbey Commons

2011-02-28T13:40:00.000-08:00

I'm delighted to be showing my watercolor work in the rear side room at South Whidbey Commons in Langley. Great little space! The show is up for the month of March.
Hours are:
8:30 am–6pm, Tuesday–Sunday (closed Monday)
Extended hours on Friday for entertainment

More Braeburn

2011-02-25T08:09:00.000-08:00

Two sketches I did a few weeks ago at the Braeburn Restaurant in Langley. I'll be having a show there of sketches and watercolors April 12 – May 21.

At the Braeburn

2011-02-24T10:32:00.000-08:00

WISk met at the Braeburn in Langley this week. The curry chicken sandwich and salad was delicious. Did this sketch pretty fast knowing they were closing at 3. I first laid down a few washes, then drew using my black brush pen, then applied more washes on top. The ink bleeds and runs, an effect I want in some areas.

Flowers at the Braeburn, Langley

1904, Greenbank

2011-02-16T09:34:00.000-08:00

Here's a few odds and ends from an evening of sketching at the 1904 Tavern, in Greenbank. It's a nice place to hang-out and listen to music. My quick line sketch is of Trio Nouveau, a contemporary jazz trio. They're very good and I highly recommend stopping in for a listen.

The crew, after hours.

People at the Bar.

Trio Nouveau

Music for the Eyes

2011-02-13T11:44:00.000-08:00

Sue V. and I attended a wonderful concert of east Indian music last night at Music for the Eyes in Langley. Anjali Joshi played santoor and Ravi Albright played tabla drums. I call it music for the soul. Santoor means 100 strings and is basically an Indian dulcimer. Each set of strings twist and overlap in the center, so each side, right and left, have different notes. One lovely melody they played is common to Bollywood movies.
To view Sue V's beautiful sketches and read a little background on the artists and instruments go to whidbeyislandsketchers.blogspot.com.
Here are a couple of my sketches. I tried to capture the fluid gestures of Ravi's fingers and hands as they tapped the drums. The experience was entirely beautiful.

A Taste of their music...
http://www.ravialbright.com/

WISk at the Brown Lantern, Anacortes

2011-02-11T09:45:00.000-08:00

Sketching at the Fisherman's World Market was such a great experience I doubted it could be rivaled, but it was! The Brown Lantern Pub proved to be another great location. Warm atmosphere, characters and good food. And last but not least, the camaraderie of my fellow sketchers. If you were to look up "Fun" in the dictionary you'll find us sketchers in the definition!

Griffin, the Guemes ferry boat captain asked us please not to sketch him because we'd steal his soul. Sorry Griffin, you were a great subject. Thanks for sitting semi still!

An unsuspecting guy sitting at the bar. I noticed Anacortes residents have great profiles, defined features and larger noses!

A young couple who looked like they were just getting to know each other. Very sweet.

Fisherman's World Market, Anacortes

2011-02-10T23:22:00.000-08:00

Third floor atrium in the Fisherman's World Market.

What a great building to sketch. Wonderful character, a grand wood staircase, live guitar music and natural light from an atrium on the third floor. A fun, eventful and productive day sketching with our friends in Anacortes! Thank you Aleli and Missy for researching the great sketching and food locations. More sketches to come!

The Grand Staircase

Beach Textures

2011-02-05T08:03:00.000-08:00

A quick sketch of the beach where I found an interesting array of textures. Wind, layers of dark clouds, tracks in the sand, dead grasses and flowers, and quite a few green sprigs signifying the coming of spring. The foothills of the Olympics crest the dune. It's a jumble.

Elephant at Red Rooster Antiques

2011-02-04T11:07:00.000-08:00

Whidbey Island Sketchers met at the Red Rooster Antique Mall in Freeland last Wednesday. A bit of sensory overload for me, so it took me awhile to settle on a subject. Eventually I found the patterns and exotic theme of this corner enticing.

Sketching Workshop

2011-01-30T10:39:00.000-08:00

Sketching for Pleasure

February 5-26
Saturdays, 10am–12pm
$140

Sketching on location is a wonderful way to document your life and experiences. Your sketchbook is a place for personal expression, an evolving work of art that's uniquely your own. In this workshop we'll cover some drawing and painting basics such as quick sketch techniques, perspective, light and shadow along with exploring a variety of tools and mediums like watercolor, ink line and pencil. This is a fun workshop where we'll meet briefly in class, then venture out painting and drawing at various local venues. You'll enhance your appreciation for the world around you while developing your own voice and confidence in drawing.

Useless Bay Coffee and Lunch

2011-01-20T17:20:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh. It's always a pleasure to get together with my sketcher friends for an afternoon of sketching. We met at the Unitarian Church in Freeland for a small reception of our Whidbey Island Sketchers group show, then went to Useless Bay Coffee for sketching, lunch and a viewing of my little show there. Great sandwich and cup of soup!

WISk in Coupeville

2011-01-06T20:40:00.000-08:00

Our sketching group met at Local Grown on the wharf in Coupeville this week. When I arrived I was delighted to be greeted by Missy and Aleli, two sketchers from Anacortes, already working away. What fun they are! I got in a sketch of William, the owner of Local Grown, pulling coffee, then ventured out to the lobby to draw Rosie the whale. Later we headed to Toby's for more sketching, wine and fish and chips. Got in a few more...

Communist Hat at Prima

2010-12-23T14:00:00.000-08:00

A sketch of Aaron wearing a communist military hat at Prima Bistro. Aaron is the conductor of Whidbey Island Orchestra. We sketchers hope to capture them during rehearsal sometime soon. Also a few sketches from Uselss Bay Coffee. Tasty fish Tacos! Looking forward to trying the BBQ.

Painting with Compliments

2010-12-20T17:37:00.000-08:00

Another great project to familiarize yourself with color mixing and the properties of certain colors is to create a painting with two compliments using a black and white photo as reference. In this case I painted from a B&W photo of a tea pot using Ultramarine Blue and Azo Orange. Ultramarine being on the warm side and Azo orange having some yellow in it, they created some nice warm tones. I tried to mix mostly grays and highlight with some pure color for contrast. Try it with three sets of compliments, blue/orange, purple/yellow, red/green, or any you'd like. It's fun and great watercolor practice.

Timbuktu and China City

2010-12-17T13:00:00.000-08:00

You'd think by the title I'm a world traveler. Whidbey Island is it's own world, but maybe someday I'll venture off the rock. The Whidbey Island Sketchers did venture to Freeland for some sketching at Timbuktu Java Bar, then we headed to China City Restaurant. Here's my sketches...

Timkuktu counter with goodies. Everything is yummy!

Cruiser and a friend.

A guy at the bar.

Playing with Edges

2010-12-09T13:27:00.000-08:00

Here's an assignment to practice edges in watercolor. Surely there are many more edge possibilities!

Using a simple object as a subject (fruit, pear, cup, vase, etc.) as reference,
paint 5 small (approximately 5"-7") paintings of each edge below.
Apply large wash areas.

Edge to edge

1) Edge to edge - Your background area/wash will barely meet your foreground/object wash. Bump up one wash to another so they barely meet and do not overlap.

Overlapping edges

2) Overlapping edges - The background wash area slightly overlaps the foreground/object wash, creating a line. This is what one refers to as a glaze. Only this is a narrow area that can be defined as a line.

Wet in wet blurry edges

3) Wet in wet, blurry, undefined edges -
Wet the entire 7" square evenly with clean water, allowing it to sit until the area has a slightly mat finish. You want the water to soak into the paper for a minute or two. Apply a color to your object/foreground with a brush loaded with color. Use lots of pigment, not much water! Using another brush, quickly apply the background while the paper is still wet. Again lots of pigment! (Watercolor dries lighter in value and intensity) Your edges between the object and background should be soft and undefined.

With line

4) Lines defining edges -
Draw your object using a pencil, brush or marker. Then apply paint.
For line in this image, I used a black Stabilo pencil. It's Water soluble. You can use anything, graphite, black or colored marker, colored pencil etc.

5) Incorporate all 4 edges above. I'm leaving that to your imaginations.

The purpose of this assignment is to explore various ways watercolor can be applied to define edges of objects. Or not define them! Consider lost edges, particularly in shadow areas in future paintings.

This project is also posted under the tab "Watercolor Projects."

Love of the Puddle

2010-12-05T11:37:00.000-08:00

As Serafina, one of my students, said, "Painting with watercolor is learning to puddle." The quote is not exact, but her point was it's about controlling the puddle. A good observation. The wash, the bead, the qualities of each pigment and how they behave separately, layered and together, and understanding color are all aspects to be learned and applied to the puddle. And with any luck, a lot of happy accidents!

What is learning watercolor to you and why do you work with it? I would like to know your insights.

I have much so much to learn. A puddle of a painting I did for my watercolor class...

Thanks for stopping by!

Satsuma

2010-12-01T21:52:00.000-08:00

I wish I had as many pomegranates as satsumas. They're both good, but poms are my favorite. A little sketch before the devour...

Whidbey Island Sketchers Anniversary

2010-12-01T20:43:00.000-08:00

The Whidbey Island Sketchers got together today to celebrate our one year anniversary. A whole year of weekly meetings sketching together. A great year of making friends and sketching camaraderie. I look forward to many more! Here's my sketch of Catherine while she painted tangerines...

Last Evening at the Edgecliff

2010-11-28T18:04:00.000-08:00

Young Man Watching

Spent a final evening at the Edgecliff sketching with my friend, Sue. We wish Tim, the co-owner, and Stephanie, the server, and all others who work there the best in their future endeavors. We will miss them. The place was bustling with people coming in for a last meal and/or drink at the bar. Here's a few of my sketches from our time there...

Happy People

Gent

People Talking

Guy Waiting

People at the Bar

Puddy X 4

2010-11-24T10:18:00.000-08:00

Pud is one fine bowl of puddin'. A big, amorphous puff ball of blackish-red fur with two little ears sticking up at one end, and a twisting duster at the other. A challenge to sketch. And an opportunity for abstraction and mark making. She's a doll. The sweetest kitty....

Snow Days

2010-11-23T15:29:00.000-08:00

Backyard Winter Evening

The first sketch is of the yard while it snowed last night. I sat looking out the window as the light faded.
The other two I did while waiting for Zoey to get her Thanksgiving bath at the groomers. I stopped off at Maxwelton beach to see the Olympic Mountains. The water was beautifully dark and very cold looking.

Mawelton Beach

Olympic Mountains on a snowy day.

A Favorite Haunt

2010-11-17T10:01:00.000-08:00

Stephanie, a server.

Sadly, one of our favorite sketching haunts, The Edgecliff restaurant, is closing. I'll miss the friendly people, burgers and mussels. It will be closing at the end of the month so I'll be returning for some final sketching and happy hours. Here's a few sketches...

Tim, co-owner

People at the bar and Lisa, the new Braeburn owner, Langley.

Ebey Bowl

2010-11-11T22:10:00.000-08:00

Whidbey Island Sketchers met at Ebey Bowl, a great bowling alley in Coupevile. Here's my sketch...

Sketching at Mukilteo Coffee

2010-11-03T22:55:00.000-07:00

It was an enjoyeable day of sketching with my comrades at Mukilteo Coffee and the Edgecliff. So much fun and great conversation I hardly got anything done. But heck, everyone has been busy with work or on fabulous trips, there was much to catch up on. Got a few in. Here they are...

Lisbeth and customers at the Edgecliff.

My reflection in the window.

Drawing and Watercolor Classes

2010-10-28T09:53:00.000-07:00

My art classes start November 6th. The learning never stops!

Fundamentals of Drawing
10am – 1pm, Saturdays
Nov. 6 – Dec 11
Come learn the basics of drawing! Knowing the fundamentals gives artists a greater command of advanced painting media such as watercolors, oils and pastels, thus their own self expression. Through lectures, demonstrations, handouts, and in and out of class drawing studies, you'll learn the essentials such as sighting, values, composition, light and shadow, perspective, contour line, and dry media such as pencil and charcoal. We'll also study the masters of drawing such as Rembrandt, Delacroix and Leonardo. Your natural abilities and individual voice will be recognized, nurtured and encouraged to further you down the road of artistic development.
$190, $175 for returning students

Register at: http://www.swparks.org/registration_faq.html

Go to the 'Tools' page on my blog for the supply list.

Painting with Watercolor
2pm – 5pm, Saturdays
Nov. 6 – Dec 11
No other medium compares to the jewel-like qualities of watercolor and all it's variations in color and granulation characteristics, not to mention the absolute thrill of watching colors disperse, bloom and explode on paper! All levels are welcome in this workshop, as your natural abilities and individual artistic voice will be recognized, nurtured and encouraged. We'll study color, composition, wash techniques and pigment characteristics through exercises, discussions and demonstrations, all of which will help build your confidence with this beautiful medium. Come experience the joy and thrill of painting with watercolor!
$190, $175 for returning students

Register at: http://www.swparks.org/registration_faq.html
Go to the 'Tools' page on my blog for the supply list.

A walk on the Beach

2010-10-17T18:50:00.000-07:00

Took the dogs for a late afternoon walk down to Scatchet Beach. Got in a couple quick sketches. The totem, turns out, had more figures on top but was trimmed down due to rot and mounted on a concrete base. I also found out after I drew it that it's sacrilegious to make an image of a totem. Oh well. I needed a scary image for the Whidbey Island Sketchers October Sketch Challenge so I'm not going to burn it. The other 4 panel sketch is of the Headlands looking up from the beach. It's full of Maples so fairly colorful.

Langley Sketching

2010-10-17T18:45:00.000-07:00

Spent yesterday afternoon and evening sketching in Langley. First, the puppets at Nymbol's, then Prima Bistro. Met a lot nice people as we usually do when we're out sketching. People notice us looking or the palettes in front of us. Kids really hone in. They're artists wanting to know what other artists are up to. Here's my sketches...

Nymbol's Puppets

Family Celebration

A not so good likeness of Sue.

An animated Gentleman

Analytique

2010-10-04T08:20:00.000-07:00

Six of us sketchers ventured to downtown Seattle early in the a.m. last Saturday for a class called 'Analytique.' It was canceled at the last minute so we made lemonade with our lemons. Breakfast and sketching at Pike's Place, then headed up to Capital Hill to Dick Blick for some supply shopping. Our group is a bit like herding cats! Too many distractions in busy downtown. All in all, it was a fun day and the sketchers are great to adventure with.

an·a·ly·tique–noun Architecture.

an elevation drawing of a façade, surrounded by a decorative arrangement composed of drawings of the important details and sometimes a plan or section of the façade.

Wendy at Breakfast. She got to work immediately drawing the pillars on the lower level of the market.

As we were leaving the market I spotted a guy entirely covered with silver. He was a funky robot. I call him SilverMan.

Island Recycle and the Book Bus

2010-09-30T11:09:00.000-07:00

I joined the Whidbey Island Sketchers at Island Recycle in Freeland Wednesday. So much great junk to draw there, but this dilapidated bus called my name. It's now full of books. It made me think of hippies, Timothy Leary, Ken Kesey and who in the past owned this gem. Was it a mobile library at one time? What's it's history? Island Recycle begs a return.

Django at UBC

2010-09-25T08:37:00.000-07:00

A splendid afternoon sitting on the UBC patio listening to great music, sketching with the sketchers and drinking delicious coffee. I call it Heaven.

Line by Line

2010-09-17T10:30:00.000-07:00

Getting Back to the Phantom Skill by James McMullan is the first of a 12 part series on drawing by this renown illustrator and teacher. My hero when I was a student and my reason for picking up watercolors way back in the 80s. I'm looking forward to reading and applying his teachings. Hope you find some nuggets of inspiration!

Mint

2010-09-12T10:52:00.000-07:00

Just playing around with this spread. There's a couple cats in the background. 3 total. It was done in my A4 Moleskine WC sketchbook. The paper takes watercolor strangely, forming bloppy shapes with no waterflow. The paper doesn't hold up well to paint removal either. Adds interesting marks with a certain messiness. Those peculiar characteristics I've come to both love and hate.

Beach Sketches

2010-09-08T09:15:00.000-07:00

Here's a few odds and ends. The first image is a sketch of a lean-to structure I found down at the beach. There was another, more elaborate and impressive one behind me, that appears to be a bar with seats and everything. Even equipped with a bottle of Vodka.
In the second image I tried to capture an amazing sunset at Maxwelton Beach. Those vertical shapes are people, by the way. The third image is out of my new pocket, Japanese accordion style Moleskine, which I love. It opens up into a longer format which is less restricting, so the pocket version, approximately 3x5, is very convenient to carry.

Lean-to Bar Seats

Maxwelton Beach Sunset

Scatchet Head Beach

Magnolia at Greenbank

2010-09-04T10:27:00.000-07:00

Got in this sketch of a magnolia tree while waiting for dinner reservations at Whidbey Pies Cafe.

Angel at Langley Cemetery

2010-09-02T22:53:00.000-07:00

Nice to see all my sketcher friends at the Langley Cemetery for our weekly. They all produced outstanding work. And the weather was good.
I have been obsessed with this angel for a month or so. I've done numerous false starts in addition to three sketches. There's just something about her. She has a wistful expression and a longing in her attitude as she looks towards the sky. It's like she's in constant motion. Balanced by open wings, leaning forward to some future. Without a doubt, I'll be painting her again.

Whidbey Pies Cafe Show

2010-09-01T09:28:00.000-07:00

I'm delighted to announce that many of my watercolors and sketches are presently on display at Whidbey Pies Cafe, Greenbank, through the month of September. The variety of images I selected; flowers, animals, landscapes and people, were done on location here on Whidbey Island. Though I had to include one of my favorites of the Methow Valley. It's a thrill to see them framed and hanging on their walls. Stop on in for pie and a look see!

Pie Crumbs

Sketching at Toby's

2010-09-01T09:08:00.000-07:00


Guy with Dreads

Sue V. and I stopped in at Christopher's in Coupeville then headed to Toby's down the street for Mussels. We sketched of course.

Our booth was huge.

People at the wine bar in Christopher's.

Around Deception Pass

2010-08-25T22:45:00.000-07:00

Beach Daisies

Spent some time at Deception Pass and Bowman Bay drawing and painting. It was a spectacular day, warm with a light breeze. Got a number of paintings partially finished. I was interrupted by mosquitoes at one spot and loss of daylight at the other. Will have to finish them at home from photos. Here are a couple that I managed to finish. And I saw my first otters ever! Four came running onto the beach 20 yards away and disappeared into the grass. They were very charming!

Bowman Bay

Put your Rams with your Ewes

2010-08-21T10:12:00.000-07:00

Yep, it's that time of year. Put your rams with your ewes in September if you want lambs in the spring. That's what you learn if you hang out in the sheep barn at the Island County Fair like I did, so it's definitely worth the trip to go see. Plus lots of rides and celebrity impersonators such as Elvis. Lots of screams, laughs, livestock and food. It's a blast! Here's a few sketches from Friday...

Lilies and Mint, and 'The Talent Code'

2010-08-15T13:48:00.000-07:00

It's truly summer today. Did a little sketching this morning in my backyard. I really enjoy brush pen and have several filled with a couple different colored inks. I love red and warm colored line work. It adds zing. In the first sketch I used Noodler's Cayenne ink which is a lovely bright red. It's water soluble so bleeds when I add watercolor. Frustrating to control. In the second drawing I used a waterproof ink with the idea of seeing the difference of more control and maybe improving on the first drawing. Ha! I like it less! I think the looseness and lack of control along with the mistakes makes for a more interesting drawing, as frustrating as it was while drawing it. I was wrapping myelin. Which brings me to this...

Been reading 'The Talent Code' by Daniel Coyle. It's a fascinating read and quite helpful. It gives me some real tools to grasp in my attempts to improve my skills. His study is a confirmation of my beliefs. It's always been my mantra that there's no such thing as talent. I've noticed that over the years in teaching, seeing students grow leaps and bounds, achieve great skills and make amazing art. It's all hard work. Doing it over and over and over with goals in mind. Practicing beyond one's ability, reaching and failing and reaching... and failing, until one finally achieves the desired skill. Daniel Coyle calls it 'deep practice.' It's all about myelin wrapping around neurons and other factors that ignite the desire to attain skills. I highly recommend the book. Read it, practice and grow some myelin!

Pine Tree at Whidbey Institute

2010-08-11T20:37:00.000-07:00

The Whidbey Island Sketchers and I spent the afternoon at the Whidbey Institute sketching. The grounds are beautiful with some massive, old trees with interesting limbs. Observing and studying this old tree was awe inspiring and humbling. It's rare to see such old growth. I feel honored. Here's my painting...

Hot Pink Watercolor Part 2

2010-08-08T19:25:00.001-07:00

Watercolor Brushes I like

2010-08-08T17:48:00.000-07:00

Concert in the Park

2010-08-07T00:06:00.000-07:00

Did some sketching at the Camano Cadillac Band concert that took place in the community park near Langley. They played great country. Some Patsy Cline of course. Here's a few sketches.

Hot Pink Watercolor Part 1

2010-07-29T00:14:00.000-07:00

Playing around painting a large floral watercolor so thought I'd record it. It's so small. I'll try to make the next one larger. Here's part one:

Race Week in Coupeville

2010-07-22T10:30:00.000-07:00

The WISk group met at the Coupeville Wharf for Race Week. Another great day of fun. I just want to say thanks to Janet, from Connecticut, for joining us. She and her partner are on their way to sail the world from their home base in Puerto Vallarta. Wow! She'll be sketching her journey, so when she posts her work, I'll set a link. Have fun Janet!
I had a delightful conversation with two inquisitive children, Kathleen and Wesley, from Bellingham. They both love drawing so wanted to know more about what we were up to. I was so very impressed with them both because of their thoughtful observations and questions. I was sketching Julie, one of our sketchers, and Wesley took note of that fact. I got in a couple sketches of them watching me draw.

My sketch of Julie sketching and someone watching the boats.

Then after the Race, stopped by the Blue Goose Inn for a pitcher of Sangria. Yum!

Lavender Wind

2010-07-15T11:43:00.000-07:00

Whidbey Island Sketchers met at Lavender Wind Farm just north of Coupeville. What a spectacular day for sketching outdoors. And what a lovely and fragrant setting. We splurged on lavender flavored ice creams and all are unique and delicious. Here's a large sketch of the lavender fields with some poppies.

And some sketches from the Blue Goose Inn, Coupeville, where we stopped in for wine and cheese. Their pesto dip was great too. This sketch was done late when the patio area was in partial shade.

Choochokam Plus Some

2010-07-13T18:47:00.000-07:00

Posting the few drawings I did at Choochokam. I sketched people watching "Artists in Action" at Whidbey Island Fine Art Studio booths and Henry Stinson painting portraits. Also a couple of his models. The other sketches were done in Langley and the ferry.

This ferry scene is unrelated to Choochokam. I just like it.

Another ferry scene. On the boat.

A sketch of a guy book browsing at Island Coffee in Langley.

Blonds on the deck at Prima Bistro. Partially lit by sun.

Painting Light

2010-06-27T15:20:00.000-07:00

I think in the case of candle light it's easiest to convey light with a warm to hot palette. With flesh don't be fearful of using bright reds. It conveys blood in the skin and a sense of it's translucency. The use of analogous transparent layers (glazing) creates a glow within itself. Also use some hits of blue to make those warm colors glow.
My students wanted to see a demonstration of how to paint light so I did this quick study from a photo.

Painting with Watercolor II

2010-06-25T14:36:00.000-07:00

Olympics from Ebey's Bluff

The next class dates are set for Painting with Watercolor II. Here's the class description:

Painting with Watercolor II - Beginning to Intermediate
This class is a continuation of the spring watercolor class. All levels are welcome. We'll be delving into some drawing basics the first two weeks with the study of light and shadow, perspective, contour and gesture drawing. These drawing principles will be geared around and applied to the use of watercolor. We'll continue the study of color, composition, washes and pigment characteristics through exercises, discussions and demonstrations, all of which will help build your confidence with this beautiful medium. Come experience the joy and thrill of painting with watercolor!

  Dates: July 2- July 30, Fridays, 10am-12pm
Location: South Whidbey Parks and Rec., 5474 Maxwelton Rd., Langley  

$140  

Register through South Whidbey Parks and Recreation
http://www.swparks.org/registration_faq.html

Please go to the 'Tools' page for the supply list:
 http://drawingsfromlife.blogspot.com/p/tools.html

The Zen of Sketching

2010-06-24T18:00:00.000-07:00

Sketching is meditative. It's a pleasure to calmly explore shapes, make marks on paper and see the beauty of a drawn line. The rest of the world falls away. Though this spread is not much of anything, when I look at it I recall the experience of creating it, the effort of trying to understand Zoey's structure and physical characteristics through drawing. I'm also reminded of my deep affection for her. It started as a small drawing of the chopping block and hatchet outside while I sat on the deck, then I was forced to go inside by rain. And there was Zoe.

Morning in the Yard

2010-06-23T18:00:00.000-07:00

I decided when I started this little sketch I would overwork it by putting layers and layers of paint down to see how much it would tolerate before turning to mud. I'd say it's on a mud puddle side.

Solstice at Toby's

2010-06-22T10:05:00.000-07:00

A bit of solstice celebration with a number of my sketcher friends at Toby's in Coupeville. A great spot to sketch and have a beer or glass of wine. It's right on Penn Cove, so the view is fabulous. Particularly on the longest day of the year when the sunset extends into the late hours. I tried sketching that loveliness but could not do it justice. The violets and peachy oranges were gorgeous. Quite cliche, but well appreciated none the less.

Sketching in Langley

2010-06-17T09:40:00.000-07:00

I'm very delighted to say that my 'Drawings from Life' blog is now RSS feeding to our local newspaper, the South Whidbey Record. One can find it in the community section of their website: http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/whidbey/swr/community Thank you, Paul Balcerak and South Whidbey Record!
Our WISk (Whidbey Island Sketchers) group met in Langley for some sketching on Wednesday. A couple of us sat on the porch of Mike's where I tried to capture the storefront of the Chocolate Flower Farm across the street. Langley is truly charming with it's old buildings. Very much a village by the sea.

Chocolate Flower Farm

2010-06-10T22:15:00.000-07:00

Here's a WC sketch from the Chocolate Flower Farm in Langley. A beautiful place to spend the afternoon sketching. I'll be spending a lot of time there this summer. When the weather permits! We were run out by thunder from two directions and sudden rain.

Peony Pods and a Boat

2010-06-09T22:46:00.000-07:00

Spent a little time in the yard sketching the peony pods that formed after the extravagant blooms. They're interesting. Added in a few Robins hunting worms.

Also did a drawing of the umbrella, chairs and boat one can see from the
Edgecliff.

The Other Side

2010-06-07T19:02:00.000-07:00

With a slight break from rain to mist, took the dogs and my paints down to Scatchet Beach, at least to get some exercise. This sketch is representative of our weather this spring. Gray and soggy. It takes watercolors awhile to dry. Painting outside is wet in wet for the duration of the session. I walked home with my painting sketchbook open. It was still very enjoyable, both the walk and the painting. And the dogs had fun playing in the water.

Still Life Demo and Captain Whidbey Inn

2010-06-06T21:20:00.000-07:00

Here's a small watercolor of a still life I did as a demonstration for my students.

Later in the day went up to Captain Whidbey Inn on Penn Cove. Had wine, mussels, spinach salad and white bean salad. It was excellent food... and company, Sue and Lisbeth. Got in a few sketches inside.

Later I sat outdoors on the deck overlooking Penn Cove and did a little sketch of the Madrona seen through the porch pillars. What a fabulous evening and sunset.

Brackenwood Gallery

2010-05-24T12:06:00.000-07:00

I'm delighted to announce I've just signed on with Brackenwood Gallery in Langley, Washington. Owners, Rene Neff and Anne Waterman, are both knowledgeable in the arts and great to work with. I can't say enough how honored I feel to be part of their group of talented artists. Check out their gallery by foot, or online:
http://brackenwoodgallery.com/