Christmas

Silver Linings

I've been inside with a cold for a couple of days, but it's given me time to make a Christmas card...

and add to my Vase Book...

Library Sketches

Figure Drawing

Every Day Sketches

Once again, a friend and I have challenged each other to try to make at least one sketch each day in November. Here are some that I feel comfortable posting.

 Some have been mundane...

Some have been sketched while I've waited...

Sometimes I've sketched looking out windows...

or on a walk...

I've gone to figure drawing sessions...

I've drawn plants....

and I've drawn with friends...

(If you look closely on the teapot lid, you'll see the reflections of some sketchers. You'll have to trust me on this.)

About two weeks into the challenge, I felt pressured to sketch and was counting the days left in the month. Then in about the third week, I was back in the swing of things and it was easy to find a subject to draw. Lots of times, I'd start planning what I might sketch the next day. Like any habit, it gets easier with time and eventually, a day doesn't feel complete until I've sketched.

Autumn

Paris Sketches

The day we arrived in Paris it was cloudy and gray, but we didn't mind.

Usually, the weather was sunny and crisp so we did a lot of walking...once taking a 3 minute break for me to sketch a quick view of Notre Dame.

We visited Sacre Coeur and found a quiet spot where I could draw.

After sketching in Luxembourg Gardens, I needed to go to an art store for some Winsor red.

I joined the very welcoming Paris sketchers for a sketch in a bookstore...

where I also sketched a couple of other sketchers...

It was sunny and busy in the Marais and many people were out enjoying the weather...

This isn't a very good sketch of the Rodin Garden, but it reminds me of the very well-dressed little toddler who tried to take my purse, presumably to complete her ensemble...

On another sunny afternoon, I did a quick sketch at the garden of the Palais Royale. Nearby,  we saw ads for a Le Corbusier exhibit.

In the courtyard, a class of art/architecture students were practicing perspective. I decided to join in for a quick sketch.

I finally got to see a closeup of the sculptures in the fountain at Place Igor Stravinsky, behind the Pompidou.

When I got home, I make a map of the places we visited in Paris.

It was a fabulous trip. I don't think I could ever get tired of visiting Paris and sketching its many wonders.

September

Here are some sketches from last month that didn't get posted.