Category Archives: art journal

VSW: Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Cathedral, Chicago

Loving this virtual walk in Chicago, I found a lovely Louis Sullivan church I’d not known about. Chicago has to be the Queen City of Architectural Monuments! Playing in virtual sketching gives me the ability to try techniques, and here … Continue reading

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Bright Ideas, Week 1

All these images are sketched in the Bright Ideas journal. I am trying to sketch faster, draw more without an agenda, and also to play again with colored pencils.  I used to work with them as an architect and it … Continue reading

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Thursday Doors: South Doors Washington Legislative Building

Because we are in the middle of expanding our business studio space (and yes, I get a bit bigger art space to boot) I am pulling up old images with a new twist for Thursday Doors, (Check out Norm’s amazing … Continue reading

Posted in architecture, art, art journal, pen & ink, sketchbook, urban sketchers, watercolor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

USk: Native American Student Center PSU

Above, a quick sketch (with Diamine Ancient Copper ink in a Lamy Al-star) of the Native American Student Center at the south end of the PSU campus, off the park.  Watercolor wash moved the inks: three colors were used: Yavapei, … Continue reading

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VSW: Getty Tomb by Sullivan

Thanks to a tour of Chicago + Louis Sullivan, I found the Getty Tomb in Graceland (which the name always makes me think of Elvis, of course.) I couldn’t get the Getty Tomb out of my head. Best to get … Continue reading

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Copyright, Chagall Card, Riffs, WTH?

 I am breaking with my normal posts to say this timely bit regarding copyright, and the lawsuit against Led Zep over the riff.  I don’t give a toss about any of it, but the topic is under my skin.  I … Continue reading

Posted in art, art journal, copyleft, creativity, meditation, process, sketchbook, watercolor | Tagged , , , , , | 10 Comments

VSW: Harold Washington Library, Chicago, 2 Watercolors

I added a wash coat of color and a bit of detail to the ink sketches. Being a line-work gal, not sure which I like best…  You? Moleskin 8×11 watercolor journal, watercolor pencils and Pentalic HB woodless pencil, Platinum Preppy … Continue reading

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VSW: Harold Washington Library, Chicago, 1Ink

I look at my pages now that my comfort with fountain pens and watercolors — my materials — to move my eye to design a pleasing page. I love this postmodern building and had little knowledge of it so this … Continue reading

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Tools: Sennelier Watercolor Pan Kit and Pentalic Aqua Journal

It seems that when I get my watercolors in order and say “I need nothing,” I end up buying something new.  Blick’s is having an amazing sale which I came across looking for a replacement tube; I had put my … Continue reading

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A common surprise

Originally posted on Sketch Away: Travels with my sketchbook:
It’s becoming more and more common: someone will email me telling me about an interesting sign in San Jose that I haven’t sketched. I’ll go out to sketch it only to find something quite different…

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VSW: Chicago, 1, Newberry Library

Nice to have Sue lead the Virtual Sketchwalk in Chicago this month.  I’m taking the opportunity to play on Canson Colored papers, ink and watercolor on grey paper! The watercolor buckled the paper, but it stood up to it — … Continue reading

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Black HUB IPA Can

Okay, first off, do NOT sketch in a black watercolor pencil when your first coat will be an Indian Yellow or Quin Gold.  Dumb.  I tried to wet and wash it off; alas, it did not work well.  Also, the … Continue reading

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VSW: Chicago, 2, Fourth Presbyterian Church

Continuing the Virtual Sketchwalk in Chicago drawing on colored paper, this time ink and colored pencil on grey paper, with a nod to Pat Southern-Pearce! Canson paper loose to be tipped into my Moleskin 8×11 watercolor journal, Pentalic HB woodless … Continue reading

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Creativity: Stumbling Blocks + Play

Creatives get blocked. Creatives need play time! It has been a long time since I’ve been involved in a project — I’m not talking about recipes or art challenges but real projects — a couple of years of learning watercolors, … Continue reading

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Convergence: Grief, Books, Life

This gallery contains 10 photos.

Originally posted on joy murray art~stories~life:
I belong to a book club where, at 55, I’m the youngest member.  The oldest member is 92 and there is another member who turned 90 this year.  I’m reluctant member of…

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Gratitude Journal: Chocolate Bunny

What is it about the power of a chocolate bunny? And more importantly, we’ve had SO many years without them because we stopped eating non-organic sweets!  If we are going to fill our bellies with sugar and all means of … Continue reading

Posted in art journal, color, gods and goddesses, journal, memory, pen & ink, sketchbook, watercolor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Laguna Starfish

From a photo, middle of the night, watercolor pencil, splashing paint, no ink. Missing the ocean, need to dip my toes in sand and sea soon…. Aquabee Super Deluxe Journal, Caran D’ache watercolor pencil, White Uniball Signo, and Daniel Smith … Continue reading

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How I Make Creative Decisions

Sometimes it is hard to pick a project, or say no to an opportunity. April is arriving, and I have two art projects on my board in addition to making a living (conserving antiquities — this is what I am … Continue reading

Posted in architecture, art journal, challenge, creativity, drawing, journal, painting, pen & ink, sketchbook, virtual sketching, watercolor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments