Category Archives: virtual sketching

For Dan, One More Train…

Middle of the night drawing of the Oregon Zoo train.  Dan now you are forever linked to trains, along with my girlfriend who I used to ride trains with, and a crazy boyfriend who once picked me up on a … Continue reading

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VSW: Capetown South Africa Beachwalk, 1

I haven’t much time this week. Necessity is making my goal for this sketchwalk to capture the essence of the view, let go of details. What stands out about the view? the buildings? the beach? the sky? the mountain? Capture … Continue reading

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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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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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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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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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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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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

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Rich German on his Board

Took on foreshortening and portrait (EEEK!) and lions and tigers and bears, oh my! I’m pretty happy with the turnout! The suggestion of Marley’s and Hendrix’s portraits was done with masking fluid over yellow, then splashy splashy!  I’m pretty happy … Continue reading

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Whales and Dolphins and Sea Creatures, Oh MY!

I’m using this “sketch-swim” to loosen up and try new things. I am in love with Reuven Dattner‘s wonderful sketching images. One thing I’ve wanted to try is the use of odd colored or complementary colored inks in a sketch. … Continue reading

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Sugar Corn

Working from an image for the class, yellow watercolor pencil, Platinum Carbon pen…. Layering watercolors, yellow to deeper yellows and greens, to touches of pinks and Paynes grey, salt added, then white Pitt pen and splatters. I am taking an … Continue reading

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Playing with Tracey Fletcher King, 2

My style, but trying to get the layering of watercolors to work from Tracey’s instructions, with under-painting then top detail painting. I am taking an online class by my favorite Aussie, Tracey Fletcher King, called Delicious Paint. Pentalic Nature Sketch … Continue reading

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Eye to Eye with Humpback Baby

Rich German was eye to eye with a baby humpback whale. He took a picture, and allowed me to use it to sketch. I did this very quickly, and am happy with it. I only wish I could have the … Continue reading

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Drawing Rich German’s Whales

Rich German lives in my home-town, Laguna Beach, and loves the ocean’s creatures.  He garnered international attention from his video of a close encounter with a pod of orcas.  (Board and Rich shown right.)  He garnered the attention of some … Continue reading

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Kamala Steals the Blanket, 2

I tried this earlier but was not happy with the result, right, and decided to try it again.  I am happier with this one.  She is difficult to capture — black, but not, and suspicious!  I still used the Masking … Continue reading

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NW Portland Industrial Sanctuary

Our studio sits in the NW Industrial Sanctuary.  When most think of a sanctuary they think of preserving bird and wildlife habitats, but there are other kinds of sanctuaries. Once this was a gorgeous waterway and lake , used for … Continue reading

Posted in architecture, art journal, commentary, history, making a living, pen & ink, sketchbook, urban sketchers, virtual sketching, watercolor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 16 Comments