Not Quite Buckingham Fountain....

Our last sketch group meeting was almost two weeks ago, time gets away from me. We met at Buckingham Fountain on a beautiful, sunny but not too hot day but for some reason I had no interest in painting the fountain that day. So I moved my sights slightly to my left and concentrated on the view of the plaza and the skyline to the north. I also made an effort to keep loose and stay away from too many details. This is a detail (about one half) of the sketch from that day. It was a relaxing afternoon and I enjoyed the process very much.

On Caldwell Pond...

Last Monday,8-8-16, was the annual visit to the Caldwell Lily Pond. Again this year we arrived too late for the bulk of the lilies in bloom, but it was a beautiful day and a few other visitors made the day special.

I had settled on the view and had stated on my sketch when we were joined by a Great Blue Heron that had arrived to do some hunting off to my left. I guess because we were quiet and still, he stayed for close to a half hour. Suddenly another heron swooped in across the pond from behind me, there was a brief encounter between the birds and then the newcomer chased off the first towards the north. One of them returned in a few minutes and disappeared into the flowers and bushes on the east side of the pond, not to be seen again. I was awestruck by the herons, truly one of those spiritual moments out in nature that happen for me from time to time. He was beautiful and I added a quick sketch of this creature on the left side if my sketch. We also had several colorful ducks that had migrated to the pond from the zoo that were quite interested in what we were doing. I didn't get them in this sketch but got some nice photos as one showed off for me. I also got some decent photos of the heron.

All in all, it made for an special day, the Caldwell Lilly Pond has become my Walden Pond!

Watercolor USA Exhibition 2016

June 3 was the opening reception for this year's Watercolor USA Exhibition at the Springfield At Museum in Springfield, MO. I was honored to have my painting "Searching For X" chosen for inclusion in the show. This is the fourth time I have had a painting juried into this competitive showcase for American contemporary watercolor. In this photo of my painting you can also see my reflection as I was taking the picture. I wanted to express that my work is an expression of myself by including myself with my work as well as the fact that I am a part of the search for meaning thru my painting.

I was very happy to be able to attend the opening this year. I was also attending the annual board meeting on June 4 of the Watercolor Honor Society, I am a member and the Membership Secretary for the WHS. It was a pleasure to see the exhibit and visit with the talented artists that were in the show and those that serve on the WHS board.

A Warm Day In April

Last Monday was sunny and warm, predicted rain held off until evening, so we were able to paint and sketch outdoors. We were in the garden to the south side of the entrance to the Art Institute on Michigan Avenue. The trees had not fully leafed out yet but ground cover and Spring flowers were plentiful. This view is looking out towards the avenue across one of the planted areas. Between the warmth and breezes, paint was drying quickly. I am looking forward to another summer of outdoor painting opportunities.

At the Consevatory

Last Monday I was at the Lincoln Park Conservatory to sketch with the group. The Spring Flower show is still on display and I spent my time in that room. The sun was out, I had a bench to sit on , and music played, it was a comfortable setting in which to work. There was color everywhere and it was hard to choose what to paint. I did two sketches while there, the one shown here and another of blue and purple hydrangeas. I could go there everyday for a month and easily find a different subject each time! It was a most enjoyable afternoon and good to get back on location to work. I am looking forward to our upcoming locations!

Still Life Exercise

About ten days ago out little group gathered at an indoor location to avoid the cold and do a bit of sketching. Everyone brought items for a still life and we were able to put together a nice arrangement to draw and paint. I hadn't worked on a still life for quite some time, probably should try to do it more often! I am looking forward to being outside again soon!

A View To Start 2016

The fourth Monday of January began the 2016 season for our sketch group and we began in style, hosted by one of our members in her condo overlooking the beautiful parks of our lakefront. It was a treat to have such great views and all the comforts of home. I tried to do a loose watercolor of the panorama before me and not get caught up in the details. The cloudy skies helped keep the glare out of our eyes and due to the mild weather we have had, there was still a lot of green in the park. It was a great start to what I hope will be a productive year.