The art of the quick sketch

I've gotten in to the habit of sketching lately, in a big way. Never really have done it much. But it all started a while ago with some charcoals I had lying around  ... and boredom, or inability to decide what to do. Now I am finding it fun - and a learning experience. Which, of course, is exactly what well seasoned and trained artists have been advising me for years. I never was a good student. Too bull headed, have to work it out for myself. Sigh.
A while back I did a water colour sketch of the view from my bedroom. Yesterday morning we enjoyed another striking sunrise. All the leaves on the mulberry tree have fallen off and the Milford water tower and one of the church spires has come back in to view after disappearing behind the lush green all summer. So, I just had to do another sketch - slightly different angle, very slight.
I got to wondering why I am suddenly sketching away happily and often. I figured it might all be because my friend, Rosemary Connelly, is an avid water colour journaling type and I've become infected by her enthusasim. I have been admiring her work for over a year now. She is such a natural talent at this - I look forward to seeing her work when she returns from somewhere. It's more exciting than holiday photos because of her intense personal way of painting, loose and bright. I've just had the privilege of seeing her San Francisco journal and felt like I was back there myself. Maybe one day I'll grow up and be able to do as well as her! HA!
I also saw a sketch my old school friend, and now a famous artist in Australia, Carol Lee Beckx, did in a coffee shop. It's just fabulous - check her website and follow links to her blog & facebook page. Her work is just beautiful - I was in awe of it more than 40 years ago and still am!
So - here's my view from my bedroom window, part deux...

4x6 water colour © 2012 Anne Jenkins All Rights Reserved

Please do check out my website - I have posted all the completed paintings in The Vukuzakhe Project. Let me know what you think!
and you can follow me on facebook - I'd appreciate you hitting the "like" button and sharing the fun!

The Art of a Studio Tour

I've been involved with or in a number of studio tours and this one in Washington, D.C. is one of the most fun I've done... and written about. The neighbourhood is funky and the artists exciting, original & friendly - it makes for a wonderful day out... especially on a Sunday when traffic is calmer. Do go if you can.
here's the article in American Roads - enjoy!
http://www.americanroads.net/Art_Trails.htm