Lately, I've been doing some quick 30 minute sketch exercises, looking up, like a fun game. There are many subjects to choose from in the big city. When pressed for time, I just let my pen go with the flow. I keep checking my lines the way I see them before committing them on paper. I always look for the proximity of the line next to it so I don't get lost in the process. This actually helps me a lot. Below are some examples.
We happen upon a herd of cattle grazing near the Blue Hill at Stone Barns last weekend. I know they move the cows around the property from time to time. It was a nice opportunity to sketch the cows even for some few minutes. Finished later at home. Upon adding color to the sketch, I think this will be a good painting material
A dear friend asked me today if I will participate in the annual event that will start on Monday, March 9. Not sure what my reply was but I've already participated in it more than once before. To be honest, it always feels intense especially when the desired outcome (100 people sketches) isn't met. I think I skipped it last year for that very reason and most likely it will be the same this time. No new pressure to add to my already hectic schedule. At today's NYC Urban Sketchers meet-up at Chelsea Market, I did some people sketches for fun and practice. If you are reading this, know that I tried my best to get a good likeness of you in this sketch. It's always nice to see you in our weekend sketch outing and thanks for being my muse.
I think she was half-awake most of the time that morning. It seem to me that she was more asleep by the time when I got to sketch her face. Her snow boots first captured my interest then worked my way up from that starting point. Here I'm trying to learn to punch up certain areas with line weight and density. I think that helps add to the composition.
The combination of a blizzard and Nor'easter started coming on Sunday evening. By Monday morning, we received at least 15" of wet, heavy snow on the ground. Most of the snow fell overnight with some strong winds, too. Glad I can work from home. After clearing the snow off my car, I went back into the apartment building and checked the mail room. Through the window, I saw a young boy sledding down to his waiting mother just below the slope at the corporate offices across the road from us. I had to sketch the scene! They also happen to live in the same apartment building as ours.
On Valentine's Day, Anne and I went to the Met Museum to see the Paintings of Helen Schjerfbeck after our lunch date at Saperavi UES. Her paintings are so inspiring! When Anne told me she saw some other artists making a study, I had to get my sketchbook and try it out for myself. I chose this "Portrait of a Man, 1880"
