Sketchbook Skool

I’m in the middle of an on-line class called Sketchbook Skool developed by Danny Gregory and Koosje Koene. The idea behind this 6-week class led by a different instructor each week is to gain skills and inspiration which will lead to making sketching a daily habit. I am learning a lot and having fun, my two goals for taking this class.

This sketch was done starting with a cup of coffee — yes, the morning wake up cup. A bit of coffee poured into a saucer and the mug used as a stamp, then the sketch. What better than to use what is at hand — a watercolor kit. It was a very nice way to begin the day — focused and caffeinated. Click on an image for a larger view.

Koosje suggests sketching things you love. Here is a watercolor of a plate that belonged to my mother-in-law. I have loved this little plate from the moment I first saw it. I treasure having it in my own home now.

And here is the plate.

I would characterize my sketch as not bad as a first attempt. I will be sketching this again with a focus on better capturing the trees to the far left and right of the setting. My mistake with those areas was following the paint order used by the artist who painted this plate, forgetting that the paint order for that medium versus the watercolor paints I am using, is quite different. I can do nothing but improve!