Sketching: Foundations 1

I have just begun a new online sketching class with Liz Steel called Foundations. I first met Liz in a sketching class through Sketchbook Skool a few years ago so I know I am working with an excellent teacher. I have been away from sketching for too long and felt that the best way to add it back into my life was to make a date with myself to sketch through this course. This course is all about getting a good grounding in foundational skills that will serve me at every stage of my development.

 

I thought it might be a good idea to take out my sketchbook and supplies and see where I am before the class got underway. I chose to sketch items in my own home, something I’m familiar with and really like. The first sketch I did using 4 different hardness pencils. I was looking for shapes and shading. I also knew that I couldn’t tackle the whole etching on my first go at it so I chose one of the tomatoes in this print. The artist is a friend of mine name Susan Dimitman. Here is her print: Click on images to see a larger view.

 

 

And here is the tomato sketch I did:

 

 

 

One winter I was whining about the lack of edible tomatoes and the long wait we had until real live tomatoes would be available at the farmer’s market. Not long after that, Susan gifted me with the print she had done of a group of photographed tomatoes. She said she hoped it would get me through the winter.  It did! I have that print hung just at the edge of my kitchen so I see it every day.

 

Then I decided to do a sketch and use color. I selected a notecard I received several years ago. I love the image and it certainly was challenging. I used watercolor pencils for this sketch.

 

 

I really like using watercolor pencils. I can draw lightly, establishing shapes in steps; adding more and more pencil where I want more intense color. When I’m happy with it, I whip out my watercolor brush, gently apply the water and make it come alive. Presto! Like a mini miracle happens before my eyes. The notecard on the right is much more elaborate than my sketch but I’m still happy with what I achieved. Simplification is not a bad thing, especially when in restart mode!

 

I am happy to be coming back to the art practices I love and have missed. If you are new here, you can discover earlier sketching I’ve done by clicking on the category Sketch/Watercolor in the right-hand column.