May 31, 2014

The sketch club reconvened today in our last outing before class begins again next week. Three of us met at Rosehill Cemetery and we couldn't have asked for a better day. The sun was out; the sky was blue and it was warm and beautiful. Once again, we wandered and sketched, enjoying the history and the memorials, along with the peace and quiet. A wonderfully relaxing time was had by all. Above is an example of the incredible architecture to be seen—the May chapel. No one sketched it this time, although we all stopped to admire it. Some other day, perhaps.

Here's what we did sketch. Ken did sweeping landscapes in quick sketch style. His goal was to capture the play of light on the trees. We think he's succeeded! See if you don't agree. Here, for instance is a beautifully composed view through the sun-dappled trees.

Again, notice the sunlight on the trees?

Here's a wide view near a lake....

...and a closer look at the weeping willow in the distance.

 

Sara gave herself the challenge of shading with a gel pen. Again, not the easiest thing, but she nailed it! And in a brave new twist, she's adding photos of her subject so you can see exactly what she saw. Here's a wider view...

...followed by some beautifully-rendered and shaded studies of details.

 

Elaine started with a wide view, too, featuring a sleek black granite shape opening out of a lighter lotus flower.

Then, she moved to the chapel, but chose to sketch the door near the back, nestled into an earth berm. She's also daring to show you a photo of what she sketched for comparison ....although it's from a different angle, so the perspective isn't quite the same. Still, brave of Sara and Elaine, isn't it?

Come back next week to catch up on what the rest of us were doing during break—and to see some beautiful watercolors, of course.

See you then!