We woke up this morning to snow and ice making a light blanket over the whole world. That rarely happens in Oklahoma this late. Several times today I felt like gearing up and trudging out to sketch. I find that when it is cold outside, it is easy for me to resist those urges. Tonight’s EDM challenge was to draw some flowers. I did a quick thumbnail sketch so that I could complete the challenge later, but I couldn’t resist the colors of the grape hyacinths. So I ran back out into the 4o°F afternoon, with Girl1 in tow, to paint the little lovelies in with the new mini sketch kit. I’m not sure how much longer I can continue to call it new, but I know I’m still having fun with it.
I’m especially glad that I went back out into the cold to paint them because all I did with the EDM sketch outside was draw a few basic shapes to lock in the placement of the flowers. We loaded up for a family outing (go see Monsters VS Aliens!) and when we returned it was too dark to get any more details outside. So, I used my watercolor sketch as a reference to fill in the blanks. Usually when I a work from a photo reference, I get the basic shapes and then I have to remove the photo. I don’t like to spend as much time in realism as I do in interpretation.
The grape hyacinths are lovely. I do so agree with you about getting down the basics from a reference photograph and then tucking it away somewhere!
I admire you for braving the cold and getting done what it was you wanted to do. The flowers are lovely and I really like your portable artist kit. Great work!
Well done for braving the elements! I love your mini sketch kit. I am doing a series of posts on sketching kits – I’d like to link to this post.
Great, Blade. I came on here from The Sketching Forum, and I like the kit–practical for standing as well as sitting– and the sketches. Lovely, delicate colors.
annie
(BeginAgin)
First, I too like the flowers, especially the sketches. Just as a side note, Girl1 does an excellent job as photographer. Great experience for both of you.
Great stuff! Love the images of you at work. What a great little kit!
I love your sketch kit! And the Hyacinths look great too, I love these first little flowers in the garden, our are just now peeking up, but not blooming yet. A real feeling of Spring!