Paying attention.

Fine liner and watercolor on S&B Beta Series 3.5 in x 5.5 in

 If you pay attention to the details of a tree and/or a bush, and draw the branches, the leaves grouping together, the lonely leaves, then the plant comes out with its own personality. I normally do random greens, just big shapes placed one in front of the other, but this was an example of REALLY watching. What a difference.

Sunny lunch

Fine liner and watercolor on S&B Beta 3.5 in x 5.5 in

Today was a beautifully sunny day and the temperature was finally nice to eat lunch outdoors. There’s construction on Lockport St, in Plainfield, Illinois, so we moved indoors due to the noise. The surrounding area was so colorful that my sketching gear had to come out. This is the view from our table indoors, looking outside were we were seated first. I used a pocket size Stillman&Birn watercolor sketchbook, my Bijou watercolor palette and a watercolor brush. I had complements for the sketch from two waiters, one passed the voice on the other one. He asked me to hashtag it, so I did. 

Towing business on Route 66

 

Ink and watercolor on hot press paper, 10 in x 7 in

This towing business is located in downtown Joliet on Route 66. The old building has been preserved and used as clever  advertisement. They are not using this building, the new facilities are right next door, out of the sketch. The originality of the old cars’ display is fun and quite unique. Across from the street I parked in the parking lot and sketched from the comfort of my seat. I tried a new board I custom made with 3 holes to place my watercolor brushes. They are within my reach and oh, does it makes a difference.