We were at the Huntington a few Saturdays ago, and as usual, I brought my small Aquabee sketchbook just in case. I was rewarded with a few sketching opportunities as you can see here.
These were all very quick studies, done in ten minutes or less, with a Sanford Uniball pen. I tried to capture the big picture - the main shapes and values, without regard to any details. I find it is easy to get wrapped up in the little things, and miss the primary inspiration.
I took a few reference photos, although I really didn't need to as I was able to remember the colors easily. I added color to all of the sketches later in my studio. This was a good time of practice: eye/hand coordination; sketching on the go; value; composition; and painting technique.
Here are some of my set ups from the last few months: my inside studio, my outside studio, teaching at the Creative Arts Group in Sierra Madre, and teaching a watercolor workshop at Swain's Art Store in Glendale.
Here is some recent sketchbook work ti illustrate the variety (and randomness) of my subject matter. These are quick, ten second value studies done for the painting of the Pasadena Playhouse during a watercolor class at Swain's Art Store.
Here is a pen and ink sketch of the Green Hotel done from Central Park.
This was done on the deck while enjoying a nice cigar.
This is the fourth study sketch for a commission I am struggling with.
These are small abstract studies, done to loosen up before doing some real work.
Houses and trees from across the canyon.
Waiting in line at the car wash.
Another cigar time on the deck.
Two sketches while at the Huntington.
Here are some sketches I made while waiting. That is the advantage of always having a sketchbook ready to go: you get a lot of practice, and the waiting time passes quickly. I did these sketches with my Sanford Uniball Micro pen, accented with a Pentel Sign Pen, and painted them later in my studio, imagining the colors.
The drawing of each of these took about five minutes. The top one was done while sitting on the curb in a parking lot waiting for Suzanne. I had to work fast. I only had enough time to capture the essence of the scene.
Here are a few sketches of Crystal Cove, a quirky beachside community in Southern California. It is full of unusual bungalows and shacks and is a favorite spot for artists.
I just purchased this awesome book. It is all about sketching the urban environment and features sketch artists from all over the world. I highly recommend it!
Here are a few studies of a Church in Whittier. I added some gesso to the bottom of the painted version to give it a vignette feeling. I'm not sure if the composition is working yet. The bottom sketch was painted with gouache.
