Three sketches from a 2000 sketchbook. I watercolored right into the book, even though the paper is thin and meant for pencil or pen. I redrew the sketches on watercolor paper, but they didn't come out as well as the originals. I find that often - that the spontaneity of a sketch is more interesting than a careful, planned drawing. It seems especially true if I'm using sketches for a more finished work.
Oranges. Pears. Pears. Pears. Pears.
Taking photos of a painting as it progresses reminds me later how indirect the route to a finished work is, and it's a relief to remember when I'm struggling through a different painting. In this painting I am finally seeing, thinking in and interpreting three dimensions. It's a whole new world.
We never had much snow this past winter. Snow makes such interesting shadows and such high contrast color and light. But I did find that there were still shadows visible on the grass and that they had color.
The three pencil sketches are older. I switched to sketching in ink a few years ago for several reasons. It doesn't smear in a sketchbook. It scans in well. The contrast is higher, and I'm always excited when I see other people's work with really dark darks.
