#simplegrace

The simple grace of a tiny palette on a long  road trip

Each year, for as long as I can remember, I've chosen a word to define my goals or mindset for the new year. This year the word is grace. It's something I've been thinking about for awhile and intend to make it a continuing focal point in 2018. It has many definitions and should make for a year of interesting discoveries!

Grace(as defined by Merriam-Webster)

1 a: unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or
        sanctification

b: a virtue coming from God

c: a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine assistance

2 a: approval, favor stayed in his good graces

b: archaic: mercy, pardon

c: a special favor: privilege

each in his place, by right, not grace, shall rule his heritage —Rudyard Kipling

d: disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency

e: a temporary exemption: reprieve

3 a: a charming or attractive trait or characteristic Among disagreeable qualities
        he possessed the saving grace of humor.

b: a pleasing appearance or effect: charm

all the grace of youth —John Buchan

c: ease and suppleness of movement or bearing

danced with such grace

4 used as a title of address or reference for a duke, a duchess, or an archbishop

5 a short prayer at a meal asking a blessing or giving thanks

6 Graces plural: three sister goddesses in Greek mythology who are the givers of
        charm and beauty

7 a musical trill, turn, or appoggiatura

8 a: sense of propriety or right

had the grace not to run for elective office —Calvin Trillin

        b: the quality or state of being considerate or thoughtful accepted his advice
        with grace

and Grace(as defined by me)
1      unexpected moments and insights that make us draw breath and smile 
        #simplegrace

God Bless America

When tragedy strikes we Americans rise to the challenge. It makes me proud and grateful to live in this country. I've been asking myself why we can't, or won't, work together on a daily basis. We have the "the right stuff" and I pray we learn to use it on the smaller things. Hate is a spiritual tragedy as real as physcial ones. It's just harder to recognize in ourselves.

9/11 Memorial

Painted on Long Boat Key. That's Sarasota in the distance.

Where Did Summer Go?

Time does fly when you’re having fun. Years ago I read French Women for All Seasons by Mireille Guiliano. It’s one of my favorite books. I love the change of seasons and all it brings, the changing light and color, in season foods, special holidays.

Fall always seems to be a new beginning for me. Maybe it goes back to all those years of starting a new school year. I also like the realization that the fall "new" year resolutions can get a reboot in January if necessary!

Goodbye fresh peaches, barbecues, and sunflowers. Hello, falling golden-leaves, pumpkins, and mums!

“Live in each season as it passes;

breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit,

and resign yourself to the influence of the earth.”

-Henry David Thoreau

Where in the World…

Where Have I Been Lately?

8th International Urban Sketchers Symposium photo from the final day at the General Logan Monument in Grant Park. Can you see me?

I can't believe it's been almost six months since I've posted here! The reason (or excuse?) is the same as my last post, only now the missions have been accomplished! The Ten Years Ten Classes program in Chicago was a success. Many thanks to our talented instructors and egar participants!

In July the 8th International Urban Sketchers Symposium was held in Chicago. I was honored to be part of the local Chicago chapter organizing team. We welcomed 570 sketchers from 34 countries who came to Chicago to learn, to sketch, to share, and have fun.
I gladly put my years of grahic design to use for the cause – logo, badges, banners, goodies!

15' x 8' Banner

24'' x12'' Banner

30' x 8' Banner

Just for size reference!

Where Am I Going?

It's even harder to believe that I started this blog over nine years ago with the intention of taking a deep breath and to get back to drawing and painting. I've come a long way. 

For me drawing and painting have always been the pause that refreshes. In this chaotic, hurried, bring me, buy me, get me, take me, I want, world I plan to draw, paint, and share those simple graces in daily life that remind me to draw breath and smile. Come along?

One Excuse from Me and Ten Reasons to Join Us

I know it's been a long time since I've posted here. Between the 8th Urban Sketchers International Symposium coming to Chicago in July and  Urban Sketchers 10th  Anniversary Celebration  "10 Years 10 Classes" Program starting in Chicago on April 15, as an administrator for the Chicago Chapter, I've been a little busy! I do hope you'll join us in April and again in July if you can. It's going to be a great time!

We are inviting all sketchers celebrate Urban Sketchers' 10th Anniversary by attending 10 on-location Chicago classes with our knowledgeable Urban Sketching instructors and, in the spirit of Urban Sketchers, sketch our world, one drawing at a time.

10 Reasons to Register for 10 Years – 10 Classes

1. Join with other sketchers from around the world in celebration of Urban Sketchers’ 10th anniversary. #usk10x10 
2. Be inspired by other artists, tools, and styles. 
3. Warm-up and brush-up your skills for the Urban Sketchers 8th International Symposium. 
4.  Can’t make the Symposium? Join us here! 
5.  Explore Chicago with a different instructor once a week for 10 weeks. 
6.  Learn a new skill or two and practice using it. 
7.  Receive personal attention from talented instructors. 
8. Artists like athletes, musicians, and actors, need to practice to improve and hone our performance. 
9. Become a better storyteller through sketching. 
10. Show and share your world one drawing at a time. #usk10x10

Don't miss out! Mark your calendar!

Registration opens on Wednesday, March 15!

Classes begin April 15!

See the course schedule here:

http://urbansketchers-chicago.blogspot.com/p/course-schedule.html

• All registration information will be posted here on this blog.
• Registration and payments will be taken through the Bookwhen site.
• There will be options to use a credit card or a PayPal account. 
• Choose all ten workshops and a 10% discount will be applied automatically!

Look for updates and information about 10 Years 10 Classes in Chicago here:

• Blog
• FaceBook - Urban Sketchers Chicago
• Twitter - @USk_Chicago
• Instagram - @USKCHICAGO
• urbansketcherschicago@gmail.com
• #usk10x10

Museum Sketching

In the Catholic church,  today is the Feast of the Presentation in the Temple. It reminded me of this quick sketch I did of one of my favorite paintings at LUMA (Loyola University Museum of Art), Simeon and the Christ Child by Thomas de Keyser, a 17th Century, Dutch painter. This is a sketch where I was concentrating on the facial expressions, but the colors in this painting are deep and rich. Sketching in the galleries at LUMA is encouraged on Tuesdays when admission is free!

Do Blue and Yellow Always Equal Green?

This Christmas I received a Pocket Palette. I've finally gotten around to filling it! Though the palette will fit a maximum of fourteen pans, I decided to use only twelve.That leaves room for one square pan that I can use for mixing. 

There are so many beautiful colors to choose from when designing a new palette it's hard to whittle the choices down to twelve. Hard to choose, but I had fun playing with the paint to see what combinations would give the colors that pleased my eye. 

I fell in love with Daniel Smith's Cobalt Teal but wondered if I could make it work in Chicago's light. Experimenting with it and Ultramarine, Verdifer Blue, and Quin Gold, I discovered, yes it can!  One of the things I love about watercolor is watching the colors run together with a little push from my brush (either end) and the water. This was a fun and surprising exercise. I share my squiggles and splotches experiments here.

This is how I decided to fill the palette:

• Quin Gold
• Yellow Ochre
• Quin Scarlet
• Burnt Sienna
• Verdifer Blue
• Cobalt Teal
• Sap
• Olive
• Mauve
• Opera 
• Buff Titanium
• Ultramarine

                              …at least for now!

Celebrating Everyday Stories

A few days ago I talked about Urban Sketchers celebrating our 10th Anniversary with a worldwide offering of classes based on the theme 
Stories:  

• 1. Little Stories
• 2. Medium Stories
• 2.Great Stories

Here's a little more information on the classes being offered in Chicago starting in April. Much more to come!

Keep up with Urban Sketchers Chicago!
Registration opens March 15!

FaceBook - Urban Sketchers Chicago
Twitter -      @USk_Chicago
Instagram - @USKCHICAGO

                   Blog

urbansketcherschicago@gmail.com

Seven Simple Pleasures

I was tapped to join the FaceBook challenge to post one of my paintings/sketches every day for seven days and post them to my FB page. My challenge is complete. I thought I'd share the posts here, too.

I chose little paintings and sketches that focus on the little things that bring joy to my daily life. #simplegrace.

Day 1

Light and shadow play

Day 2

StreetWise vendor taking pride in his job

Day 3

 Loyola University Museum of Art (LUMA), Elephant Automaton Clock in the Baroque gallery.

Day 4

Fish knife, such lovely tiny details

Day 5

A touch of color to brighten a gray day in Chicago

Day 6

Car sketch that brings fall color to another gray-Chicago day

Day 7

Little truffles to spice up another gray day!

I hope they bring a smile to your face and encourage you to see the simple graces and joy in the everyday.

A Great Way to Celebrate Urban Sketcher's 10th Anniversary!

Just when we thought it couldn't get any more exciting for Chicago Urban Sketchers, we are commemorating the 10 year anniversary of Urban Sketchers! Urban Sketchers Chicago is happy and proud to participate in the worldwide celebration. Along with dozens of sister chapters and cities around the world, USk Chicago is introducing the first long-term USk course 10 Years -10 Classes. 

We are inviting our sketchers to attend 10 on location Chicago classes with our wonderful Urban Sketching instructors and sketch our world, one drawing at a time.

Join in the Celebration!

Chicago Classes begin on Saturday, April 15, 2017
Registration will open on March 15, 2017
You may register for all classes or select a favorite one or more.
Register for all 10 and receive a 10% discount!
Classes are limited to a maximum of 15 students.

More details to follow!

FaceBook - Urban Sketchers Chicago
Twitter - @USk_Chicago
Instagram - @USKCHICAGO

urbansketcherschicago@gmail.com

See!

Each year I choose a word that sums up an attitude or encourages an action that I'd like to emphasize in my life. I've been doing this since I was in college. Some past words are grace, simplify, joy, draw, do, color, feed, marvel, savor, and intention. Do you notice a theme running through these words? I do. It's basically, a reminder to slow down and appreciate where I am. It's even more important today than those many years ago when I began with this tradition.

In today's multitasking world we seem to always be rushing from one thing to another often missing simple graces and daily little pleasures that are all around for us to see and savor. This year's word is "See."

It reminds me of a quote by one of my favorite poets.

"For how many years did I wander slowly through the forest. What wonder and glory I would have missed had I ever been in a hurry!"
  Mary Oliver (Leaves and Blossoms Along the Way)

Wishing us all a year of appreciating simple graces and ordinary miracles. 
#simplegrace

Talk about Happy Holidays!

Christmas Floral #simple grace

This has been quite a holiday season for us!  We've had family house guests that included five grandchildren, chaos, and lots of fun. Yesterday,  I found a chance to do a quick sketch just for fun. It was like a little vacation. It was drawing breath away from the holiday hub bub. Ahhhh.

Adding to that, I've been busy working on the Urban Sketcher's 8th Annual Symposium that will be here in Chicago in July 2017, plus other USk surprises! Remarque Design had a flurry of end of the year commissions and business to add to a successful year. So much to be thankful for as 2016 ends and 2017 begins.

Happy New Year!

"Live each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit." Henry David Thoreau

Thanksgiving and Simple Graces

It dawned on me recently that I had never tasted a persimmon. Off to the market I went. Before I tasted them I had to draw them. I'd never done that either. This is a simple ink drawing. I really enjoyed playing with the pen, brush, and ink. The tasting was great, too. Yum!  I'm thankful for new discoveries and those daily simple-graces. Happy Thanksgiving today and every day.

What to Do on a Cold Chicago Day

Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago

Sunday USk Chicago met at the Garfield Park Conservatory for our regular sketch crawl. It was a cold day but the Desert Room was the perfect place to warm up. I was really taken by the textures and colors. What a delightful place to spend a cold afternoon! 

It's been a busy time! Urban Sketchers 8th Annual Symposium will be held in Chicago in July 2017. Admin for USk Chicago have been helping the international committee with the planning. There is so much that goes on behind the scenes to bring a successful symposium to fruition! I'm honored to lend a helping hand, but it does cut into blogging time. I'll try to do better.

Chicago's Chagall Oasis

Chase Plaza, Chicago

It was a beautiful day in Chicago today. I sat in Chase Plaza with a couple of other Chicago Urban Sketchers and was taken by the color and texture of the garden. It almost over powered the Chagall mural. You can see a hint of it here, peaking out among the trees. The plaza is a beautiful oasis in a bustling city.

Of course, I can't sketch the city without a few quick reminders of the endless cast of characters that add so much to the city's story.

The Halloween Gathering!

Reportage – Chicago's Longest All Souls Train 

What a great time I had at the Halloween Gathering brought to us by The Chicago Cultural Mile! USk Chicago gathered there to sketch and join in the fun… and boy did we! 

This is my sketch of  Chicago's Longest All Souls Train, just one of the many colorful events of the day. Thank you to Allisu Geriach, the producer of the Halloween Gathering, for using my sketcher for her post gathering FB cover photo! 

You CAN Teach an Old Dog New Tricks!

Morning light in the alley

There's always something new to learn! I spent Saturday in Chicago's Ravenswood neighborhood at the workshop "FEARLESS Sketching in Pen, Ink and Watercolor with Adriana Gasparich."  What a fun day! The workshop was held in Ingrid Albrecht's studio in Ravenswood.

As an artist, no matter how much experince I have or how much I know (or think I know) there's always more to learn. That certainly was the case last Saturday. Thank you Adriana and Ingrid for an inspiring, friendly and encouraging day!

I'm a big pencil fan. I love the feel of it on the paper and the expressive lines you can draw with it. It was great to challenge myself and just jump right in with ink. These sketches were done with a black Sharpie in a Stillman & Birn Zeta Series sketchbook. The watercolor was my usual "out and about" palette you see in the blog header.

It was typical Chicago fall day, warm in the sun and chilly in the shade. The changing light was fantastic.

Afternoon light

360° and 365 Days a Year!

Recently I was discussing my favorite places to draw in Chicago, places that I return to and sketch at least once a year. I have quite a few! It dawned on me, I also have favorite things that I draw over and over again. The Hancock Tower is one of them.

Northwestly view from Olive Park

The Hancock Tower is the fourth tallest building in Chicago and surely one of the city's architectural icons. I don't know if it's one of my favorite building to draw, but from the number of times I've sketched it, it sure calls out to me. Though sometimes it plays hide-and-seek, it's always there for me to draw.

It's my directional beacon. It's also my neighbor, greeting me when I look out the window.

Looking East

Good morning, Chicago!

It's always there, calling me home.

Meet, Sketch, and Share with Urban Sketchers

Ping Tom Memorial Park

WOW, I can't believe I have been away from this blog for so long! This is a sketch from Sunday's sketch meet with Urban Sketchers Chicago. It was such a beautiful and fun day! We were happy to welcome lots of new faces to the group!

Speaking of Urban Sketchers, here's some fabulous news. Urban Sketchers Chicago is excited that we were chosen to host the 2017 Urban Sketchers 8th Annual Symposium! We're happy to be working with the international team to make it possible. Right now we're busy seraching for a location to accommodate over 450 sketchers from all over the world to meet, sketch, and share! I'll keep you posted!

Seasoned Seasons

The Newberry Library, Chicago

Where has summer gone? This is a quick sketch of the Newberry Library from Washington Sq. Park in Chicago. I walk through this park often. I think I've sketched there in every season. Every corner gives you a totally different Chicago vibe, skyscrapers, quaint townhouses, highrise condos, traffic, bikes, the homeless, the wealthy and always dogs and squirrels!

What simple graces will autumn bring for me to discover and sketch?