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?

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

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!