Ah, Wilderness!

Our Monday summer sketch group started up again. This week seven of us met at the Lincoln Park Zoo. We sketched (and chatted) for about two hours and then blended back into our daily routines.

The zoo was crowded and we attracted more attention then usual but it was fun. It was the first time I tried to use watercolor on site in this situation. I probably should have worked on the sketches a little more but …what can I say except a good time was had by all!

I like the square format of the sketchbook I've chosen for summer in the city.

Rain, Rain Go Away

Another rainy day in Chicago. The Green City Market was open but it sure wasn't a day to sketch. These are a few sketches from last year that I didn't show you.

In the spirit of full disclosure, the trash cans and the people on the bench were really done the same day.

It's also the Old Town Art Fair weekend. My heart goes out to the exhibitors. If it let's up a little we may venture over. Tomorrow it should be sunny . Good for the artists but not for us-other plans will prevent us from going.

The End of an Era?

My favorite Borders is closing sometime this year. It's one of my favorite places to walk to when I want to get out of the office or need a little creative fresh air. It's great for a quick sketch or two. The Seattle's Best Cafe is on the second floor and is my crow's nest from which to watch the Michigan Avenue people traffic. Inside, everyone is busy reading or computing and never realize that they are my models of the moment. I'll miss it. Fred at "Fred's Scratchings" has recently changed his longtime drawing hangout with great success. I hope to follow his example!

People Watching

It seems that Starbucks is part of a universal language. Over the last few weeks I've worked several trade shows. They're so great for people watching. One quick observation-when someone walks by with a cup of Starbucks a fleeting look of envy passes over the faces of those who see it, whether an exhibitor or attendee.



Waiting for the opening bell at RBTE.

Hello Out There!

New grandson, Skype, new computer, heavy work load, three trade shows, a lot of coffee and a really bad haircut- that about sums up where I've been lately. I've done a lot of doodles and a lot of graphic design but I've missed drawing daily. I still haven't developed the discipline to draw when things are hectic.

Reportage drawing has caught my interest lately. There are some wonderful examples at Gallery 1482. Our local summer sketch group starts up again in June and is a perfect place to work on these skills. I'm also taking a class in July with local artist Mark McMahon. He does great reportage work too. Hopefully, with all this inspiration, I'll post more faithfully than I have been.

I thank you all for stopping by and being patient waiting for me to post! I really do appreciate it. I have been visiting your blogs and flickr pages- it is the pause that refreshes- but I have a lot of catching up to do.

Highlights and Lowlights

These are a few of the Lenten Food Diary pages-the good, the bad and the how did I eat all that!








I ran out of pages in my small handbook and switched to the square 5.5 format. I found it interesting that the new size wasn't as much fun for me for this project. I usually like the square.

Happy Easter!