Back to the Bean

Literally…our Monday sketch group met at the Bean in Millennium Park this week and I did this watercolor with my back to the sculpture. I've sketch there quite a few times this summer so this time I chose a different point of view. 

It was a gorgeous day, an early taste of fall, cool, sunny and delightful!

Taken by Surprise!

Last night my painting "Possibilities" received second place in the Illinois Watercolor Society's national juried show "Small Waters"!

The show, which is at the Oak Park Art League, was juried by Suzanne Hetzel. I was honored by her kind words. Actually, I was thrilled! Can you tell?

Worth the Wait – Usually

Waiting patiently isn't one of my virtues–not even close! But there is something about waiting and sketching other people waiting that I enjoy. Maybe it's the fascination of looking at everyone doing the same thing – waiting – but doing it in their own style. Ah, the human comedy with suitcases, cell phones, sodas and Starbucks for props!

The top sketch was done at O'Hare airport waiting for the arrival of family. The other was done at DePaul University, looking out the lobby window in one of their downtown buildings, again waiting for family.

More Summer in the City

Urban Sketchers Chicago - sharing our city

Martha, me, Miriam, LuEllen, Alex 

The fruits of our laughter -uh- labor.

Miriam Ben, an Urban Sketcher from Munich, Germany, was in town and connected with Alex Zonis to arrange a sketch-together in Chicago. We sketched at Millennium Park, near the Bean (aka Cloud Gate). What a great time it was, lots of laughter, chatting and sketching! Thank you ladies for arranging it.

Miriam sketches quickly and beautifully! She inspired me to work faster and complete the painting on the spot. She completed two good sized sketches to my thumbnails! I added the text and photo at home. I have to try and keep up the momentum.

We sketched the tourists. The tourist photographed and filmed us. A group of children even joined us in sketching. We provided paper and pencils. They supplied their enthusiasm and remarkable ability. I always love to see a new generation of sketchers eager to share their visions.

All in all it was a beautiful summer evening in the city.

Do You See What I See?

It all depends on your point of view. There is nothing like seeing or hearing things from another vantage point. It broadens our horizons. Here's to civil discourse and an enlightening exchange of ideas and if not to agreement then at least to understanding!

I bought these flowers and put them in a simple glass vase. When I looked at it it just didn't work with the rustic feel of the  flowers, so I put the whole thing in a brown bag and tied it with string – much better from my point of view!

Hot Time – Summer in the City

On Monday, Carole Hennessy and I were the only two Monday sketchers to brave the heat and sun. We went to Oak Street Beach, sat at a table under an umbrella, cool drinks in hand, and sketched for two hours. Tough work I know but someone has to do it!

Spread view

Lazy-Hazy Days

Where is this summer going?! What used to be lazy-hazy days of summer are flying by faster every time they roll around! These are a few sketches from the last few weeks. Not all winners but all were fun to do and reflect delicious-though- speedy summer days.

Caldwell Lily Pool, Lincoln Park, Chicago

Glenview  Fourth of July Parade

Seneca Park, Chicago

Tomorrow is the 36 World Wide SketchCrawl. I'm looking forward to, what for me, is the sheer indulgence of sketching ALL day!  It isn't lazy; it could be hazy but it certainly will be perfect summer day! Urban Sketchers Chicago is meeting near the river on Wabash. Check out our USk-Chicago FB page for details if you'd like to join us!