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Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Just what I needed

We had a string of delightfully beautiful summer days last week, with highs barely reaching 80 degrees, low humidity, and lots of sunshine. Just had to get out for a little sketch outing so we stopped at a nearby park. As you can see, I didn't have my grove, or planets aligned, or something, and wasn't satisfied with my sketch. But it didn't matter. The idea of going out to sketch was nice enough. Once home, I tried rescuing my attempt with brown ink and white gel pen. That helped a little.

So it's not always about getting a good result. Sometimes it's just the doing that's important. I have been reminded of that as I read through Cathy Johnson's newest book, Artist's Journal Workshop. I have been waiting for this book to come out ever since I took a class from Kate of the same title back in 2009. It was as a result of that class that I began making my own sketch journals. Her instruction really helped me focus on the what and why of keeping a sketch journal. And now I am so pleased to have her book, Artist's Journal Workshop, it is a real gem. Beautiful illustrations from a variety of artists combined with the experience and wisdom of Kate's writing makes this book a valuable addition to my library. If you only get one book about journaling, this should be the one.
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12 comments:

  1. Teresa MallenJuly 5, 2011 at 3:13 PM

    I am still back on the mention of a white gel pen...oooh, what does that do, does it cover up boos in an opaque fashion or do you add highlights with it? Humm...I have enlarged your drawing and it looks like you used the pen to draw white lined detail on top of your paint. Makes sense, it's a pen after all... :-) I will have to look for such a thing next time I am at the art supply store!

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  2. bettyfromtexasJuly 5, 2011 at 3:19 PM

    I totally agree that it's about the "doing," the process! But this is gorgeous, and I think it looks like the perfect place for a picnic. Especially out in your heavenly weather!! Brilliant work!

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  3. Lucia B.July 5, 2011 at 4:15 PM

    I agree with you: "it's not always about getting a good result. Sometimes it's just the doing that's important"! And I would add that sometimes the works that we don't like as we find them unsuccessful are a necessary part of a process that will lead us to our best results. Anyway, I don't think your sketch is so bad... ;-) the scene you have reproduced seems a quiet, beautiful place.

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  4. AlexJuly 6, 2011 at 5:44 AM

    It hit the 3 digit temperature the other day while I was outside at work... I was wondering why I was sweating profusely :D
    Anyway, beautiful sketch, and Gel white pen seems fun! =) I might want to add that to my pencil case.

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  5. Autumn LeavesJuly 6, 2011 at 5:49 AM

    We're back in the miserable mid to upper 90's, hot, humid and miserable. I never yearn for summer as so many do. Sigh..

    At any rate, this piece is just delightful and I see no problems with it whatsoever! What I wouldn't give to be able to paint like this! I think it is truly beautiful, Ann!

    Payday will have me searching for that book though!

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  6. Carin WinkelmanJuly 6, 2011 at 9:09 AM

    I like the sketch, it gives a good sense of the atmosphere of the place and I think that's the most important thing.

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  7. nanke's stuffJuly 6, 2011 at 9:51 AM

    Yes, just showing up and doing it seems to be the important thing. That said, I think this piece is lovely! nancy

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  8. AnonymousJuly 6, 2011 at 12:31 PM

    I think your feeling is what Julia Cameron (The Artist's Way) put so nicely in the phrase "creativity lies not in the done but in doing." Lovely work!
    Sue

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  9. kazumiwannabeJuly 7, 2011 at 2:02 PM

    I really like the sketch,it's lovely and if feels fresh (fresh is good, I miss fresh :)!!) And you are so right when you say it's the doing that's important. Im' fighting with myself about that these days. Hope the "doer" wins!

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  10. AnnJuly 12, 2011 at 1:20 PM

    Thanks everyone for stopping by and your wonderful comments!

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  11. TimareeJuly 12, 2011 at 8:07 PM

    I think it looks like a wonderful place to spend the afternoon! Guess you must have fixed it up pretty well. The idea of not needing things perfect to preserve the memories in a sketchbook is a great one I agree. Nice review of the book.

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  12. DALowe ArtistAugust 3, 2011 at 8:45 PM

    I love this post about Cathy Johnson's new book. She is one of (maybe THE) all time favorite authors/artists. I've been wanting to buy this book and just haven't made the plunge yet; you've convinced me. And it's a beautiful sketch, Ann.

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