I worked in several different formats at once: a small ( 4 1/2" x 6 1/4", but I used double spreads mostly) accordion sketchbook in which I recorded vignettes of travel, the larger ( 6" x 8 1/4") accordion sketchbook of sea and water life that you've seen before (scroll down after clicking on the preceding link to see the sketchbook), loose sheets of watercolor and drawing paper in which I made studies for later, larger work.
For now, I'll just show some from the small sketchbook and some sketches on loose sheets. Even though water is my central theme this year, I continue to draw and paint those other subjects I love---people, small moments of everyday life, figurative sculpture, flowers, etc. Here we go:
I found that I was more interested in the abstract shapes I could intuit from moving water than in a literal recreation of the subject. There are zillions of plein air painters who make faithful renderings of such things. I've never had that particular impulse, though I admire the work of many artists who do.
More to come!
Thank you, dear latecomers! The concertina/accordion format is perfect for storytelling, I find. Martha, so glad you stopped by!
Posted by: Laura | March 09, 2008 at 09:31 PM
Beautiful sketches! And an accordion sketchbook is such a cool idea. I found you on Yellow's blog. So glad I did!
(She is at http://arokerartist.blogspot.com/)
Posted by: Martha Marshall | March 09, 2008 at 11:06 AM
Just beautiful, thank you so much for sharing your trip with us.
Posted by: Anita | March 03, 2008 at 08:02 PM
I love this concertena format, and will make some up this evening ready to take out and about with me. It's a great way to house a group of images on a theme in a novel way. You're so clever. And I love the way that, wherever you go, you can tell it's your painting or drawing.
Posted by: Steph Yellow | March 03, 2008 at 02:18 AM
Such expressive shapes and colors in your water vingettes. I think you've captured them beautifully. I love the hibiscus, one of my favorite flowers and we have two very large bushes in our yard, the flowers measuring 9 inches across. The fruit looks fabulous and such a great segway to spring... Yesterday it was 65 degrees here, we can hardly believe it and have spring fever!
Posted by: Maggie | March 02, 2008 at 09:58 AM
I've been smiling all the way through all of these. Can't wait to see what's next!
Posted by: Lori Witzel | March 01, 2008 at 09:50 PM