Boatsie's Little Sketchbook

[BOATSIE]

(My original "Little Sketchbook" thread went "missing in action" during the last update. So I'm going to give this another shot. I thank everyone who was so generous with their encouraging comments on my first 2 sketches.)

This is my very first sketchbook and my very first attempt at sketching "in public." As a novice, I decided to start small so I wouldn't be so conspicuous (and so I wouldn't make BIG mistakes ). My sketchbook is a Strathmore Visual Journal, 3.5" x 5", Mixed Media. I use pencils, Micron pens, a Koi Watercolor Field Kit and Derwent Watercolor Pencils.

I draw my inspiration from artists such as Danny Gregory; Tommy Kane; Butch Belair; Thomas Thorspecken; our very own Joan T; and all the other wonderful "in public" sketchbook artists who post here on Wet Canvas' Art Journal thread.

Here is the first two sketches that were "lost" and a new addition:

This first sketch is a graphite sketch of a couple enjoying each other's company at a McDonald's McCafe:



We sat behind this couple at the Veteran's Hospital Cafeteria...and, of course, the ever-present CNN was playing on the TV:



I did this sketch from my car (shout-out to Joan T! ) at a playground area in the middle of an outdoor shopping plaza. Although it was January, the temperature was 72-degrees (a bit unusual even for Northern Florida) and the kids were having a great time playing on the slide!

[rain24]

If you didn't mention the size, I would have never guessed based on the sketches that your sketchbook was that small! Love all the detail that you've captured in such a tiny space.

Don't you just love small sketchbooks? So easy to take along anywhere and work on. By the way, you and I have similar tastes in materials.

[pezk]

good good sketches. I esp like the playground. Keep it up. Looking forward to more.

[rgb]

Aw. I'm so sorry you lost your thread, but thanks for starting a new one.

Your drawings are really great, and I admire the way you capture so much detail in each scene.

[Joan T]

I just sent you a message asking you to repost this...and here it is as if by magic! These are great!!! Wonderful detail in a very small space. You can now be as covert as I am. lol When I first started sketching in public I kept the sketchbook in my lap sort of hidden so nobody would notice...(and very few people did). Now I don't hide at all. Last night we were sketching in a bowling alley and a woman came over and said that if she was going to be one of our models could we please make her a bit more curvy and busty. lol

[RainySea]

what great sketches! I'm glad you reposted. . . I had seen only the first one before the other thread heading for the hills. They are all well done, but the second one is my favorite, it so has that hospital feel to it but the couple are adorable, love the hair. well done on the playground.

[BOATSIE]

My humble thanks to all who viewed and those who took the time to leave lovely and much appreciated comments.

Rain24: I like this little sketchbook, so easy to "hide" what I'm doing and the mixed media paper takes a watercolor wash much better than I expected.

Pezk: Sketching the playground from the car was enjoyable, the kids were having a great time, as was I.

Rgb: I like the challenge of putting in the details although I don't include them all--it amazes me of how many details are out there in the world that I've never noticed before.

JoanT: Thanks for stopping by! I can image folks would be flattered "starring" in one of your paintings...I'm not at that stage yet; my subjects might call their lawyers and slap a defamation of character suit on me

Rainysea: Thanks for revisiting my new thread! The couple at the VA Cafeteria were great models--they seldom moved ....and it was a lot more fun drawing than watching continuous reports on the Republican Party Iowa Caucus on CNN!

Here's a sketch I did tonight at the Baptist Community Center basketball court...the place was full of little kids and I had to dodge a basketball or two that came flying in my direction....talk about sacrificing for one's art!!

[bookscorpion]

I love the bright colours you use and you're getting a lot of details into such small sketches.

[JTMB]

Wow, great set of people sketches! I think you should put the term novice in quotes, as your people are well done, especially the ones with motion. I still struggle with people who are paid to sit still for a pose...!

[rgb]

Janet, you have a great eye for the placement of things with size and proportion. Love the basketball scene! Your use of color is excellent.

[Joan T]

Oh, I love the detail in this one...and the action!!! Nice color in this. You are really getting the hang of this!!! You go girl!

[DrDebby]

I commented on your missing thread. And, I've been having problems getting to things. Boy did I miss a bunch. You are doing a fantastic job on these sketches of people in activities. The one shooting a basket with the follow through hand is awesome.

[poochemio]

Janet these are all way too much fun especially in such a small format. Rock on with your pens and paints.

[BOATSIE]

Hi all Thanks for viewing and commenting...it really means a lot.

Book Scorpion: I like using all the colors in my Koi kit if possible; I don't know a lot about mixing colors yet--lots to learn, lots more colors to try. The problem with details is to know when to stop looking.

JTMB: I have been wanting to do people since I started to draw and have been practicing--if I'm lucky they come out, other times they don't. I haven't worked on live models yet--trying to get my husband to pose (not likely).

rgb: Thanks for the encouraging words. As I said before, I'm still trying to find my way around colors...I am in awe of those folks who can mix up a zillion colors just using the primaries.

JoanT: Thanks for the cheer and thanks for being such an inspiration.

DrDebby: I saw your comments on my old thread--thanks; and thanks for posting comments here. Painting "activities" is a great reason to get out of the house and look at the familiar stuff with a different eye.

Poochemio: (Great name, by the way) Since my first (and current) artistic endeavors were doing ATCs, I feel comfortable with this little book (as long as the eyes hold up) and its pretty cost effective too.

Here is my next drawing. It was drawn on the fishing pier near my house which is on the mainland across the bridge (that's not my house on the water though, although I wished it was). There is a bar & grill at the pier and a pretty decent singer was rocking the house...it was nice listening to the music while I sketched. The seagull was there when I first started--he was the reason I chose the spot. He stayed long enough for me to get a quick outline and then took off. Since it's a 3-day holiday weekend, there are more tourists than usual for this time of year. The temps were in the 60s and there were even a few hardy souls who went swimming in the Gulf (of Mexico) Brrrrrrr!!!

[Fidgement]

Janet, your sketches are lovely. The colors are bright and full of life and your subject matter is wonderful. The seagull really stands out in the last one and appears to be posing just for you, lol. I'm glad you're reposting this thread as I look forward to seeing more.