Sketching en plein air

A cool May here, but the combination of fresh air, intense colour in the landscape and the ever-changing light is not to be missed. Sketching outside is at the same time challenging and rewarding, frustrating and calming, intense and relaxing. There’s no middle way. The sketchbook work lingers in the mind long afterwards.

I’m also trying to remember to take photos of my sketches with the subject, urban-sketcher-style. Today I forgot, and then went back, this time with camera…

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Baggeridge, Staffordshire, A4 sketchbook, 13th May; ink, watercolour, conte crayon

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Himley, Dudley, A4; charcoal & watercolour
Himley, Dudley, A4 sketchbook, 22nd May; charcoal & watercolour

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Silver birch, Highgate Common, Staffordshire, A4; ink & watercolour
Silver birch, Highgate Common, Staffordshire, A4 sketchbook, 28th May; ink & watercolour

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House as Hide

I’ve not been able to get out very much this winter, but I have still managed to do some sketching, using my house as a ‘hide’.

I live on a fairly busy bus route; a long road that connects different parts of the city. There are houses, schools, shops, dentists, doctors, churches, parks etc nearby. So there is a steady stream of people walking up and down the road, all absorbed in their own business.

I’ve become fascinated by the body shapes, the apparel, the differing gait, the concentration and energy, the purpose. All drawings are sketched using pastel pencils and watercolour.

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pink backpack

 

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multi-tasking

 

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blue hat
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orange headscarf

 

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sheepskin coat
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workboots