Chapel Dulcinea

charcoal study in my sketchbook

What an awesome morning for an outing with the Plein Air Austin group at the world renowned and free Chapel Dulcinea. Love birds have traveled from as far as Australia to wed in this charming little structure overlooking the hill country. The chapel was built into a cliff with ancient walking trails throughout guiding you to poetic sculptures and gardens.

They say that after vows are exchanged, the couple opens the 10' spanish gothic door behind the alter leading to the bell tower and tug on the rope to ring the bell, announcing their blessed union for all to hear. Pure joy.

Couldn't resist venturing out with my sketchbook on this beautiful day, sadly  no time to paint. If you'd like to see this magical destination in color, check out the link to their website listed above and the blog links of a few PAA's talented painters: Laurel Daniel, Julie Davis and Stephen Parker.

30th World Wide SketchCrawl

 

china marker and pastel on paper

Founded by Enrico Casarosa, the World Wide SketchCrawl is about getting out there and drawing to your heart's content and, if you so desire, sharing your sketches with others all over the planet. How cool is that?

Saturday morning was cold, but sunny and gorgeous for my first crawl. I met up with the Plein Air Austin group at the Little City Espresso Bar and Cafe on Congress Avenue for a warmer-upper before heading out.

Surprised by an awkwardness of drawing in the city, I chose the lawn of the State Capitol building. I was more at ease with the horses' sniff and snort critique than with strangers' comments. And it was loud.

I know. How pathetic. So pathetic and silly that I started laughing at myself!

After sketching a couple of 20 to 90 minute sessions with a few comical chats from kids passing by, I was so happy that I ventured out of my comfort zone. I had forgotten how beautiful Austin is...how many lovely trees we have shading downtown...the stunning and historic architecture...the laughter and the energy.

love this town.

Good Ol' Boy

11" x 14" (cropped) pastel on Strathmore paper


work in progress - stay tuned...

: )

His name is Jack

9" x 11" charcoal on Strathmore paper


And as I write this I hope he's been placed in a loving home.

He and his buds at the PAWS Shelter were the inspiration for the 5th Annual Pulling Together Art Benefit last November at Sol'stice Gardens. The weather was perfect, live music filled the air and I was amazed by the kindness and generosity of our community when it comes to helping out these little guys who can't help themselves.

Warms the heart.

In the Sun

Charcoal sketch on Strathmore

What a beautiful day to celebrate 2011. And here she is, little miss bold and courageous catching a few rays.

Happy New Year Everyone!