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!

JoJo

10 x 14 charcoal on Strathmore | sold

This adorable short-haired border collie, JoJo, was the last commission for the holidays.

What a great pose! There was natural light from behind and reflected light from the right. I was grateful that her dad provided the photo because during our introduction, she wasn't as relaxed...rather very focused on her ball...loves her orange ball so I had to venture out of my black and white comfort zone.

pure joy.

Bundle of Joy!

10.5" x 10.5" x 2.25" |  latex on wood

"The universe is full of magical things, patiently waiting for our wits to grow stronger."      - Eden Philpotts                           

This construct celebrates lifes simple pleasures and little miracles happening all around us. I believe that our quest in acknowledging them is determined by which frequency we choose to tune in.
: )
Last month our basset hound, Kirby, ruptured a disk which resulted in paralysis of her hindquarters. Thanks to Dr. Gower and to the love, support and prayers of family and friends, she is recovering amazingly well. Here she is pictured below during one of her exercise sessions:

morning light