Shapes and Colors

When I am on vacation, I find that I really enjoy being in 'slug' mode. I take a small watercolor art set, a few brushes, ink pens, a sketch book, some drawing paper . . .and a few pieces of watercolor paper - just in case I get inspired. 

This year was no different. I knew I wanted to create without having to make something that looked frame-able - like it was going into a show. I like to draw and doodle. No rules, no pressures - just play with shapes and colors.

Here are several pages of my sketch book. They do not show the spectacular views of ocean, sunrises and palm trees, but

they will remind me of a wonderful relaxing time.

Enjoy!

"At the Helm"

It's Banner time in St Michaels! I think this is the sixth year that members of the St Michaels Art League have had the opportunity to be a part of the Banner Program. Artists submit original artwork which is scanned and printed on banner canvas. It's always fun to see my paintings hanging on Talbot Street for everyone to enjoy.

So, the story of this year's painting . . .first I try to find something that inspires me and speaks to the overall theme "Celebrate St Michaels." Last year I had painted a little boy on the dock with a crab net and a crab scurrying about. Crabs are big in our area.

I looked at several photos  - nothing jumped out and said 'paint me.' In past years I have done some more 'cartoon-like' crabs. Perhaps that would work again. I have a friend who asks me each year, "What is Mikey going to be doing this year?" (I guess the name 'Mikey' comes from St Michaels)

How about Mikey skippering a boat? Hmm . . .I started with several sketches . . . It's so silly. . .

 . . .it might just work. But, the perspective was off. Now the problem with making up a painting is that there is no reference photo to guide me. How could I figure out the angles? Aha, I found some clay that my granddaughters had been playing with and fashioned a wheel. I took pictures from several different viewpoints to see what looked right. I think that's about it.

I sketched it in and painted it and voila! Mikey is "At the Helm"

While I have your attention . . .I have to post another painting done by a friend of mine. We all get our inspiration in different places, but this one is special. One afternoon two of my granddaughters went to play at my friend's house with one of her granddaughters. Val snapped a photo of the three girls about to jump into the creek. It's called "One, Two, Three." I love it!

And, I am pleased to report that in addition to hanging on Talbot Street as banners, both of our paintings were chosen to be sold as posters!

All the banner artwork will be available at the St Michaels Library during the month of March. Stop by and have a look at the original paintings before the banners are hung in April!