A Patch of Sand

'Dog Patch' 8" x 10" Oil on Board.

This work is named for the surf break called Dog Patch at San Onofre State Beach in southern California. This is the part of the beach where dog owners walk their dogs. It is the surf break for surfers using stand-up paddle boards plus sit down wave skis (which my husband named butt boards).

Come Out to Play

Last year I received a small fashion catalogue from a company called Vince. Immediately I knew I had to make it the subject of a fun project.

I look at the clothes on the page and try to imagine what activity she might be involved in and what could be going on in the background.

I started with a black pen before introducing white and brown pens and eventually a range of colours. 

The drawing doesn't have to be sophisticated, it is all about having fun and being creative.

Sketchy Work

Sometimes I get focused on one medium and forget to work in the other areas that I also enjoy. In an effort not to do this, I have written little notes telling myself to work on all kinds of projects concurrently. 

One such project is to work in one of my sketchbooks in watercolour. To help me along I am also taking a short creative course with summer as its inspiration.

This particular sketchbook started life as a novel. I bought the book for $1 at a local library and use it for drawings, collage projects, and watercolour sketches such as this. To provide an interesting and plain base for painting, I covered the pages first in gesso (although white acrylic paint would also work). The gesso doesn't allow the watercolour to absorb into the paper so the finished effect is different.

Nature's Decoration

The first flowers to bloom in my little flower garden are the Stardust daisies. I cut these three to enjoy in my kitchen (they match my cabinets and tile).

'Bloomin' Lovely' 6"x 6" Oil on panel.