December Sketching

     A few sketchers have ventured out in December to sketch a bit both here and in other places. In the header we have a sketch Susan DeCourcy did on her European adventure hitting French cities and the Christmas markets. Susan reports that her pens and watercolors rebelled against very cold, rainy weather. She ended up doing line work on site and coloring in the hotel room. In the header sketch she was in the lobby of the Citizen M hotel where they were staying.

Susan

This next sketch was done in the slushy snow in front of the Palace of Rohan in Strasbourg.

Susan

 This sketch was done at the farmers market in a little town called Divonne les Bains which is on the Swiss border.

Susan

Susan's sketch of the Gare de Lyon was also done from her hotel room.

Susan

Last we have the Musee des Arts et Metiers in Paris. Susan could sketch in the  warmth of the museum. She reports that Lapin did a residency here and published a book. Can't wait to see that when she returns.

Judith

Judith's idea for Christmas lights was taillights in gridlock on I-45 north during the shopping crush. I think we can all relate.

Kassidy

Kassidy's sketch was done on another trip. This is a parking lot in Kentfield, California. The Christmas tree and the palm tree side by side are the epitome of Christmas in warm places.

Jenn

Jenn and some of our sketchers went to Railway Square to check it out. Jenn wandered into Santa's Corner and decided to make a sketch. Very festive.

Carlos

Carlos found a sketcher I think...or is that Santa busy at work?

Carlos

And then there was this festive group hanging out in front of the purple tree.

Chris

I signed up for Jimmy Leslie's gouache class at Sketchbook Skool. We've all admired Michael's lovely gouache work and I wanted to learn this new medium. Well the gouache was "burning a hole in my pocket" so  I went down to Watson Street to try them out. These folks put this giant lit ornaments on the water oaks every year. It was a night scene (or dusk at least) so that meant flat color and low contrast. My colors got muddy fast and I got frustrated. Then I took Jimmy's class and learned a lot. I visited his website to see how HE handled night scenes. And I tried again at home working from my original sketch. This is the second try. Better composition, slightly enhanced color (Jimmy gives himself permission to take liberties)  and a much more interesting sketch.

Join our Facebook group by answering a few questions or follow us on Instagram. Our January presentation is closed to sign-ups, but there will still be a group sketching in the museum. Otherwise, join us in February. Watch our social media for an announcement.