View of Church

30 min water soluble pencil in sketchbook

Feeling ambitious today... buildings are not easy for me, but hey, nothing ventured nothing gained and I'm always looking to improve. If I don't try these things I will never get better. Bit of a challenge I must admit.

Typically, I didn't plan any kind of comp and therefore the spire went off the page, so I did it separately - that's what sketchbooks are for, isn't it?

Leafy Twig

25 min ink and water soluble pencil in sketchbook

Back to my little patch of grass and here I found a delightful leafy twig.

It's great sketching outdoors because all sorts of people come by and chat. I would say if you are ever lonely and in need of company get out and sketch!

During my lunchbreak today I got chatting to a passerby, a young lady who informed me I had inspired her to take out her sketchbook. Another convert to the wonderful world of art!

Little Patch of Grass

Water soluble pencil in sketchbook

There is always something to sketch.... even a little patch of grass has interest for me. Took my lunchbreak out on an open patch of grass and of course had to sketch!

Ink using sharpened twig in Moleskine sketchbook

It was so relaxing drawing this. Didn't get it finished as a phone call interrupted me, but it was great while it lasted.

He is one of my favourite models, he has such a way of slouching when he sits and dangling one leg, it always makes me smile.

Wine & Cheese

15 mins

Wine and cheese... tantalise the tastebuds!

Parked Cars

30 minutes ink in sketchbook.

I am not good at cars... you can probably tell! Nevertheless, I had fun sketching this with my ink and sharpened twig.

I really love my lunchbreaks when I can get outside and sketch - even for just a few minutes. It really brightens up my day and makes me feel somehow fulfilled.

Trees

25 min watercolour pencil in sketchbook

Decided to spend some time studying trees as my trees in my paintings leave a lot to be desired. 25 minutes of my lunchbreak well spent I think!

Teddy holding Rose

10 min Ink in sketchbook

I adore these little teddies. This one is delightful as she clutches a rose.

Only had a few minutes to spare so out came the ink and stick and I finished this is 10 minutes. I love sketching teddies!

Park Bench

Ink in sketchbook 20 min

Such a nice sunny day I decided to take a walk in the park during my lunch. Of course my ink bottle was handy and using a sharpened twig I sketched this little scene. It's the park bench where I often sit at lunchtime.

Roses Unfinished

Pencil in sketchbook 25 min (interrupted)

Not quite enough time to finish, but I enjoyed sketching this.

I am really enjoying fitting in my sketches wherever I can. Sometimes I am unable to post them here, but as long as I endeavour to do at least one sketch a day I am happy. Flowers particularly make me happy because they are so delicate and beautiful and bring a welcome splash of colour to brighten a difficult day.

Sorry no colour in this one, but soon...

Morning sunlight

Ink on watercolour paper

Using a sharpened twig dipped in ink to capture the morning sunlight on my trip out yesterday. I really enjoyed this. The ink is a burnt umber colour which I felt was nicer than stark black.

Warmth can come from unexpected sources.

Yellow Flowers

Oils on postcard

Quick sketch in oils. I love oils! These are fast drying oils (alkyds) and they are great to use on my small studies.

Tree Study

Oils on postcard

Using a very limited palette I tried a quick tree study. My trees are usually horrendous - believe me, this is an improvement!

I know...... keep practising. :)

I must admit I had a wonderful time painting this - sitting in the local park, in brilliant sunshine (yes, sometimes it's sunny in England!) with my paints out on the grass. What a great way to spend a lunchbreak.

Still Life

My heart was not really in it this evening and I think it shows. I was not inspired by the setup and had found the tiring day caught up with me, so just a very quick attempt at this before I lost interest.

Teddy Girl

Oils on postcard

Quick sketch in fast drying oils using limited palette just to capture her character. I have since added a pale blue background which has helped and I think maybe she needs something to her left?