Sunflowers in Ink and Wash

40 min ink and wash on tinted card

The best part of the week I bought two bunches of sunflowers on special offer and took one to the office and one home, so I am surrounded by sunshine!

I am still hooked on the sunflowers and am busy on another large oil painting, but I had time to do a quick study in my favourite medium.

Really lifted my spirits.

Two Trees

15 min sketch in sketchbook

On the drive home I noticed these strange tree shapes and just had to sketch them.

Forever reaching out yet unattainable.

Over the Gate

15 min quick sketch

The horse was determined to get through the gate, but he was just too big to fit through the gap.

Why do we always think life is better on the other side of the gate when all we need do is turn around and see the beauty in what we already have?

Small Flowers

10 min ink in sketchbook.

Small flowers, not sure what they are but they were quite pretty and so I did a quick little study.

It's been a difficult week with not much time to sketch.

Meditation Moment

25 min Watercolour and ink on postcard 6" x 4"

A tranquil mood, time for peace. I like this pose.

Real relaxation begins with clearing the mind.

Tree Study

15 min study in watercolour pencils on postcard 6" x 4"

Trying to get to grips with what trees are all about. Solid, alive and wonderfully textured.

Old Brickwork

10 min study of old brickwork... watercolour on paper.

I love old brickwork, like many ancient things it has such character.

I have to capture that character and so I think there will be a few more of these studies until I am happy with my progress.

Kate Greenaway Study

30 min ink and watercolours on tinted card 8" x 6"

Inspired by a project on WetCanvas I enjoyed doing this little study of a Kate Greenaway illustration.

Not such a good study, but I really enjoyed myself. I think I will do more ink and watercolours. I had almost forgotten how much I love watercolours... soon time to get my brushes wet again!

South Gates

20 min sketch at the South Gates.

Quiet Sunday morning and a different town... the place where my roots are.

There are ruins of the old town wall all around but this is the most dramatic, the old South Gates... these days cars pass through it and beside it.

Every time I pass through I think what a wonderful painting it would make but it's a busy road and difficult to get a good place to paint. However, Sunday morning is ideal and I managed a quick sketch before I passed by today.

Not such a good sketch, but next time maybe I will get more time.

View from Market Square

20 min Ink sketch from Market Square (the steps on the left lead up into the Buttercross).

Very hot day but I needed to sketch and here is my effort for the day.

The Buttercross

This is called the Buttercross and it stands in the market square. It used to be a place where butter was sold or so I understand... anyway, it's a landmark in this town and a place where people sit in the summer. I like it.

Sorry about the poor drawing of cars, they are not my best subject!

Tree Study

25 min ink study of tree

Down to the park during lunch again. It was sunny and warm, and most enjoyable. Still a long way to go before I get these trees right, but I am happy with how things are going.