I've only been back a couple of weeks but I feel like I could use a vacation. This was a "paint first, ink second" page and I really enjoy the final look, though I'm not sure I could pull it off as effectively with a more complicated subject. The big shapes in this were easy enough to paint freehand but anything more complex and I would probably need a pencil sketch first — and I hate having to do a pencil sketch first.

Feels good to get the sketchbook out again. Also feels good to hang out by the pool drinking margaritas!

Both the head and feet are missing from this image because I said nah, too hard. I swear I'm not getting into a colored pencil phase 🙈

It's been quite rainy for the past few weeks so when the sun made a rare appearance today, I knew I wanted to squeeze in some time outside. It's still a bit chilly outside but it's always nice to fill another page in the sketchbook. I also got new window privacy screens that cast little rainbows around my living room when the sun is shining so I'm obviously obsessed with that.

Met up with some other sketchers and spent a couple of hours painting the view from outside a little coffee shop in Mount Pleasant. What a lovely way to spend the afternoon.

Painted Dec 19, 2022. 8x10 oil on primed paper.

I'm still trying out different approaches for these sketchbook pieces — this one started with a grid drawing, then I basically painted from darkest to lightest. Working in just black and white helps me focus on value, which can be difficult for me. I did run into some trouble with overworking, especially around the eyes, and kept ending up with too much paint in areas that needed to be adjusted further, but I think I got close enough in the end.

Oil, 8x10

I wasn't sure if I was going to end up going over this with a coloured glaze but in the end I think the grayscale works. I wanted to capture the way the light is sort of dancing across the fingers. Happy with this one!

After more than a week away from painting, I wanted to try to do something quick and loose, just to keep the habit up. To that end, I picked a subject I have already painted before. Is it the most successful painting? No. Did I have fun doing it? Yes. So that’s what counts.