Paper and Threads

Our Meet-Up Central Park Sketching and Art Group met at the Conservatory Gardens on Saturday.  All of the flowering trees were in full bloom and the early flowers ranged from buds to full bloom.  It was gorgeous, but problematic for anyone with several tree allergies.  I loaded up on meds and went, planning to stay only as long as my allergies would permit.

We had 4 30 minute sketching sessions in 4 different areas of the Gardens.  After each one, group members lined up their sketchbooks and shared their work.  Nearly 100 photos are already posted on the site and can be seen here.

I sketched both fountains in May of last year and did both again.  The 3 Dancing Maidens is a real challenge in 30 minutes and this year I didn't need to stretch one of the arms to double normal length to have two maidens holding hands.  Neither year did I have time to do more than a pencil sketch.

During the other two sessions I sketched two of the blooming flowers.  The daffodils were gorgeous.  The other flower (I have no idea what they are) were beautifully colored, each little component in shades from pink through blue to purple - the same colors as hydrangeas.

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We spent last weekend with our son's family in Washington DC - belatedly celebrating Annabelle's 2nd birthday.  I started keeping a watercolor sketchbook for her when she was born, and try to complete one daily journal page during our visits.  Previous pages can be seen here.

Annabelle and her Daddy on a walk:

Her new birthday scooter and helmet from cousins Robbie and Zach:

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When I joined Everyday Matters in 2005, most of the sketches in my sketchbook were EDM weekly challenges.  When I started sketching daily in 2006, I still added one of the challenges to my journals and blog each week.  Now the weeks seem to pass quickly and several weeks go by without me thinking about the challenge.  Then I decide to do 2 or 3 at once!  That is what happened last week.

EDM Challenge # 262: Draw Your Shower

EDM Challenge # 263: Draw Your Favorite Cleaning Supply

EDM Challenge # 264: Draw a Floor

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One of the current exhibits at the Metropolitan Museum of Art is The Mourners -  numerous alabaster grave sculptures (1443-56) from the tomb of John the Fearless, Duke of Burgundy, and his wife Margaret.  There is a fabulous website with photographs of all of the sculptures.  Each can be rotated 360 degree on the website for full viewing.

"The Mourners from the tombs of the Dukes of Burgundy are deeply affecting works of art. Beyond their evident visual and narrative qualities, we cannot help but be struck by the emotion they convey as they follow the funeral procession, weeping, praying, singing, lost in thought, giving vent to their grief, or consoling their neighbor. Mourning, they remind us, is a collective experience, common to all people and all moments in history."

Sophie Jugie, Director, Musée des Beaux-Arts. Dijon

The sculptures are in perfect condition - and so impressive, all lined up in two rows in the middle of the Medieval Hall in the middle of the Museum.  I am most attracted to the ones with the the hoods over their heads and sketched one full figure and one head. 

I'm so delighted that our modem was replaced and we now have internet access again. 

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The Meet-Up Central Park Drawing Group met at the Museum of Natural History yesterday.  During our regular sessions we meet at the entrance, draw in a general region for approximately 30 minutes and then return to a central location to share our sketchbooks.  We then move to a new location and repeat the process again and again for almost 3 hours.

Yesterday we began in the African Mammal exhibits - on the balcony - and I was capitvated by the ostrich and babies.  I also did a quick sketch of a baboon (paint added today).

We then moved to the North American birds section (I'm not a bird lover) and I sketched a golden eagle.

Around the corner was the primate section and the chimp had such a wonderful hand pose, I had to sketch him.

Finally we went to the 4th floor to the dinosaur skeletons and I sketched the head of T.Rex.  The sketch was done in pencil and then I practiced using the dreaded Pentel Pocket Brush Pen and a watercolor pencil to finish the painting.

Patti Gregory (1960-2010) 

Yesterday morning I learned of the tragic death of Danny Gregory's wife Patti.  I only met Patti once 4 years ago, but was really impressed with her smile and energy.  Danny is the author of Everyday Matters, a book of sketches and writing from the time following Patti's subway accident which left her paraplegic.  I was just beginning this journey, which I call sketchbook art, and joined his Everyday Matters online art group in September 2005.  Over the last few years, by following Danny's blog, reading his subsequent books, The Creative License and An Illustrated Life, and taking a "visual journaling class" with him here in NYC, I learned more about them and their son Jack Tea.  My heart is breaking for Danny and Jack. 

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