Sometimes I like to prepare sketchbook pages by painting random colour washes and splotches, letting them dry, then (often much later) drawing something completely unrelated on top. I know this isn’t to everyone’s taste, but I like the unpredictability and spontaneity it can give to sketches. It’s the opposite of traditional watercolour technique. Here are some examples. They really are ‘sketches’… not meant to be finished paintings or fine art!

Stung by wasps, so I felt like drawing wasps.

… but Vehicles was a recent theme in the sketch club I joined last month, so I did. This is a vintage truck parked in my neighbourhood that I’ve always admired. The lower version is a very quick sketch.

This van is also usually parked in Fairview. I’ve always noticed it too because it’s so unusual. It looks handbuilt… there are lots of rivets.

The 1st photo shows the last of the three cards I made earlier this year for young family members, who are all brothers. The cards were made at the same time in one long piece then cut apart — see 2nd photo. They were delivered one by one, starting with the cheetah’s head in January, and ending with the cheetah’s tail for a late May birthday! Each card is 8″ square. (On the middle card, the words happy birthday were added to the banner.)

… would be welcome for exploring my other two big art interests, sculpture and printmaking. I rarely do either though I love them both. Printmaking is a bit more practical to do at home than sculpture, at least the simple way I do it.

Won first place in an exhibition with the theme of ‘Culture’. Surprising.

A small piece made with black oil paint on gold metallic paper

I wholeheartedly love the BC coast. This tiny quick sketch (less than 3 inches high) was made years ago, in a couple of minutes, during a pause while paddling a kayak. I drew with a pen containing non-waterproof ink, and then used a clean brush dipped in the Salish Sea to make the watery wash.

I’ve made many, many sketches and drawings of BC First Nations art, especially historical treasures.

Drawing the work of others is my means of looking closely and deeply, of studying, of appreciating.

The first 2 images are from a tiny pocket sketchbook, about 3″ x 5″. In many cases the artist is unknown.

A large canvas from a few years ago, experimenting with warm/cool colour.

Pics below show close-up details: