Saturday, March 31, 2007

Bahamas Sketches

The other day my sister wrote a blog post about doodling, or as I call it, sketching. Her post reminded me that I hadn't yet shared my two vacation sketches.
The first is a quick pencil sketch. This sketch was done in my Moleskine (5" x 8" ) sketchbook and was done partly from memory. Sketching from memory was not my intention, but it turned out that the local taxi parking was directly between me and my subject. So, whenever the taxis returned I couldn't see what I was drawing! And I was too stubborn to move! The sketch isn't finished, but I'm happy with what I have.

graphite sketch copyright 2007 Stacy L. Rowan

The second sketch is the same size and is in a watercolor sketchbook. I loved the bougainvillea growing over the shed at the cottage where we stayed. It was beautifully vibrant and tumbled playfully over the roof of the shed. I had a great view of the scene from the second story deck. I started the sketch with a black 005 Micron pen then added color using watercolor pencils. Since I was anxious to get to the beach, I waited to add water. I wet the sketch using my Niji 12mm water brush after I was back home.

watercolor pencil sketch copyright 2007 Stacy L. Rowan

Before I left for vacation, I shared pictures of my work space in this post. I also mentioned that my sister has a craft room to drool over. Now you can judge for yourself since she has posted pictures here. Just make sure to have a pencil and paper ready when you check them out. You are going to want to take notes for your wishlist. (The counter top that is in the last picture is only about one third of her overall "desk" area!!)

7 comments:

Jeanette Jobson said...

Great sketches Stacy. I love the colour in the second, it makes it come alive.

Your sister's craft room is to die for...sigh.

Mary said...

Kiveky sketches, Stacy! You did such a good job on the bougainvillea. Their way of growing is not easy to capture.

M J Muir said...

Stacy I particularly like the second sketch with the colours added so freely and lightly. You have a lovely touch and there is a nice movement when you feel free with a sketch.
You are developing a very classy blog here.
Love
Mary Jane

Stacy said...

Thanks Jeanette! I had fun with the sketches. As for my sister's craft room...I'm green and I have to say, it's not my most flattering color. But I try to remind myself that in another 10 years I'll be able to convert our playroom to a studio. And based on the first 8 years, that time will pass in a blink of the eye!

Mary, I thought you were speaking in code at first, but I realized it was just a slip of the fingers. :D I loved the exuberant way the bougainvillea grew. I knew as soon as I saw it that it deserved to be sketched!

Hi blue! I really disliked the colored sketch until I wet the colors at which point it transformed in front of my eyes. I only wish the blue shadows were slightly less powerful. But I can live with it for a sketch. I took several photos of this shed too, so maybe there will be a full blown painting some day. Now as for the "classy blog"...(snort!)...I don't know about that. I am having fun though and appreciate the compliment. Maybe someday I will live up to it. :)

Robyn Sinclair said...

I love this colour pencil sketch, Stacy. Colours are terrific together.

Anonymous said...

Stumbled upon your blog and I really enjoyed checking out your work! Thanks for sharing, and bes wishes with your future artistic adventures :)

Stacy said...

Thank you Bahama Gramma!

I'd like to return to the Bahamas with my husband and kids and do some more sketching. The natural scenery of the islands is beautiful!!