Sunday, July 29, 2007

Beach People

copyright 2007 Stacy L. Rowan

I’m back from my second and final vacation of the summer - another trip to the shore. Days spent on the beach relaxing in the sun while the kids entertained themselves by digging holes, practicing with their skim boards and riding waves on their boogie boards. It is so nice seeing my own kids enjoy similar pleasures as I did when I was their age. I know we are creating memories that they will have for a lifetime. We are passing along experiences and traditions that I hope they pass along to their own kids when the time comes.

Vacation is of course a perfect time to get caught up on reading. I admit that I bought the last Harry Potter book the day we left town and read all 759 pages of it while I was gone. What a great series! I really enjoyed the characters and places that J.K. Rowling created and know I will reread the series at some point.
copyright 2007 Stacy L. Rowan

I also took my sketchbook to the beach with the intention of creating many quick sketches. However, I found that I had little interest in buckets and shovels and things that stayed still, so instead challenged myself to sketch beach people. And what a challenge it was! Even people who looked like they were comfortably settled in seemed to start moving as soon as I started sketching. I ended up with many half drawn subjects. But I did manage to finish the two people pictured above. Even though they were also moving targets, they helped me out by frequently returning to a common stance. I have to say that I am pleased with these sketches since I don’t often draw people.

Now we are back from vacation and I am trying to get settled into routine life. One thing that I am learning as I get older is that transitions are not a strength for me. I’m working on that and at least managed to get all of our bags unpacked the day we arrived home.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Glad to read about another Harry Potter lover! Mustn't say anything about it in case someone reads this that hasn't read it yet! Sketching on the beach is very impressive; I notice that you, like me, only sketch people that are facing away from you! Good for you for unpacking so quickly; usually takes me ages...until I need the suitcase again!

Mary said...

I love the top sketch Stacy! It is so typical of people on the beach and the body expression is great. Glad you enjoyed your vacation!

Stacy said...

Dave, my husband just finished reading book 7 so I now I have someone to discuss it with! Everyone in my family is a fan. As for the sketches, I always hope my subject doesn't turn around and see me sketching. I am afraid they will be insulted with my rendition!

Thanks Mary! I liked this guy's pose. He was playing bocce ball and I was impressed that he never put his cup down during the game, even when it was his turn!