Drawing from Nature

Week Two  of  "Sketching and Watercolor In A Mixed Media Journal with Jane LaFazio" involves drawing from nature, and progressing from drawing to design.

Between the subzero winter and the month of 100 degree plus summer days, nature has taken quite a beating around here this year.  Fall temperatures and some rain have improved my garden.  Chose to draw a Japanese eggplant, that hasn't produced anything this year, but is attractive and alive.

Everyday Object Three

I always liked "Butch", the Rookwood bulldog, but could never afford one. The economy has driven Rookwood pottery values down about 50%, so I managed to get one at an auction recently.

I just had to keep the cats from knocking it off the table while I worked on my drawing.

Everyday Objects Day 2

I used one of my eBay treasures for my second subject in Everday Objects, a Royal Doulton ceramic basket of puppies. I've collected a number of dog figures over the years and this is one of my favorites.
 I used a combination of Tombow and Pitt pens with some watercolor for this object.
 

Next time, I'm going to have to be more selective about the object I draw and it's placement on the page. 

Sketching & Watercolor In A Mixed Media Journal

I'm back from a stay in the hospital, just in time to start Jane LaFazio's  Sketching & Watercolor In A Mixed Media Journal.  I've taken a number of Jane LaFazio's online classess, so I have most of my supplies on hand. The few items I need should arrive before I need them.

The first week's project is Everyday Objects, where the students collect a series of drawings of items around the on a journal page.  My first object, a little robot dog has been gathering dust on a shelf since I discovered how much mayhem it could cause around real dogs and cats.

 

I'm planning on adding 2 - 3 more objects during the coming week.  I have plenty of time to work on them; I'm grounded until the surgeon releases me,  at least another week.

The following photos are of a large (4" or so) praying mantis I found while I was clearing brush.  Looks like an alien, doesn't it?