Thursday, May 29, 2008

Break Time

I'm behind on a project (imagine that!) and must let the sketching slide for the next few days. Please check back after June 14 for sketches from the BAK (Biking Across Kansas) ride.

Monday, May 26, 2008

The Color of Mud

Pastel on Mi Teint paper (8.5"x5.5")

If your adult son asks you "what is it?", you probably shouldn't show it to anyone else. Oh well, I'll live dangerously. I was struck with the rich color in this muddy field! I didn't say I CAPTURED it. I do think this would have worked better in a standard horizontal composition.

Wrong Way!

Pastel on Mi Teint paper (5.5"x13.5")

It was mid-day before the sun came out on Sunday. This view caught my eye while taking a break on a bike trip to Adrian, MO. Thanks, Mitch and Joyce, for the great shish cabobs!

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Mill Creek

Oil on canvas (6"x8")

This oil sketch is from last Fall, along the Mill Creek Streamway Park trail, a short walk from our house.

I have not been out the last few days due to weather and a nasty toothache. Maybe tomorrow.

Friday, May 23, 2008

Blue Star Awards

Pastel on Mi Teint paper (5.5"x13.5")

Each year Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City sponsors the "Blue Star" awards. This is a special event held at Kansas City Starlight Theater in honor of area high school musical theater students. This year our son, Ethan, participated in a musical number from "Once On This Island" on stage! He stole the show, of course.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Mom

Pastel on Mi Teint paper (8.5"x11")

I could say it looks like her, but I'd be lying. Mother is 92 and lives in a nursing home. She is a constant source of inspiration and encouragement. I love you Mother.

Brush Creek

Pastel on Mi Teint paper (8.5"x11")

This view of Brush Creek is found along Indian Lane, in Mission, KS.
I don't consider the sketch very successful. It needs better definition between the middle and background plains, among other things. I DID enjoy watching the antics of a mallard duck family as I worked (sorry, I didn't even try to draw them!).

Monday, May 19, 2008

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Northgate & Harold (7:00pm)

Pastel on Mi Teint paper (8.5"x11")

Another intersection. There is a waste treatment plant just to the left of this picture. The "aroma" was constant during the drawing session. Afterward I met a fellow biker who gave me a tract of the Gospel of John. Thanks Christopher!

Downtown Overland Park

Pastel on Mi Teint paper (8.5"x11")

This started as a sunset, but quickly turned into a night scene of downtown Overland Park, KS. I still don't know how artists paint in the dark! The moon rise was great tonight as well. Should have had my camera!

Friday, May 16, 2008

Cottonball Clouds (6:00 PM)

Pastel on Mi Teint paper (8.5"x11")

Today was a perfect day in Kansas City! The cotton candy clouds were great inspiration. Using the bike, it is possible to stop just about anywhere to sketch. I chose the intersection of Quivira and Santa Fe Trail Dr., in Lenexa, KS. for this scene.

Of course, I've left out the cars again (gotta get brave and give try them).

I 435 & 105th St (7:00 AM)

Pastel on Mi Teint paper (8.5"x11")

After trying outdoor watercolor sketching, I've decided pastels are more my speed. Here's my first attempt using the spiral sketchbook I made with Canson Mi Teinte paper and glassine separator sheets.

This is a scene I pass daily on my bike ride to work (I 435 & 105th St). It's amazing the colors that start appearing when one sets down to start drawing! The scene was full of traffic, but I didn't have the confidence to include it. Maybe next time.

I hope to do many more sketches in the next few months, including some from Northern Kansas during the Biking Across Kansas (BAK) ride. The challenge is to decide what equipment is critical, since every ounce counts on a bike!