Festivals & Sketches

The month of May has traditionally been the time of year I shift gears. I have completed most of my teaching commitments and focus on upcoming summer art festivals. I review inventory and think about curating a 10’x10′ exhibition space in my tent. I categorize paintings by medium and size, create price lists, and make sure new work is framed, wired, and ready to hang. I prepare show announcements and design postcards with my exhibition schedule, and I begin promoting on social media.

I also have discovered several opportunities to meet monthly with local artists equipped simply with sketch books.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/895393162697568/

The sketch above was my first attendance with the sketch DePere group… we met in a local wine bar, and I didn’t know what to expect. I brought several photos and worked from one, but the majority of the group looked at their immediate surroundings and just started sketching!

Several years ago I challenged myself to not be intimidated by “en plein air” (outdoor) sketching and painting. Whenever I traveled, I brought a sketch book, sharpie marker, and mini set of watercolor paints. I began to realize a sketch was just that… a study, not a masterpiece, not a finished painting. My biggest struggle was with my mindset and getting over myself!

I will investigate another group that meets outdoors, once the weather warms at the Botanical Garden https://www.gbbg.org/events/plein-art-tuesdays/

In the meantime, I sat on the front porch yesterday and experimented with some new brushes that hold water, eliminating the need for a water container. Still not sure if I liked how “dry” it was but I will continue to explore this simplified technique.

Easy sketching will keep me grounded and connected to the creative process during the summer festival season. I’ll also be visiting one of my favorite countries next week – Italy – with sketch book in hand!

… more to follow in the coming weeks.