inspiration

A few years ago I took my first ‘group’ painting trip–to the south of France. While I really enjoyed the countryside and the people I was with (particularly my great roommate with whom I still correspond and who by the way is a great painter), I was clear from the beginning that I wanted to sketch in a sketch book and not work on big sheets of watercolour paper in the hopes of creating a work of art. I am a sketcher, not a painter. For me sketching is about capturing the moment, a way of recording where you were and how you were feeling about it, how it struck you. Inspired by some of the sketchers I love, I sketched my cappuccinos and my meals. This was a source of amazement and even annoyance for the teacher. But I persevered–and I am still at it. I love to sit in a café and paint the table and the surroundings and the people. I am working on producing sketches that are looser and bolder and more fun. That capture the essence even with a line or two.

Imagine my delight when I found a new sketcher today who does all these things in a post with Liz Steele, one of my favourites. I don’t think anyone has sketched more cups and cafés than Liz. And for inspiration, before a sketching trip, I always watch this delightful video. He makes it look so easy.