Charleston

This is all I have done since signing off last week and heading to South Carolina. Can't seem to get motivated beyond these very quick sketches with Pitt pens. Maybe this afternoon...

"fetch"

East End Beach, in Portland Maine, is a gathering place for people and their dogs. It's like a big fun dog party with all shapes and sizes. 

I have used the last of the paint on the palette. I'm taking a break and going away for the weekend without my computer. I am, however, taking my sketch kit...

EDM challenge: draw an apple

I love to paint with oils, but it is expensive and I hate to waste any of it. So last night , I grabbed this apple and did a twenty minute oil sketch. I was trying not to get too caught up in the rules that sing in my head about painting and just let the brush wander around the canvas. There is still paint on the palette so I think there may be another oil sketch before the day is done.

Huey "Chewy" Adler Kauffman, RIP

My friends Brad and Joan are mourning the loss of their beloved cat, Chewy. He was a big cat in every way. I think the painting looks a little cartoonish, but he did have a "Sylvester" look about him. Of course, he was a black cat shot inside against a dark background so not the greatest photo to paint from, but I really enjoyed doing this for them.

"full o' beans"

The Burnham and Morrill "B&M" Baked Bean Company sits at the mouth of the Back Cove on the highway between Portland and Falmouth and has since 1913. This is the view from the Portland Trails path along the Casco Bay past East End Beach and into the Old Port.

a walk to Norm's BBQ for dinner

Portland's Old Port has become my second home. I have enjoyed getting to know the city and all that it has to offer, especially when it comes to sketching opportunities. It is interesting and lively with many great restaurants. It is also noisy, has no parking and can reek havoc with my diet.

"holy mackerel"

This Mackerel got a thumbs up from Jerry, "the Fish Guy". I may try a few of the other North Atlantic fishes on my list before I call this challenge done. Their shape works well in my horizontal sketch book.

the last snowfall

This was done from a photo of the last snow of our very long winter, which was only a few weeks ago. I used a limited palette of five colors including white. I don't miss the snow and cold, but I am always amazed at the beauty. Then I realize that right now I am wearing flip flops and how cool is that!

EDM challenge: draw a fish

This North Atlantic Cod Fish is a favorite up here in New England. I, however, have been told by my friend Jerry "the Fish Guy" that the head is not quite right. So, I am going to try again.

"on the waterfront"

We walked down to Custom House Wharf past favorite spots such as Harbor Fish Market and the Porthole Restaurant. The city is coming alive again after a very long winter.

EDM challenge: draw a fire hydrant

I saw this fire hydrant on our Monday morning walk through the Old Port. I loved the turquoise and the yellow and who would not want to paint that shadow.

back to "the burbs"

After a weekend in town, Sophie and I headed back to the cape and the quietness of our little neighborhood on the coast of Maine. Although, Portland offers excitement, energy and fun, it also has traffic, Pittbulls and  storm drains! Sophie is back to quietly napping on the back of the couch, barking at the chocolate lab next door and being the ever vigilant squirrel spotter.

"a not so sunny Sunday in town"

Very cold Sunday morning walk around the Old Port. On our way home we stop at Javanet for a chai and  according to Sophie, the best treats in town. She is part Bichon Frise so she will stand on her hind legs and wave her front paws up and down when she needs something or wants attention. She will do that at Javanet until she gets that treat. Back to Jerry's and up 5 flights of stairs to his top floor place. It's a workout, but the views of the harbor are beautiful, but elevators are beautiful too...

"suburb girl" goes to town

I have been spending more time in Portland, so this "suburb girl" and her little dog are taking early morning walks through the streets of the Old Port. It's a whole new world for sketching. The biggest problem in the city are more of those darn scary "dreaded" storm drains, but they do give dog treats at Javanet.

another year older

These years birthdays are coming too quickly, but I do love the cards, emails and flowers I get from my family and friends. I usually buy myself a gift. This year it was the smallest traveling sketch kit I could devise that would fit easily in my handbag or pocket when out and about. The small Moleskine watercolor sketch book, tiny watercolor set, niji watercolor brush, pigma micron pen, mechanical pencil and eraser all fit in a small Eagle Creek ditty bag. What a great gift!