Summer Sketches - 2023

Peek inside my sketchbook!

Hello from Florida and record heat. We have found ourselves, like everyone else, finding some balance of sweating and staying cool, which is admittedly getting harder with three kids at home. We recently left our home of nearly 10 years to our first rental in a four-month intermission before we move into our next permanent residence.

All moves are challenging, and this one has been no exception. However, I have attempted to lean into the constraints this summer, committing more deeply to just PLAYING in the sketchbook and reading for the fun of it.

Play and rest are so good for the soul, check out a few of the gems so far in this journey!

First, this magnificent oak is in our temporary backyard.

It’s the first thing I couldn’t wait to explore when we arrived, and I hope to return to these as large-scale paintings when I am back in a more forgiving studio space. These trees have shown up in my work again and again, often signifying ideas such as home, space, and shelter.

These themes seem so relevant given our current circumstances. The feeling of home and the tension of taking up space keep bubbling up as these sketches emerge.

Normally, these paintings are very neutral and naturally colored. But… what would happen if they carried a different hue??

The ocean… It’s endlessly inspiring!

My fun loving husband found a way to make even an awkward four months in rentals be memorable…. by making our first stop within walking distance of the beach!

(What would I do without him??)

From the ocean and her moods to the people who enjoy her, I hope this section of my sketchbook continues to grow before we head back into town in a few weeks.

colorful interpretations of a moody evening

Taking those value studies and finding interesting color combinations using markers (I use these, they are a nice affordable version of the pricey kinds…super portable but do bleed through the pages).

early color studies for Hallie Herold’s second book…. EEK!!!! (here’s a link to her first!)

Palm Trees!

These babes caught my eye in a new way last week when I was walking. I had the urge to play with them as simple forms with wacky color. I’ve only done one so far in this manner, but have a ton of prepped swatches on blank pages to continue to explore. I could see this turning into a very fun (and colorful!) series!