Pat Reese Design

Pears

2011-10-12T11:14:00.000-07:00

Pears Harvest
Watercolor on paper 22 x 9

Shady Trail

2011-07-25T14:22:00.000-07:00

A Shady Park Trail
Ink on watercolor paper

After a nice long walk in the shade of these wonderful trees I sat next to this weedy path and sketched while I enjoyed the sounds of horses, birds and a smooth breeze.

Edge Painting

2011-06-05T18:19:00.000-07:00

I started a new sketch book yesterday and decided to start with an edge painting.

Muckenthaler Park, Fullerton
Edge Painting
Pat Reese, Watercolor

The closed book shows no image until the pages are flared.

This kind of painting has been done for a long time and you can find information on this website http://foreedge.bpl.org/node/923 . I haven't tried it until, after a nice long walk this morning, I noticed that this sketch book would be a perfect opportunity to try. It's fun to do. Just bend the pages so that the pages are flared out and then clamp them till the painting is dry. Use a dry brush method to keep the watercolor from bleeding.

Space Painting

2011-02-25T10:53:00.000-08:00

Space Painting

Enamel Spray Paint on Paper

By Cody and Pat

I spent a few days painting with my grandson. We collaborated on this painting. He would spray and manipulate the paint while I assisted and then I would step in with a few ideas and then he would add to it until we came up with a composition that we both liked. He found this style of painting at spacepainting.com and wanted to try it, so we did. Very fun and fast moving. Wear a mask, the fumes are strong.

Washington Naval Orange

2011-02-24T16:07:00.000-08:00

Winter Orange
Watercolor/ink on paper

While working in my garden I often stop to rest and sketch. These oranges caught my attention until I cooled down enough to want to prune more roses. The winter oranges are so big and heavy this year they are falling off the tree early. There hasn't been enough sun for the sugar to have developed in the fruit but they are still good and juicy.

Postcard from my walk

2011-02-20T12:02:00.000-08:00

Brookdale Street, Fullerton California

Ink and Watercolor on Paper (5in x 7in)

I have been participating in a postcard exchange with my friends over at Sketchercise. You can check out the blog at A Postcard from My Walk. This little painting was one that I did for the exchange but will not be sent because it has a ragged corner where the stamp goes and I was afraid it would continue to rip and not get to its destination. It took a while to get used to painting this small but now that I am carrying around just a stack of postcards instead of larger journals or papers I am getting lazy. Everything fits right into my pocket and is very light. Ivy (my greyhound) and I sometimes walk for hours and the lightness of the pack is important.

Winter Roses

2011-02-12T14:35:00.000-08:00

Winter Roses

Watercolor on paper 16x11

Washington Winter

2011-02-05T21:44:00.000-08:00

Washington Winter

Watercolor on paper 11x9

by Pat Reese

This is the painting I did while Lindsay and I painted the beautiful area near her home in Washington

Washington Winter

2011-02-05T21:36:00.000-08:00

Washington Winter

Watercolor on paper 14x11

by Lindsay

This is another painting by Lindsay. She and I painted together gathering our subject from the beautiful area around her home in Washington State.

SUNFLOWERS

2011-01-29T21:15:00.000-08:00

Sunflowers

watercolor on paper 14x11

By Lindsay

Sunflowers

Watercolor on paper 11x9

by Pat Reese

Lindsay, my granddaughter, and I painted these sunflower paintings together. She is quite talented as you can see. We purchased these flowers at a local grocery store while I was visiting during Thanksgiving holiday.

A Postcard from my Walk

2011-01-26T13:48:00.000-08:00

Introducing 'A Postcard from my Walk'

Postcard from my Walk
Logo by Cathy Gatland

I have recently joined a group of international artists to participate in a new sketching challenge of exercizing and sketching through a postcard exchange. The “A Postcard from my Walk” blog is up and running and you can visit by going to http://walk-postcard.blogspot.com/.

More than a year ago I joined a group called Sketchercise founded by the renouned artist and 'blogmaster' Katherine Tyrrell. Her blog is ranked in the top of blogs of the UK. Making A Mark, Travels with a Sketchbook and The Art of Landscape, are the go to blogs for art information, education and resources. Katherine is now lending her expertise to the blog 'A Postcard from my Walk' where once a month I will send a postcard developed from my walks to one of the group till everyone has received a postcard from me and they will be doing the same. Thank you's go out to Katherine, Ronell Van Wyk for orgainzing everything and Cahty Gatland for your wonderful logo. It is really exciting to know that I will be receiving a piece of real art from each one of these fantastic fellow artist that I have been blog visiting and seeing only virtual art up till now.

Fellow participants are:

• Albrecht Rissler – Germany

• Katherine Tyrrel- England

• Alison Staite - England

• Bridget Hunter - Scotland

• Cathy Gatland - South Africa

• Charlene Brown - Canada

• Desiree Dianne Habicht - USA

• Felicity Grace - Switzerland

• Liz Steel - Australia

• Martin Stankewitz - Germany

• Pat Reese - USA

• Robyn Sinclair - Italy

• Ronell van Wyk - France

• Vivien Blackburn - England

The first postcards get mailed out this week and should start appearing on the blog in February when they arrive at their destination. We are posting our introductions now. Go take a look.

Sleeping Sam

2011-01-22T19:38:00.000-08:00

Sleeping Sam

Watercolor on paper 14"X11"

Winter Apple

2011-01-15T15:32:00.000-08:00

Winter Apple

Watercolor on paper

In California, my garden has no idea it is winter. The apple tree has new blooms, small apples, large apples, leaves that have changed color and are ready to drop off, leaves that are not going to drop off and brand new bright green leaves. Today it over 80 degrees and tomorrow it will be warmer. I worked on this far to long but it was fun and I enjoyed sitting under the shade of the apple tree just playing with the paint.

Dana Point

2010-10-15T09:55:00.000-07:00

Dana Point, California

watercolor on paper 14inx11in

Finally a day to be on the computer! I have only had access to the net through my phone for over a month now and finally have time to post and read everyone’s blogs. Can't wait!!

This painting was a welcome change to my drawings lately. I have been hiking in the hot, dry, dusty California hills lately. I have been trying to increase my walks to treks and then to actual hikes. Yesterday I actually was able to sit and enjoy the waves breaking on the rocks just a few feet in front of me.

Medical Equipment

2010-09-01T12:45:00.000-07:00

Medical Equipment

Ink on Paper

There have been many visits to doctors lately and I find myself with plenty of sketching time. Some of the things I am drawing have very little meaning to me because I don’t know there purpose. Something to do with medical procedures I’m sure but only line and form to me.

2010-08-31T12:36:00.000-07:00

Still life with water bottles

Graphite on Paper

This sketch is a still life I set up while sitting in a waiting room. I like how the texture of the paper adds to the character of the graphite. I was attracted to the transparence of the plastic water bottles and how to describe with graphite reflected and refracted light.

Keys

2010-08-30T12:27:00.000-07:00

Key Chain

Graphite on Paper

I am always trying to sketch something and today was my keys. I have found myself in a place where just sitting is not enough. Here is my keychain with just some of the keys that I need to carry with me everywhere. I made this key chain from a sterling silver spoon that I found in a yard sale. The handle was so beautiful but the spoon part had been destroyed by a garbage disposal.

Earrings

2010-08-29T12:20:00.000-07:00

Earrings

Graphite on Paper

Boats in Harbor

2010-08-28T12:13:00.000-07:00

Boats in Harbor

Ink on Paper

Foot Portrait

2010-08-26T12:14:00.000-07:00

Foot Portrait

Graphite on Paper

Sometimes when I am nowhere in particular just waiting for the next thing to demand my time I sketch. You all know that by now, I sketch anything. Well when there are people (my unsuspecting models) they sometimes catch me staring and feel uncomfortable. Not if I draw something other than there head. So here it is. The foot portrait.

Dana Point Harbor Island

2010-08-16T06:40:00.000-07:00

Dana Point Harbor Island

Ink on paper

Dana Point

2010-08-15T17:38:00.000-07:00

Dana Point

Ink on paper

Hospital Emergency Room

2010-08-13T06:56:00.000-07:00

Emergency Room

Ink on Paper

Feeding the ducks

2010-08-10T09:40:00.000-07:00

Tri City Park

Ink on paper

I was sketching this location after walking around the lake a few times when this lady walked into my field of view and started pouring some grain from a large bag, for the ducks. Of course shortly after that there were far too many ducks but I did manage to put the lady in at the last moment.

Wilshire Street, Fullerton

2010-08-05T16:46:00.000-07:00

Wilshire Street, Fullerton

ink on paper

This is the street I sketched, that I forgot to post, that is next to the Rialto Café. My Bad!

Breakfast at the Rialto Cafe

2010-08-04T09:42:00.000-07:00

Rialto Cafe

Ink on paper

This morning Ivy and I went for breakfast at the Rialto Café. It is next to the street drawing I did a few days ago when I was across the street having another cup of coffee. Rialto’s coffee is much better. Don’t tell the people across the street I said so!

Hiltcher Walking Trail

2010-08-01T08:19:00.000-07:00

Hiltcher Walking Trail

Horse Stable

Ink on paper

This is a horse stable that I walk by on the Hiltcher Trail. There is a small structure for chickens and the stable with the corral attached holds two horses. Ivy is interested in the chickens but the horses just aren't interesting for her, well except for the time the black one got loose and ran down the trail with his owner walking behind him to eventually put the harness (that he was carrying) on to guide him back to the building. Ivy just looked longingly at the running horse wishing, I am sure, that she could run free, too. Ivy is a greyhound and loves to run fast, but at 45 miles an hour she could be a mile away in a minute and not know where she was or how to get back home. So she is never off leash unless she is in an enclosed yard.

Roses

2010-07-27T07:42:00.000-07:00

Roses

Ink on paper

My yard has been neglected and now it is time to get serious about rescuing the roses and my poor vegetable garden. It is hard to garden in the extreme heat we have had. I planned on pruning (or cutting back anyway) the roses in August and here it is almost August. Where does the time go? I have to start by removing the weeds and that is a never ending task. This little sketch came after I had filled my compost piles and filled a few trash barrels full of unwanted stuff. Apples are falling to the ground and the tomatoes are so abundant right now. Plenty for drying and I have filled my freezer with applesauce and tomatoe sauce. My neighbors have all they need, too.

Muckenthaler

2010-07-25T17:56:00.000-07:00

Muckenthaler

Ink on paper

I have sketched this particular view several times and each drawing/painting is always different. I love the horizontal banding of the shade and sunlit grass.

Condiments

2010-07-24T17:39:00.000-07:00

Table Top Condiments

Ink on paper

So often I sit somewhere like under a tree, or on a park bench or at a table waiting for my breakfast order to arrive and I pull out my ink pen and journal and get lost in a line drawing of anything. It’s so mesmerizing just to allow the form to materialize on the paper. No thought to thin and thick or light and dark or any other design rule. Just ink flowing out of the pen tracing a line of what I am looking at. Like an ant walking around the edges of what I see. To me it is the most calming thing I can do. Like a brain vacation. No vocabulary, no explanation, no critique just movement like a dance. It just feels good.

Walking Trail

2010-07-23T11:41:00.000-07:00

Walking Trail

Ink on paper

I have continued to sketch and walk as an exercise program. The group I belong to, as I have mentioned before, is called Sketchercise. I tuck my journal in my backpack, then Ivy and I walk a few miles and then I sketch with ink, graphite and/or watercolor and walk home. This particular area is behind a hospital in Fullerton and at the end of a golf course. I love just walking with no goal in mind other than to explore and find something new to sketch.

Dana Point, Califronia

2010-07-22T07:05:00.000-07:00

Dana Point, California

Ink on paper

I have been away for a month and really have so many sketches that I haven't posted so I will just put them in as I remember them. This one was done on a day that was over cast, with a dappled sky that let light through periodically. I remember that this was a great for just sitting and sketching.

POPPIES

2010-06-14T11:14:00.000-07:00

POPPIES

Watercolor on paper

The Last Winter Poppies

2010-05-26T15:20:00.000-07:00

Poppies

Watercolor in Handmade Paper Journal

This is the last entree in the last signature of my handmade paper journal. I have been working in this journal all winter and enjoyed this wonderful paper and how it takes the ink from my Lami pen and watercolor. Now all that is left to do is to finish stitching and adding it to the other signatures in my journal. Then it will be closed and placed on the book shelf with all the other journals only to be looked at (probably) when my children go through my things for the garage sale when I am moved into that old folks home or after I die. That sound a little too honest for the light of day but I am afraid it is the truth. How many of you artists out there in Virtual Blogland, that make journals, actually share your drawings with real live people?

ROSES AND POPPIES

2010-05-25T14:04:00.000-07:00

Roses and Poppies

Watercolor on Paper

I worked in my garden for a few hours mostly chopping back the undergrowth. It has been a week since I have been able to weed and they have taken over. I am always so surprised to see how fast things change. I usually spend a little time in my garden everyday but with the other things that are going on I have neglected the weeds and they have taken advantage. After filling my compost piles to the brim I came across this collection of mingled roses and poppies and that was it. I stopped to paint and take a break. The poppies are almost gone. I love my poppies. People ask me, 'What is my favorite flower?’ I always say the one that is blooming of course.

Laguna Lake, Fullerton

2010-05-21T19:11:00.000-07:00

Laguna Lake

Graphite on paper

Walking journal

Pasadena Street

2010-05-05T18:58:00.000-07:00

Pasadena Street

Ink on handmade paper Journal

Night Drawing

2010-05-03T18:44:00.000-07:00

Night Drawing

Ink on handmade paper Journal

I happened to find this scene that begged drawing. I have looked at the way the street lights stand out at night and wondered about sketching them. I worked on this until my pen ran out of ink. I couldn't really see it that night and looked at it this morning. I like the way it has only taken up some of the page. I may work on it more but for now I like the way it looks.

Restaurant and Bakery

2010-05-02T18:44:00.000-07:00

Restaurant and Bakery

Ink on handmade paper Journal

I had the opportunity to wait for a friend in this delightful place full of goodies for the eyes and the scences. I never mind waiting if I have a sketch book with me. In fact I have been known to feel a little disappointed when they show up on time.

Fullerton Arboretum

2010-04-30T18:24:00.000-07:00

Tree at the Fullerton Arboretum

Ink on handmade paper Journal

I started this April 17 during the Fullerton Arboretum's Green Scene weekend. I had an opportunity to go back and finish it last Friday.

Just another parking lot

2010-04-27T18:07:00.000-07:00

Parking lot

Ink on handmade paper Journal

It seems like I spend a lot of time sitting looking at parking lots. I think the real situation is that there seems to be parking lots everywhere, at least where I live. When I am painting my trees and trails it’s because I am looking the other way or simply leaving out the cars and people and putting in only the trees.

Salad Bar

2010-04-25T20:09:00.000-07:00

Salad Bar

Ink on handmade paper Journal

One of my favaorite places to eat are the places that have salad bars. I am a slow eater and when I sketch and eat I get even slower. If I can get to the restaurant just after the huge lunch crowd I can sit and chew and chew and sketch and sketch until the dinner crowd comes and I need to give up my table. Pluse I like to keep an eye on the dishes so when they come out fresh from the kitchen.

Garden Journal

2010-04-24T08:25:00.000-07:00

Garden Journal

Ink on handmade paper

I don't usually write in my journal but I thought I might just this once. I won't again. Here is what it says if you can't read it from the picture.

I can’t believe it is already 12:00. I have been working in the garden since 8 and I am ready for a rest. I have had a Towhee with me all morning but now I am not finding one bird to sketch. This is one of my new plants from the Green Scene. It’s a pink/salmon geranium. It’s name is Belinda.

Washington Navel Orange

2010-04-23T08:12:00.000-07:00

Washington Navel Orange
Ink on handmade paper Journal

I love my little orange tree. I planted it when the children were little (they are in their 40's now) so that we could have fresh squeezed orange juice for breakfast. Well of course they are not around very often now but I still am enjoying my fresh squeezed orange juice every morning. I have 21 oranges left for this season. I only use the fallen ones so that they last longer and of course get sweeter. I have pruned it smaller now, only 6 feet high so I can take care of the tree without getting on a latter. I cut my apple back this year for the same reason. The apples will take care of my fruit needs till well after fall and of course all the veggies are coming along fine. I have already been eating tomatoes while I have been weeding.

Coffee Shop Parking

2010-04-22T08:04:00.000-07:00

Coffee Shop Parking Lot

Ink on handmade paper Journal

I sketched this over a month ago now and am finally getting around to posting the things that have not been posted since my computer problems. I always find the parking lots interesting with all the cars and all the people that must go here and there and of course grab their cup of coffee for the road.

Laguna Beach

2010-04-15T17:42:00.000-07:00

Laguna Beach

Watercolor on Arch paper

I got to go to one of my favorite places - the beach. It turned out to be a beautiful day with some clouds, cool breezy fresh air and of course the color and movement of the water. I wish I could have spent hours but a stolen 30 minutes was all I could manage. Painting a quick sketch is a great way to spend a mental health moment. I feel so blessed to have paints in my car, an ability to use my art tools, a location that is so healing and the ability to post without too much trouble. I say that tentatively because I am still on my old computer.

Painted Dish

2010-04-14T12:12:00.000-07:00

Painted Dish

Glaze on ceramic

I tried something new and painted with glaze on a ceramic dish last week. It was fun and different. What do you think? It is micro and oven safe. I think I need a service for four.

Channel Islands Exhibit at the Fullerton Arboretum

2010-04-13T08:44:00.000-07:00

Channel Island Exhibit

Fullerton Arboretum

Ink in handmade paper Journal

A few weeks ago my garden/art buddy and I went to the Fullerton Arboretum to see where the Orange County Geranium Society booth will be for the Green Scene You can find it at this link: http://calstate.fullerton.edu/news/Inside/2009/arboretum-green-scene.html. I will be working the booth on Saturday so come and visit. We will be selling pelargoniums (commonly known as geraniums) varieties such as Zonal, Scented-leaved, Ivy-leaved and Regals. I will be sketching like last year so if you are going to visit don’t stand in one place for to long or you will be in my next week’s posting. This time I am not going to forget my camera.

Riverside Garden Tour

2010-04-12T08:55:00.000-07:00

Riverside Garden Tour

Ink on handmade paper journal

Computer ........ Can't afford them and live without them.

2010-03-30T18:34:00.000-07:00

Well I had another computer hospitalization but she is back now and fully loaded so tomorrow I will be back at posting and try to post the sketches and paintings I have been working on for the last 2 weeks.

Walking in the Fog

2010-03-21T18:41:00.000-07:00

Spring is here and for California that means fog. I walked out the door and went right back in for my camera. Foggy walks are my favorite,

First I found this clover blossom. When I use my macro lens I have to wait to see what I captured when I get back to the computer. All of these pictures can be enlarged and I tried to make them as large as possible.

This is a Dandelion. Enlarge this one to see all the little droplets. Very Cool!

This one I gave a little boost with Photoshop.

IRIS

2010-03-21T08:31:00.000-07:00

Iris

Graphite on Journal

I have been working in my garden getting ready for the growing season. I have pruned for weeks now and still have not finished and the weeds are everywhere. I really don't mind weeding it just is never ending. I consider my yardening activity just like go to my local gym. I work in the garden for a few hours a day normally but during this part of the year the time is much more because there is so much prep in veggie gardening and getting those roses and fruit trees under control. My sketch for today is the sketch I work on when I just need to sit for a while to rest, hydrate and enjoy the wonderfully fertile soil that is now visible because I have pulled all those weeds out.

Brea Hills

2010-03-14T08:12:00.000-07:00

Brea Hills

Graphite on journal

The snow is still visible from the trail that Ivy and I enjoy and so I took the time today to sketch the view. I notice the view is changing because a housing development has claimed the crest of one of these slopes. If they would have just dropped the houses down below the top of the hill there would still have been a view and would not have ruined the visual impact of these hills. Ah money, that's what its all about. If a community sets its standards around money I find esthetics suffers.

Light blue Iris

2010-03-09T14:32:00.000-08:00

Iris

Graphite in journal

This is a new Iris in my garden. My friend Lillian and I splurged last year and purchase a few new colors to add to our gardens on the plan that when they multiplied we would share with each other doubling our plants. Lillian.... are yours blooming yet? This one is the most lovely shade of very light blue and about 30 inches tall.

A View of Los Angeles

2010-03-08T21:17:00.000-08:00

Los Angeles

Ink on handmade paper journal

It rained yesterday and when it rains the sky is clean and clear for a few hours. Today, from a walking trail in the hills I could see Los Angeles, about 40 miles away, very clearly. I always forget that I live in a basin surrounded by mountains and hills because you usually can't see them because of smog and air density.

Iris

2010-03-06T19:52:00.000-08:00

First Iris of the Season

Watercolor, ink

It's happening! Everything is starting to bloom and leaf out like apple and pear blossoms, veggies like tomatoes, squash and potatoes and of course daffodils and iris and weeds. Oh ya, and nasturtiums everywhere. I made my salad with the flowers from my nasturtiums today and the lovely fresh radish taste just was delightful. OK everyone out there where winter is still at your door step…..spring is coming.

Rainy Day Flower Box

2010-03-05T19:23:00.000-08:00

Window Flower Box

Watercolor on handmade paper

I went out early to do my walking with Ivy and to capture a sketch so I could participate in the Skethercise group I belong to. I had sketched this last week but didn’t paint it because it was raining. I painted it when I got home from my walk

Portrait

2010-03-04T14:38:00.000-08:00

This is a portrait of someone who didn't know I was sketching her. Meetings are wonderful for this kind of thing. Everyone is traped...... some listen some drift away in thought and some make shopping lists or sketch. I think she was on a mind vacation.

Walking Trail

2010-03-01T14:58:00.000-08:00

Hiltcher Trail

Watercolor on Yupo

It was supposed to rain today but I gave it a chance and even thought the clouds dance with the sun creating these wonderful shadows and bright spots of sun I was able to walk, paint and get home before the clouds opened.

Reading Glasses

2010-02-28T14:49:00.000-08:00

Reading Glasses

graphite on paper

Peaches from South America

2010-02-27T14:45:00.000-08:00

Peaches

graphite on paper

I have started a new sketchbook that is just for graphite.

Doodling

2010-02-26T16:07:00.000-08:00

Doodling

Pall point pen on paper

I know you have all done it.

Doodling.

That is when you just see what happens as you draw lines on paper until you run out of

paper, ink or time.

Pigeon

2010-02-26T12:59:00.000-08:00

Band-tailed Pigeon.

graphite on paper

While walking Ivy I found this beautiful bird, dead and a great specimen to draw. I wished I could have spent more time with it.

Stuff

2010-02-22T21:03:00.000-08:00

This is the stuff we can't do without. I remember when I didn't take a cell phone with me, when I didn't have an alarm on my car, when I didn't have to have a pager on me at all times and when I only had a house key and a car key on my key chain. Not anymore. For any of you that have sat next to me in a meeting then you know that I will draw anything. So don't put your keys down, or your glasses or your coffee cup because you will not be able to touch it until I am through with my sketch. Because it is all about me!

Geraniums

2010-02-20T08:59:00.000-08:00

Ivy Geranium

watercolor on handmade paper journal

Hiltcher walking trail

2010-02-18T08:10:00.000-08:00

Hiltcher walking trail

Watercolor on Yupo

Silk Floss Tree

2010-02-17T08:56:00.000-08:00

Silk Floss Tree

Ink, watercolor on handmade paper

This is a green tree that has thorns on the trunk, deciduas and orchid like flowers twice a year. When the leaves have dropped the shape of the tree is visible. The city of Fullerton, California has planted them on both sides of Harbor Blvd. in the downtown area.

Painting with YUPO

2010-02-16T16:21:00.000-08:00

On January 30th I took ‘The Painting on Yupo’ class from Kevin Davidson. I have painted on this plastic paper for a while now and have developed my own way of achieving the goal of getting the subject to look acceptable. It is always difficult to change habits but one just has to try. Kevin's paintings are fresh with brilliant clean color and I enjoyed seeing him paint with this unusual medium.

Here is the Yupo class study with Kevin Davidson. Visit his site for a wonderful visual experience.

Missing but not forgotten.

2010-02-13T19:41:00.000-08:00

Ok, I have been missing but not forgotten. What a delight you all are!!! You have continued to care about me and check in to see what I have been doing. I have received so many emails wanting to know what has happened and where did I go? Well I just had this big project to do and it took every bit of energy and time I had to give. I have finished successfully and now I can get back to my real life. That is walking Ivy, gardening and being compulsively artistic. I will post my past drawings and paintings as I get back to posting but for now I am going to take this time while I am sitting in front of the TV listening to the Olympics and visiting your wonderful inspirational blogs.

Huntington Gardens

2010-01-23T19:29:00.000-08:00

Huntington Library and Gardens

Chinese Garden

Ink on handmade paper journal

Before the rain

2010-01-17T15:51:00.000-08:00

Landscape

Watercolor on paper

The rain is coming so I took sometime this afternoon to walk the skyline trail and then to sketch a beautiful view of Newport Fashion Island, a shopping center near the California coast. I could see the clouds forming as I was sketching and then when I started to paint they became darker and darker. I just love to watch nature happening.

My life is a blur!

2010-01-16T20:10:00.000-08:00

I spent the morning working in my garden and getting ready for the rain that is coming to California. We haven't had measurable rain for a long time. Most of the world that is experiencing winter right now seems to be reporting extremes and I guess this will be like that too because the forecast is for rain, "not like we have seen since 95". I can't remember 1995. Can you? As I get older days become weeks and months fly by and the years flash by, one unrecognizable from another. These glasses say it all. I started to draw them when I came in to cool off but found that at some point I had to go get glasses to see what I was doing. My life is a blur just like the years.

Hiltcher Park Trail

2010-01-14T19:09:00.000-08:00

Pen and Ink walking trail

Laguna Lake, Fullerton Califronia

2010-01-13T19:12:00.000-08:00

Laguna Lake, Fullerton, California

Watercolor on rag paper 24x9 inches

Winter in California

2010-01-07T21:03:00.000-08:00

On my walks with Ivy I found these leaves that caught the light from the morning sun. I could not help but pick them up and take them home to paint and then place on my kitchen window shelf to enjoy while I am washing dishes.

Dana Point

2010-01-06T21:03:00.000-08:00

Dana Point, California

This is the way I want to spend every day for the rest of my life. Painting at Dana Point. The weather has been in the 70's+ F/26C. Warm, clear and soothing to the jangled nerves left over from the Holidays. I am trying to go to the beach everyday till that cold weather they have been forecasting comes in.

Keys

2010-01-05T17:40:00.000-08:00

Why do key just turn up missing? They are there and then they are gone. I always put them in the same place and then they are gone and then they are back. I think it is pixies changing them into Kleenex or a pencil or something.

Dana Point, Califronia

2010-01-04T17:40:00.000-08:00

I spent the day at the beach today. The weather was glorious, the sun was warm and the painting was small so I thought I would share this photo with you. This is Dana Point in California.

Interior in graphite

2010-01-02T18:19:00.000-08:00

I have been a bit under the weather so interiors are the way to go for me these days. This glowing alabaster lamp shade and the back lighting from the window was the challenge I set for myself.

New Years Day

2010-01-01T18:10:00.000-08:00

What were your New Years Resolutions? Mine is to paint and draw more. Sorry I didn't resolve the posting thing yet but I will work on that too. I spent the day sketching where ever I was and this one is an interior that is so peaceful and calm, perfect colors, comfortable furniture and soothing music.

Dana Point

2009-12-31T20:53:00.000-08:00

A quick sketch on really ruff handmade paper.

Cork Oak

2009-12-28T17:01:00.000-08:00

Cork Oak leaf and acorn caps.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T09:31:00.000-08:00

When I think of Christmas and the Holidays starting with Thanksgiving I think of the blessings I have experienced. This blog and the virtual reality of the internet has been one of the biggest blessings I have received since grandchildren.

First, the opportunity to share what I love to do,

that is to create visual art,

next to meet and communicate with wonderful, kind, generous and supportive friends and

last to hone my art skills by sketching, painting and just plain working on my art every day.

Coyote Hills

2009-12-16T18:53:00.000-08:00

Look at this place. It's Coyote Hills in Orange County California. It is scheduled for development, houses, roads, a school, a strip mall and what else. There are many sides to serving the needs of a few. While I was painting this when I heard the cry of the red tailed hawk and looked up to capture it just in time to put into my painting. I painted this from behind a fence with a sign that said private property.

COMPUTERS!!!!!!!!!!

2009-12-15T18:39:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I come home and turn on the computer (the old one) and it works! IT'S WORKING!!!!!! I have been backing up and down loading like crazy, trying to save everything.

This is Coyote Hills. I have painted it before only not at such a distance. It has been raining here which has curtailed Plein Air painting. This was done from the car.

I'm Back

2009-12-14T18:05:00.000-08:00

I am back, a little ruffed up and worn out, but back. I will post pic's when I can. I have kept up reading your blogs while I was gone and answered when I could.

Ivy has missed her walks so much she scolded me roundly and then has not let me out of her sight since my return. I took her on a short walk but it wasn’t enough. I tell you it is really hard to walk in the house with her by my side, Sammy (the cat) in the lead and another Sam (the cat) following. They are just making sure I don’t turn up missing again. Humans get lost so easily these days.

Here is one of the sketches done on the fly at a Starbucks.

The store has put up all these Christmas decorations making it all Holiday like but it is just the coffee place where I go to get a cup of decaf and to talk with friends, get out of the house and sit somewhere warm. Maybe I will look at the decorations when they go on sale after the Holidays.

Computers

2009-12-07T15:27:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. I bet some of you have noticed that I have been MIA and haven't posted for awhile. Well my old computer finally passed away after a long struggle. She put up a valiant fight but in the end we said our goodbyes and now she is sitting on a shelf waiting…..for something.

I am still learning Windows 7, uploading my programs and trying to accept the fact that some of my programs are not compatible like Photoshop for instance. In other words I am not able to post pictures yet, but I am working on it. I will be gone for a week starting Dec 8th so I will report in with pictures, hopefully in a couple of weeks. Keep sketching and remember me, I will be back.

Oh, and if I don’t get a chance before hand, Merry Christmas and have a great Holiday.

Buena Vista Drive, Fullerton California

2009-11-22T08:32:00.000-08:00

This is just another street Ivy and I walk on almost daily. The reason I sketched this was mostly because of the telephone poles and wires crossing the street creating a spider webbing across the sky. Now that I have downloaded the image into the blog I can't really see them.

Top of the Hill

2009-11-21T17:26:00.000-08:00

I took some time and participated in the Sketchcrawl for Saturday November 21. I hope you all had a great art day.

CONCRETE LEAVES

2009-11-20T20:58:00.000-08:00

The concrete leaves are painted and finally put into the garden. They will eventually be part of a fountain.

Brookdale Place

2009-11-18T20:22:00.000-08:00

Brookdale Place is one of the tree lined streets in Fullerton that have the older homes of the community.

THE ADVENTURES OF A MEANDERING MOLESKINE

2009-11-17T20:27:00.000-08:00

I have just received the Moly exchange moleskine from Kim. Isn't it wonderfully imaginative? I get to paint in it next. You can see Kim's blog site HERE

Here is a compilation of my book that I sent on at the beginning of this month to Anna. You can see her art work on her blog HERE

Come follow our adventure over at The Adventures of a Meandering Molskine Here

HUNTINGTON LIBRARY AND GARDENS

2009-11-16T20:13:00.000-08:00

This is a sketch of a large oak on the Huntington Library grounds with the San Gabrial Mountains in the background.

HUNTINGTON LIBRARY

2009-11-15T19:10:00.000-08:00

The Huntington Library and Gardens is located in San Marino California. The property was purchased in 1903 and the grounds were designed and planted with acquired specimens (both mature and seedlings) from all over the world. Some of the trees appear to be around 100 years old. It isn't very often that I can see a tree that has not been 'trimmed' to fit in the location where someone has planted it. This beautiful oak is very special. The bamboo grove in the background has specimens that appear to be over 50 feet tall.

Hiltcher Park

2009-11-12T12:58:00.000-08:00

Muckenthaler Park

2009-11-07T21:00:00.000-08:00

Fullerton Parks has given Muckenthaler a new picnic table, perfect for my painting after my walk with Ivy.

Painting is a freedom that I have given myself after years of doing for others. I have raised my family, worked to help support the house hold, given up time and experiences for the good of the others and now have decided to schedule time for me. I don't have a goal to be a great painter just to be the best I can be. I don't have a goal to be noticed as an artist, just to share what I have done if someone wants to see it. I want to make sure I have time in everyday to create with the skill that I have worked so hard to develop. Because I see and am able to produce a visual image that others can see then it seems that a consequence of creating art is to have it be seen, not necessarily a requirement to have it seen, just that it can be seen.

This blog has given me that opportunity. Then my fellow artists came to support me in my need to create. Now I find that I am taking time to help other people who have followed the same path of wanting to create and share their art.

Neighborhood Homes

2009-11-07T10:41:00.000-08:00

Cathy Gatland over at A Sketch in Time http://asketchintime.blogspot.com/ did the most wonderful flip book and so I thought I would try it. I hope you like it. I do and that is what this is all about (the blog site, that is) to try new things and share what I have learned and created.
What do you think?

Hiltcher Park Walking Trail

2009-11-06T22:26:00.000-08:00

The morning started out cold and crispy then the fog rolled in and the leaves began to drip moisture watering the new growth of grass seed and wild radish. The new grass is a fresh chartreuse color, that new green of spring color. That's what happens here, first the days grow shorter, moisture from the coastal fog gives that needed moisture and then a few hot weeks and the plants give their last bloom of the season.

Hiltcher Park Walking Trail

2009-11-05T22:22:00.000-08:00

Ink sketch at about the 1/2 mile mark.

Hiltcher Walking Trail

2009-11-04T22:10:00.000-08:00

I have a new sketch book and have been taking it out every morning to sketch the trail. Ivy hasn't been feeling very well so we didn't go very far. The sun was coming up through the trees and will make a fun painting. For now it started out pencil, I inked it in today and hopefully will add color another day.