Quarantine Sketchbook

Some days it’s a real chore to get the old imagination flowing. I came into the studio today thinking that I would be able to dive right into an oil painting that has been on my easel for the past week and a half only to spend a half hour staring at it blankly. Whenever this happens I try to remind myself what a fellow artist once wrote ...” Simplify. Draw what is in front of you. Relax, enjoy your surroundings and breathe.” Sometimes this advice is hard to follow, especially if there is a deadline involved. But, I do feel it’s good advice and I myself tell my students to not be afraid of accidents. You learn from them and sometimes they come out as happy accidents like that perfectly placed ink blot. I have not given up hope yet as there is still a good part of the day left. But, if this block continues I’ll know I can take comfort in knowing I can look right out my window and find something to draw.

Beaches are closed which means you have to get a little creative when it comes to getting some sun. Sitting in front of a sun lamp probably isn't the best way. I remember my sister getting one nasty burn when she dozed off in front of one those bad boys. Bubbling skin does not make a great first impression on a date unless your the main course for a bunch of cannibals. If that is case, please go light on the Hawaiian Tropic lotion...it really takes away from the taste!

I am sure that many of us are asking this same question every morning... "What the hell am I going to do Today?!!"  Well, thank goodness you are reading this blog because here are some answers right here!

No live music basically sucks! I do appreciate all the live streaming that is going on but we all know it's just not the same. Is what it is for the unforeseeable future. In the meantime please keep it up all you out of work musicians!

Well, another backyard piece done in ink and watercolor. I promise to leave my yard after this one! This is a little plastic blue chair which my great niece likes to sit in when she visits. It's been awhile so she's probably too big for it now. It always ends up with a planter or something on it and I'm afraid it's days are numbered just like the fire pit in my past post.  If you would like a watercolor of something in your yard or just something you would like to have a picture of, send me an email and we can take it from there. my email is mark@weberillustration.com I hope that you are all hanging in there. Thanks for visiting and take care.

Despite the dreary weather, I had to get some fresh air and after taking the dog for a walk I grabbed my sketchbook and sketched our fire pit in the backyard which has definitely seen better days. A new stone one is on our project list. An old bird house is currently residing in this one, ready for the next fire. Hope you enjoy it.

The wifey getting some work done at home. Pencil and watercolor on paper 12x16 inches. I was tempted to ink it but I like the softness of it. I might do a second version, we'll see.