Sketchbook Project, part 6

This is a kind of introduction to the project that I will be working on for the rest of the sketchbook...

Sketchbook Project, part 5

Do you notice anything different about the flower shape on this sand dollar? It didn't grow that way, I'm taking artistic license...

Sketchbook Project, part 4

You can click on the image to see a larger version.

Sketchbook Project, part 3

Full page spread of the sketchbook. More of the amazing sand dollars, and their light and leaps of fantasy.

Sketchbook Project, part 2

Have you ever examined the underside of a sand dollar? They are just as interesting as the top side. These are watercolors, about 5 x 7, the size of the sketchbook.

The sketch below is about 10 x 7, the size that the sketchbook is when it's opened.

Sketchbook Project

And...She's Back!

I've recently finished participating in The Sketchbook Project, presented by Art House Coop. Anyone can participate. You pay your money, and receive a small sketchbook which you fill in any way you wish, then return it by a specified date. It had been a long time since I had asked myself, "what do you want to paint, Hillary?" and I used this sketchbook and it's deadline to bring me back to painting some things for my own personal interests, expression and growth.

The sketchbooks will go on a world tour, and then be housed at the Brooklyn Art Museum. They'll also be available online. You were invited to choose from a variety of themes, and I chose "Hope." There were no other directions, but a suggestion for it to actually be a sketchbook - a place where you practice your craft and develop ideas.

I took that to heart, as I love seeing the process of other artists by looking at their sketches, and also worked towards a final project which is pictured at the end of the book. Here is the cover of my sketchbook, above, and below is the first page of the sketchbook.

Sheila, 16 x 12, Watercolor

Cactus Shot

Cactus Shot, Watercolor, 8 x 8

When Erika left California, she bequeathed me many beautiful plants. A cactus, which is now in bloom is one of them. These are two blossoms that fell off the plant and landed in a shot glass.

Yellow Tomatoes

Yellow Tomatoes, 6 x 9, Watercolor

Another little painting before they're all gone...

Yellow and Red Tomatoes,Watercolor, 8 x 8

We had a great harvest of yellow and red tomatoes this year, I wish I had had time to paint more of them. These are among the last of the crop.

Glazing Study

Glazing Study, Watercolor, 8.5 x 11

This was a workshop demonstration of glazing - creating layers of transparent watercolor. The blues and purples that were the first layers come subtly through the other layers, and pop out in the foreground as the lighter stalks of weeds and grasses.

Remembering Harry

Harry, Watercolor, about 12 x 12

This demo piece was painted during one of the watercolor workshop that I have given from my studio. Martha - friend, neighbor and student - asked for a demo on painting fur in watercolor using her hairy friend Harry as the subject. Sadly, Harry left us last month. He is fondly remembered!

Life Study

Pauline is new to modeling for painters, but she was a natural. This is 20 x 14, watercolor on gessoed watercolor paper.

Magnolia Pod Study

9 x 9 Watercolor Study