Almost Spring

It is still too cold to sketch outside for any length of time so today, I gave myself permission to sketch from photos.
While walking our dog through the neighborhood, I took pictures of the cows, chickens, scenery.  Since then, I've been having a lovely time sitting around sketching from my phone.  Here are two from Al Anderson Farm in Langley, WA.

The chickens were actually scratching grasses and veggies in the corner, but the hole was getting deep, so I imagined a breakout with the third chicken keeping guard.
The Herefords are very friendly because we feed them apples in the fall, they pose so calmly - probably wondering where the apples went.

Anderson Farm is now a VRBO and can be rented by a family.  Not sure how many it sleeps, but know that it has the same feel of around the middle of the twentieth century!   Even the appliances look old but are updated replicas.  Hmm, maybe I need to ask about sketching inside the house.  It has a cozy corner in the living room that catches the afternoon sun.  Perfect for dozing or reading.

Hereford cows - morning Hay!

Butts up!  Don't break out, there are coyotes!

Snowed in.

After a certain age you convince yourself to be extremely cautious when outside walking on ice and snow, to not be stupid and move too quickly because you might fall...blah blah blah.  I agree we of a certain age need to be smart but not overly cautious.

One of the ways we can still sketch/paint is to bring the outdoors inside.  Here are a couple of sketches done during the overcast snow days sitting on my coffee table looking out.  I have so many more views from the bedroom & kitchen I can work on and darn it, it's snowing again, time to practice what I preach!

I can also work from photos, the light doesn't change, the cow stands still, you get the picture.  Don't stop sketching or painting!  When your outside, practice your sea legs (don't walk like a penguin unless you're on ice), use a hiking pole and have fun.

Here are three sketches finished while inside looking out and, from a photo.

Amazing flower

Last Wednesday's Durandii clematis is still going strong.  I took it with me to the Gallery today to sketch and because it wasn't busy, made two different sketches.  I was exploring different viewpoints and lighting.  Some good music and sketching kept me occupied on a slow day.  Here are my efforts.

Tarnished cup

Durandii clematis back

Durandii Clematis

Durandii Clematis

This particular Clematis is not a natural climber (clinger) and needs to be supported or allowed to wander over and through bushes.  Its very pretty draped over the Rhododendron and our red Barberry.  I cut these flowers on Wednesday and they are still going strong.  The petals are stiff and don't wilt like other Clematis.  I would call this plant a winner!  I found the blue vase and children's silver cup at Good Cheer Two in Clinton.  The spoons have been hanging around waiting to be included in another painting.
The still life sketch was to distract me from the pain of recuperating from Dental Surgery.  Boy, that was a lot of Lidocaine!