In 1999 my sister taught me how to make paste paper. With that came the realization that art is fun. Since that time I have been doggedly continuing at it. Trying, trying, trying to let that thing in me that LIKES to draw, paint, cut, and paste, come out. Going on art retreats with Mary Ann and Pam and Joyce and Sharron and just keeping at it.
Something has happened to me though since I started Sketchbookery class. I have gone from thinking I can't really draw, to believing that I can likely draw ANYTHING I look at. I see something and instinctively use my finger to trace its shape in the air, thinking how I would approach putting it on paper. Don't get me wrong. The outcomes are what they are. They look like I drew them. But I can't fully describe how I love the feeling in my brain that I CAN DRAW.
And that said, I give you The Tomato.
I had just as much fun making these letters as I did the rest of the page. Everthing's a little wonky. The lines wavery.
Oh, by the way it tasted as good as it looked. The tomato slice should be almost as big as the burger for optimal flavor.
So in case you, like me, always knew you had it in you to be a sketcher, Mary Ann is going to offer the class again beginning December 26th.
Your tomato page and the lettering are charming and inspiring. I'm taking the class, too, but I just got my book made.
Posted by: Diana | 07/22/2014 at 10:42 PM
I think I'll ask for the class for Christmas; I really, REALLY wanted to take it!
Posted by: Carol Gossett | 07/23/2014 at 12:22 AM
Before I read the words, I looked at the pictures. I thought to myself, "Jiminy, she's really getting better." Then I read the words. It all makes sense. You are getting better and feeling the freedom to create art. Nice.
Posted by: phyllis | 07/23/2014 at 01:30 AM
I am glad that you are enjoying it, you are getting great results from all of your work! xx
Posted by: Amy at love made my home | 07/23/2014 at 01:48 AM
I LOVE seeing your journal pages... and especially the sketchy ones!!! What a fantastic feeling to have.... I'm in sisters class too and I'm loving every minute of it!
Posted by: emie | 07/23/2014 at 06:14 AM
I will be there in December. So bummed I am not there right now!! And by the way, I could just see a little text saying Chris added something to the blossoms. Was it something you would like to share with other art loving gardening friends?
Posted by: Chris Oliveira | 07/23/2014 at 08:34 AM
WOW! the leaves are extraordinary!
Posted by: SusanS | 07/23/2014 at 09:23 AM
That tomato looks fab! Don't you love it when you have those "AHA" moments no matter what you're doing, but especially in painting/drawing. The leaves are even more wonderful than the tomato. Well done!
Posted by: Joan | 07/23/2014 at 12:54 PM
I am right there with you! I am primarily a rug maker, and just hated my sketchbook, was absolutely positive I would fail miserably with watercolors, sure I could never make a mark that was recognizable as thing I was trying to draw...but guess what? I signed up for Sketchbookery, have been working everyday in my sketchbook and I loveloveLOVE it! So wonderfully surprised! And your tomato is Bee-U-ti-Full! The lettering is awesome! Yay for Sister!
Posted by: Kathleen | 07/23/2014 at 02:19 PM
Love that tomato page! I can smell that leaf... I just know Sister's going to give you a gold star AND a smiley face on this page. The class is so fun, a little virtual retreat, and really, how many other classes have you taken that featured two custom drinks as well as unbridled enthusiasm? xoxoxo
Posted by: Sharron | 07/23/2014 at 03:34 PM
Chris: Chris sprays the blossoms on the tomato plant with "blossom set" because that is what his dad used on his tomatoes. I don't know anything about it or what it does or why you use it. I just know "Chas did it that way" so we do it that way and it's hard to argue with excellence :-)
Posted by: Carol | 07/23/2014 at 06:09 PM
I agree, you can draw! Lovely pages, and I'm thinking sketchbookery will be a wonderful Christmas gift for myself :)
Posted by: Jessica | 07/23/2014 at 06:10 PM
I have an art degree, but I rarely sketch. Your endeavors, added to Mary Ann's, have inspired me to get back into sketching. Thanks for sharing. :)
Posted by: Judy H. | 07/23/2014 at 09:37 PM
Isn't it fun? I'm going to sketch your hamburger. Nothing is safe now that I'm doing Sketchbookery. :)
Posted by: Linda Watson | 07/23/2014 at 11:44 PM
I love the "feeling in my brain" also! Who knew we could tackle the blank page with gusto, pull out all the stops, and just DO IT? Sister makes it FUN! Your botanicals are gorgeous. And your tomato---splendid. Keep the momentum going. You are on a roll.
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Today we are going to Montecito back roads to do some from-the-car sketching of a specific bungalow we discovered on our drive yesterday, some trees, and Mt. Carmel church. Sister said that is what we are going to do. Top it off with a stop at La Super Rica. I say we should sketch there too!!
Wish you and Sharron were here...
Posted by: Joyce Resnik | 07/24/2014 at 10:13 AM
LOVE your tomato page so much! Everything- the tomatoes & leaves, the colors, the line quality, the letters, the shadows, the outlines, every single bit!!! That feeling in your brain shows on the paper and I can't wait to see more! Xo
Posted by: Pam | 07/24/2014 at 11:43 AM
My jaw simply dropped when I saw your tomato page - so wonderful!! From growing it, to sketching it, to eating it and then sharing your gorgeous sketch with all of us, who could have guessed that one little tomato could bring so much happiness to so many? In fact, I am smiling as I type this!
Posted by: gretchen | 07/25/2014 at 07:44 AM