Sacramento Sketchbook - Garden

I had forgotten about this watercolor when I opened my sketchbook. Once I began painting I knew it was more complex than my smaller pieces but I wanted to see it through to completion. I used a photo from Victoria magazine so I wouldn't have to cope with changing light and shadows. Added my blue and white pot to the table and thought of David Hockney's crayola sketch when I did the hat on the chair.

I used Dr. Martin radiant watercolor concentrates for the brights but had to add from my Cotman set for darker colors. Unfortunately, Dr. Martin is light sensitve so I have to keep those paintings stored or make copies.

Sacramento Still Life

Color pencil sketch of a mini pumpkin. Since I wasn't planning to cook it I thought I should justify its existence with a sketch. Japanese housekeeping treats produce as something to be eaten. Immigrant ancestors had to be frugal and again for those who were in camps during the war.

Sacramento Sketchbook - Hill Quilt

Painted while sitting up to my waist in the American River where the warm South Fork joins the freezing North Fork on a sweaty hot day above Sacramento, between Auburn and Cool. 3 inch watercolor for a quilt I didn't sew.

Sacramento Sketchbook - Midtown

Found a sketchbook begun in Sacramento with short trips into the hills. These are two views from my upstairs dining window. One is of the Victorian across the street. Night drawings are a challenge. The first is a combination of pastel and oil crayon. The night sketch is charcoal and china marker.