From the shelter of the magnificent screened porch of The River House we had sweeping views of the river and an approaching storm. The first sketch was an exercise in creating a dramatic sky (and a chance to practice more palms). The second one was sketched in paint (quickly, during a lunch break) and painted at home. Upon completion, I could see all the things I would do differently, starting with the composition. So, I have my painting assignment for today.

The workshop was over, I had waved goodbye to the last of my classmates, then I sat down to draw. I was so dissatisfied with my morning sketch that I had to try again. I chose a simpler focus, did a pencil sketch, drew in pen, by which time my hands were too cold to continue. So I painted this when I got home, trying to keep in mind all that I learned at the workshop. It’s slowly sinking in.

A few sketches done in the car on the way home.

The scenes above are imagined based on what I saw along the road.

Is was a bit chilly and gusty but still we painted. Several mistakes and poor choices made in this sketch, but it also has some good things happening.

I wanted to start over but… so I sketched a fellow sketcher.

Having a great time at Shari Blaukopf’s workshop — terrific location, convivial group of participants, learning a lot!

Time to clean up and pack up for the workshop with Shari Blaukopf in South Carolina. Lucky me!

Sugaring off…the sap is really running. A quick small sketch at a nearby sugar camp, finished at home where I figured out how to add some steam.

Thanks to a great outing yesterday, I had a captive group of about 18 people who found it funny to see me so serious and concentrated on my sketchbook while they enjoyed hot chocolate, etc. But, my subject for #100 was busy boiling maple sap. Here are all the sketches from day five, plus one attempt at a pooch.

This has been an amazing experience. I now understand why the people who started this drawing challenge make it over five days and not a full week. You need two days to recover!

It was the perfect day to spend in the local restaurant/café, The Quirky Carrot (heavy snow all day). I’m at #87, so only 13 left to do tomorrow.

I’m enjoying the challenge. Mixed results, but what a learning experience. 67 done, 33 to go.

It’s definitely easier when the subject isn’t moving much. So I did some pickleball quickies from some video stills to study the movements a bit.