Jan's Art Journal

I've been sketching at regular intervals, sometimes several times a day. It's amazing what I can catch with just a few lines. I think I will be able to do a better job sketching when we are in Tanzania. A project? Forget it! I'm using a sketching pen and then going over parts of the picture with watercolor pencils and then hitting it with a little water. Some examples of my handiwork.

Jan's Art Journal

Since I took Patti Casteel's Sketchbook Workshop, I am focusing on "seeing" every day. I've gotten hung up on doing a "project" rather than focusing on creating art. I would tell myself that I don't have an afternoon to devote to art, and the afternoon would go somewhere.

Sketching doesn't require that kind of commitment. Just carry a sketchbook, a pen, pencil, etc and when you have a few minutes, sketch. It doesn't matter what it is-animal, vegetable or mineral. Just sketch. It's amazing what we see when we stay focused for a few minutes.

If there are any creative folks out there who never have time to "do" art, get a sketchbook and get sketching. Be sure to date the work and journal right on the page. Write whatever you want. Share or not to share is the question.

I thought I would post one of my first paintings. It's a watercolor. Most of us don't want to share our really bad work, and I have to honestly admit I haven't taken photos of my REALLY BAD STUFF.

Jan's Art Journal

Arthur. This is Ma Fan's brother. Arthur is just the opposite of Ma Fan. Elsie had quite a time getting Arthur to even show his face. Elsie calls him, "my love."

Jan's Art Journal

Ma Fan. This means trouble in Japanese. Ma Fan is one of Elsie's beloved cats. Ma Fan lives up to his name. Just look at his eyes.

He's waiting to check you out at Mallett Creek Library in Ann Arbor, Mich. This pastel is in the current Ann Arbor Area Pastelists exhibit at the library.