Japan sketches...

Well, we're home and adjusting to being back in the UK after a wonderful time in Japan.  I've come back laden with many wonderful craft books and supplies, and while I was there I managed to get a little sketching in:

5 Buddhas at Osorezan on the Shimokita Hantō

A lady having a snooze on the Aoimori train betwen Aomori and Noheji

Looking forward to making something with my new supplies!

Sketching trip #4...

Today we went to Stockbridge and I drew some more bricks and cobbles :D

I experimented using Kasia's lovely special water-brush-pen - exciting!

Sketching trip #3...

A bit of colour this time (wooo!) and still trying to get the gist rather than accuracy. I have to say I'm finding the whole 'artistic licence' thing quite stressful though (plus I was getting a bit obsessive with all the tiles and bricks...!).  And perspective... well that's a whole other kettle of fish!

This is a semi-imaginary view of Cockburn Street, off the Royal Mile, here in Edinburgh.  

Sketching trip #2...

We spent a lovely day in Glasgow yesterday wandering around familiar haunts (in the also familiar Glasgow rain...).  The sun did come out though for a glorious few minutes just as we arrived at the Botanic Gardens.  This was the first time I had seen Kibble Palace since its restoration and boy is it looking handsome.  

I made a quick sketch sitting inside the main dome,  with more very much appreciated encouragement from Kasia!  


I'm still trying to learn to focus on capturing the 'idea' of something rather than specific detail.

There was lots of inspiration to be had, particularly in the fantastic ‘killer plants’ room (!) – the colours and structures of the pitcher plants in particular giving us lots of ideas for future projects… .

Sketching trip #1...

Ever since the creative desert that was art class at my secondary school, where I was told age 11 that I couldn't draw and shouldn't try, I have avoided drawing and sketching like the plague.  I'm in awe of those who can make beautiful images with the sparsity of line.  


Recently though I've been wondering about the possibility of facing my fears and exploring drawing (perhaps more as a means to help with other crafting and making endeavours), so yesterday in that spirit I went on my first ever sketching trip - and was extremely grateful to have gentle and patient guidance from a very kind friend :)


Having the beautiful sketchbook and cover certainly made me feel more at home, and we had a lovely time -  warm and dry in a nice cafe as the November rain poured outside... .


We tried a few different drawing exercises to help me feel less scared (!) - here's my favourite result - drawn holding the very end of the pen only!

It's meant to be the Scott monument and George Hotel behind trees - but to be honest I'm just pleased I dared to try!