Sketching at the Benson Hotel

My sketch from inside the Benson Hotel. I used Derwents new “line maker” pens they sent me to test. I wanted to convey depth so I used their black pen for the fore front and the graphite for the background. This is in my watercolor sketchbook so it’s a rough surface to work on but I like how the pens handled. These were the smallest tip size they make (.1) which is larger than I typically use. It’s doubtful I would ever use the larger pens except as fill because they are thicker than what I typically use. Overall I very much like working with these pens. And of course, I love, love, love all the detail in the Benson. #bensonhotel #portland #urbansketching #derwentlinemaker #bonnywagoner

Thank you

To all those who supported my artwork in 2019 by making a purchase or pushing the LIKE button or sharing something you liked, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. 

May you have a blessed 

and prosperous 2020.

So missing you

I struggled with this painting because it's a memorial for my mom.  I lost her at the beginning of this month.  These were the colors she loved in the flower form she loved the most and in my grief I just couldn't make it come together.  None of it worked.  It seems impossible that she's suddenly gone but that is how life happens.  I am going to set this aside and come back to it later when the emotion is not so raw.  

Vancouver waterfront

We knew ahead of time the rain would be returning so we made lunch reservations at Twigs Bistro and asked to be seated at the window.  It was great fun and conversation as we sketched and ate lunch.  I have to say I'm really quite impressed with how Vancouver is reinventing its downtown core area.  This feature was interesting.  It holds a suspended walkway out over the river.  I can see this being a busy area in the summer.

#Vancouver #VancouverUSA #urbansketching #watercolor #sketchbook #bonnywagoner