Urban sketching on the news!

Take a peek:

https://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/this-organization-is-turning-drawing-into-a-social-pastime-1141734979947  

Union Station - Los Angeles

My nemesis when I start a new journal is the first page. What is it about a book of blank pages that is so intimidating? I don't know. My work around on the last journal was to skip the first page and begin working on the second. It worked and now that I am approaching the end of the available pages in that journal, the first page is still blank. It's silly, I know. I bought this smaller 4" x 4" journal to be more portable while travelling. I bit the bullet and here's the first page so the journal is properly initiated. It's a watercolor of some of the metal work I saw in the old part of Union Station in Los Angeles. They fashioned these intriguing metal gates to protect things like electrical panels that needed to be accessible but they wanted to obscure. They are like utilitarian works of art. 

Tesla's

I don't believe I've ever seen so many Tesla's in one place. Out in the middle of pucker brush in southern California was a charging station in the back of the Anderson Split Pea Soup parking lot. (Gustine, CA) The signs state 30 minute general parking for Tesla's. Watercolor in my sketchbook.

Bob's Red Mill

Bob's Red Mill in Milwaukie, OR. I worked while I ate lunch. My personal rule is when where I am sketching gets busy - leave. I don't want to be taking up space that makes them money. I wasn't able to finish the rows but you get the idea. Their food is great by the way. Watercolor in my sketchbook.

Along the river in Warren

The wind off the water was CHILLY so we opted to work from the car yesterday.  This is an old barn located along Old Portland Rd.  Scappoose Bay which connects to the Multnomah Channel is just behind the tree line.  We enjoyed ten straight days of sunshine which is practically unheard of in December.  Sadly it's coming to an end so this will be the last outside outing until spring.  Watercolor in my sketchbook. 

Wildwood on a sunny day

A very rare day for December. It was clear and warm-ish. I took my plein air group out to the Wildwood golf course just outside of Scappoose. A quick watercolor in my sketchbook.

My Walk Stool

I invested in a walk stool several months ago. I've found it's worth every penny. It's extremely well made. It folds down small so it's easy to pack around for plein air work. It's lightweight yet very durable. Comes in a reusable pouch with draw strings that can be used like a backpack for carrying it. I bought the 22" stool which allows me to have my lap to work on and it's a natural sitting position so I find it quite comfortable.