Which comes first?

So, the question of "which comes first" (NOT the chicken or the egg) but the INK or the WATERCOLOR, came up again in a group to which I belong.

My answer - "This is exactly what happens (to ME, at least), when I start with ink first. My work leaves the roundhouse as a nice ink sketch and takes off, but when it pulls into the station it has gone way past sketch, roared past painting, and arrives with bell and whistle as a full blown illustration. And, for me, it NEVER fails to do this. If I want a nice, fast, easy, loose sketch, I stick with areas of watercolor FIRST, then ink."

I started this at the Christmas party table at Cynthia's house yesterday. These are a trio of her holiday decorative matroyskas from her tree and her shelves (and, of course, some of her mushrooms). I did all the ink work there, and then finished at home. The nice, loose, fresh one is from last year, started watercolor first.

I rest my case.

While everyone else at Sketchers was exceptionally brave yesterday, sketching Paula's adorably beautiful blue-eyed grandbaby, I chickened out (once again) on tackling a live subject matter, instead going shopping for subject matter in her kitchen. First thing I found was a blue, metal elephant. From there my still life grew into a rosemal painted chopping block, another wooden elephant, some cinnamon sticks and a jar of Garam masala. I'm happy to draw things that don't move. Or giggle. No matter how cute.

The DC Sketches - November 2017 #6 Sketching at SAAM

I saved the best for last, I guess. After visiting the NGA and seeing the new Vermeer and Genre Painting exhibit, I hiked up to the Smithsonian American Art Museum (in the Portrait Gallery building) to attend the weekly drop-in gathering of artists for drawing and sketching in the Luce Collection. This is the third time I have done this, and it won't be the last! The moderator gave us all the task of either choosing either something architectural to draw, or something from the craft collections. Instead of "either/or", I chose AND - something from architectural (a sculpture of a little River House on an Alabama river by William Christenberry) and a finch "house" from the Nam June Paik archive. 
This is such a welcoming group of artists, having so much fun. I am already planning my next stay in DC to be bookended by Tuesdays, so I can attend TWICE during my stay!

The DC Sketches - November 2017 #5 Navy Memorial

What a DAY!! Went to brunch at Teaism downtown on 8th St, and when I was done I made a hard right out the door, headed for the National Gallery of Art. I only got as far as the Navy Memorial, which was empty of people and bathed in sunshine. It was quiet enough to hear the music of the water flowing over the cascade, and the fountains were sparkling in the sun. I didn’t get any farther for the next hour, just sat, sketched and enjoyed. Someone had left a floral tribute next to the sea bag of the Lone Sailor’s, one of my favorite public bronzes. 

The DC Sketches - November 2017 #4 Calder Room at the NGA

My first stop of the day was the newly remodeled and reopened Calder Gallery in Tower #2 of the National Gallery of Art. So nice, so inspiring. I was just afraid to tuck my pencil away and get out my pen, for fear the (very lovely and nice) guards would call me on it. Had to wait til I got home to use the illicit ink and watercolor. Spent the better part of my morning in the new galleries in the NGA - Rothko, Frankenthaler, Close, Thiebault, Warhol, Pollock - the moderns, my favorites!!!!

The DC Sketches - November 2017 #3 Henry, the Rotunda Elephant

While Genna had to go back to work in Chicago on Monday, I had the first of two wonderful Days on the Mall. Stop #2, drawing #2, in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. I finished this one first because I was a rebel and snuck my contraband pen out after I’d finished with my sketch in officially sanctioned/approved pencil and completed the line drawing in ink on site. A no no. I added the evil, banned from all museums, watercolor after I got home. I love Henry, and he looks fresh and clean again, but I think I liked the old diorama he used to stand in better. Not happy with the “high tech” setting they’ve got him in now.

The DC Sketches - November 2017 #2 - Monument Sunset

Gracie and I went to the out-of town preview performance of Tina Fey's "Mean Girls" at the National Theater in downtown DC. Buzzing along on 14th St. in our Uber, crossing the Mall, I happened to glance over at one of the most beautiful sunset skies I've ever seen - stripes of red and yellow against cobalt blue, with the Monument in silhouette against them. I nearly had an attack trying to get a photo to sketch from, and it was pretty much a fail. Gracie thought I was nuts, but I got enough to sketch this from photo and memory. 

The Washington DC Sketches - November 2017 #1 - Gent House

I traveled again to Arlington, this time to spend Thanksgiving with the kids. I took all my sketching stuff, especially my "tiny kit", the one that fits in my purse. I figured to get a lot of use out of it. Surprise surprise, the joke was on me. None of the museums allow sketching with wet media - pencils only (or some pen, if you rebel and sneak one out so the guards can't see you.) Anyway, this sketch is the first one I did on the trip, sitting outside my daughter's house on the corner of the front yard.  A little chilly, but bright and sunny. I especially love their happy new yellow door. 

SKETCHING A LIBRARY BOOK in Freeland

We met today in the meeting room of the Freeland Library - a very comfortable way to sketch and socialize. Just inside are the stacks, and all the reference information we could want to paint a "forgery", find a gorgeous photo, or, in my case, happen on the terrific book by John M. Marzluff, illustrated by Tony Angell, from the University of Washington, which has everything you've ever wanted to know about Crows and Ravens. A definitive work about a definitive study of the cultural of these amazing birds. Fascinating!
I cribbed some of the foliage outside for a colorful still life, just because I could. 

HATS at PAT'S - The Miner's Hat

The days we dress up to sketch each other are just the BEST. We gathered at Sketcher Pat's house, and brought with us many and varied hats, which we sketched and wore. This is a vintage Coal Miner's hat with a brass, coal oil lamp, with its own flint and steel striker. FANTASTIC!!!

CHANGING IMAGE SIZE AND RESOLUTION ON YOUR MAC (USING PREVIEW)

MAC users - this is an easy way to change the size and resolution of images using the PREVIEW app that is right on your computer, and which you probably already use.

STEP #1 - Take a photo or scan an image.

STEP #2 - Put it on your desktop. 

STEP #3 - Click on the photo on the desktop to open it in PREVIEW

On the PREVIEW screen, click on TOOLS.

STEP #4 - After you click on TOOLS a screen will drop down that lets you change SIZE and RESOLUTION

 Click the down arrow to allow changing to INCHES, then change the largest measurement to the size you need (say to 7", for 5 X 7). Be sure there is a check mark in SCALE PROPORTIONALLY.

Change the RESOLUTION to either 72 or 300 (Tom says 72 is enough to keep FB happy)
Click OK to save your changes, and you should be done.

SKETCHING IN A RETRO "JAPANESE MODERN" HOME

We met at Sketcher Annette's unique and lovely early era Japanese Modern style home overlooking the Sound at Mutiny Bay. The view is extraordinary from her decks, and we all settled in comfortably in cozy deck chairs at tables. The spectacular, the view didn't appeal to me as much as did the exotic decorative pieces around the home. This golden rooster, one of a pair of handsome fighting roosters, especially caught my eye. I paired it up with a gilded imari bowl from a different room. Perfect together!
Fellow sketcher Judith lent me use of her neat set of gold watercolors, which made this guy really crow!

The Corner Bar, Rockford, MI

From 1976 to 2010 this place loomed very large in my life and my heart. I did hate the hotdogs, but the rest of West Michigan LOVED them (and in all fairness, I hate ALL hot dogs). This was the gathering place, the community rec room, the meeting hall, the place for students to get their first jobs. It was a friendly place for young and old, families and friends, business people and little league teams to meet and greet and enjoy deep fried pickles and see if they could eat enough hot dogs to get their names on the Wall of Fame. 

I felt the sorrow clear out here on the Northwest tip of Washington when it burned to the ground early this month.  And painting it was a balm for me. 

And it will rise up and come back, and be better than ever. And I want the Corner Bar family to know  that this is how I feel about it. 

"The Corner Bar"
Watercolor, pen and ink
Image 9.5 X 13.5

Archival Gicleè print in a 14" X 18" mat, shipped flat - $85 (includes S&H)
Digital print, 9.5X13.5, shipped rolled in tube - $25 (includes S&H)
Greeting cards, 5"X 7", blank inside, in sleeves, suitable for framing - 5 for $25 (includes S&H)

Inquire via PM on my FB page (Judi Nyerges), or at jbroadway45 at hotmail dot com.
I accept Paypal, Visa and Mastercard

Summer in Langley Series - "Langley Lavender, City Sheep"

You know it is summer in Langley when the sheep are out in the fields of Fossek Farms, and the balls of fragrant purple lavender are in bloom all up and down Langley's streets. One of my favorite sights, and it is just at the corner of De Bruyn and Third Streets. 

Summer in Langley Series - "Adirondacks on Anthes"

You simply cannot miss these two chairs sitting side by side in this flower filled yard on Anthes in Langley. They are so bright red I think they can be seen from space. 

Summer in Langley Series - "Cool Treats at Sprinklz"

Sprinklz is a very popular new spot in Langley, for young and old. Hot dogs on the go, ice cream, crazy gifts and gags, and the smell of freshly baked waffle cones on the air. Mmmmm, SUMMER!

Summer in Langley Series - "Wild Rose Arbor at the Basil Cafe"

For years I have driven past these magnificent brilliant roses on the arbor in front of the Basil Cafe and every year have said, "THIS year I am going to paint those!" Good thing I did this year as Chung and his family are on to new adventures off the Island. But they have this painting!

Summer in Langley Series - "Fair Trade Flowers"

The flowers were magnificent in the beds in front of Fair Trade Outfitters on Anthes Street in Langley. 

NEW SERIES - SUMMER IN LANGLEY

"The Langley Dock Company"

Today, with Whidbey island Sketchers, just down the hill at the Langley Marina - VERY bright sunshine, warm, breezy, LOTS of Sketchers - it couldn't have been a nicer day. And, best of all, we weren't stuck waiting in a holiday ferry line! 

This is the Langley Dock Company building, and one of the Marina Inns. It sits directly on water of the Marina. Magnificent view!

I have decided to start a series of "Summer in Langley" paintings, doing as much on them as I can at my NEW Studio 106 location. Although this started as a large scale sketch, it finished up to be a nice painting. And first in the series. 

Sketching at the Beall Home

Today the Whidbey Island Sketchers were invited to the lovely home and gardens of Jan and Dick Beall, with a breathtaking view of Admiralty Passage and the Olympic Mountains in the distance. The sun was shining, a lovely breeze was blowing off the water, and, of course, the company was outstanding!
I decided to channel both Mike Burroughs and Tommy Kane, though I have neither Tommy's wit, nor Mike's architectural eye. So I deflected with a windsock, some birds and a kitty cat.

SKETCHING IN PT TOWNSEND AT THE PALACE HOTEL

It was a wild and wooly, blustery and windy day today in Port Townsend, but three intrepid Sketchers braved the elements, sort of, and made the very best of the bad weather for a Sketchbook Skool Alums get together. We had to hide out in Better Living Through Coffee, The Owl Sprit and, finally, (for an hours of actual sketching) at the Palace hotel to escape and stay dry, but we had a great time. Linda Tennant and Elsbeth McLeod and I discussed, in depth, such topics at black gessoing paper over modeling paste, using gouache instead of watercolors, employing paint crayons, jelly transferring, stamping journal pages, Roz Stendahl, Tommy Kane, buying more supplies and tools (YES), men, whether kombucha is nasty (also yes, for me),  and other sundry and assorted topics. And a fine time was had by all. 
Later, the boat made it back through the storm, I watched windsurferes on the tidal pool in Ebey's Preserve behind the ferry dock, and then even stayed up late enough to touch up my sketch.

Finished Sketch

Rolltop desk and orchid, upstairs lounge area of the Palace Hotel

Sketched for one hour at the Palace Hotel - this is what I had at the end of that time. 

BLUE HERON RUST SCULPTURE - on the reflection pond at Whidbey Pies, Greenbank Farm

It was another glorious summer day on Whidbey Island, the kind that reinforces the knowledge that we are blessed to live here. Whidbey Island Sketchers met outside Whidbey Pies at Greenbank Farm, in the sunshine, amid the wonders of nature. While I was serenaded by Redwing Blackbirds, Mourning Doves, Robins, Gulls, Crows, Mallard ducks, bullfrogs and peepers, I sat amongst a long ton of Canada goose poop at the edge of the pond, entranced by this view of the restaurant terrace. Finished a whole sketch on site, and came home with slices of fresh Rhubarb/Apple and Marionberry pie for feet-up/chair-time tonight. Any day that ends with pie is a day well spent. 

"Tahitian Treasure Grandiflora" at Bayview Farm and Gardens

It was a beautiful day for sketching yesterday at the Nursery - sunny, dry, bright. The Laburnum Arch was slightly past its golden peak, but I wasn't in the mood for yellow paint, anyway.  I was in favor of a comfy place to sit to paint.  Luckily there was exactly that spot in among the roses - one of BF&G's brightly colored Adirondack chairs in the shade of a little tree. I plopped bush with gorgeous, electric pink blooms onto a cart and rolled it over by by me, et voila, perfect sketching under a brilliant blue sky. And it gave me a chance to test the luscious Quinacridone pinks, fuschias, corals, reds and rose tones on my paint chip card from Daniel Smith's.

Painting in the Alley for Artists in Action at the WAG

Yeah, that moment afterwards, at home, when you could have stepped back for the long view of your watercolor, but didn't. And should probably have stopped, but didn't. 
With apologies to Georgia Mansur for techniques learned, but apparently forgotten, and steps missed or misinterpreted. But, for try #3 on the learning curve, i'm not completely embarrassed, I guess. And I didn't hold it under the hose or drown it in the bathtub, so there is that. Try #4 getting underway today, when I should be weeding, instead. 
Photo of me by Tom Hanify of Whidbey Art Gallery.
Photo of the painting by me, of me.

GEORGIA MANSUR workshop in Seattle at DANIEL SMITH ART SUPPLIES

Woo hoo! Two major win/win victories today. First, I drove all the way down into Seattle and back, without incident of any kind, including not getting lost. Major score!
I did this to take a class at the Daniel Smith Mother Ship store with Georgia Mansur, a fabulous water color instructor from Australia!! It was an absolute blast, and I had a very successful experience. 
This resulted in my second win-win of the day - completed TWO paintings, both of which were on half sheets of watercolor paper. Half sheets! For me, that is tantamount to climbing Mount Everest. And those two paintings were done in the time it would normally tale me to do one 1/4 sheet painting.
It was an absolutely great workshop, I learned a ton, tried a bunch of new techniques, and made great new friends. Totally pleased with what I accomplished and the way the whole day went. (Gary Paul Schallock note wild and loose application of paint!! Kathleen McDonald and no black lines!!)
More when (and if) I "complete" the exercises. But, for now, here are the results of the day.

And here are examples of Georgia's work for reference.