I was out running errands one day when I drove by this adorable little cottage. With its red rhododendrons and purple iris in full bloom, and an American flag moving gently in the breeze, it gave my heart a little flutter of happiness. It was just so darn cute!
Normally I would have noticed it, smiled, and driven on down the road, but this time, since I’ve committed to sketching every day in May, I turned the car around, drove back, and parked across the street to do a quick sketch.
I propped my sketchbook on the steering wheel of my van and put a small watercolor palette on the center console. The drawing was blocked in with a pencil then drawn using a Pigma Micron 01 pen. I got the painting process started using a water brush and was able to get much of the sketch done before it was time to head home.
I’m glad I took the time to stop and do this little vignette. It was a good exercise in on-the-spot sketching and excellent preparation for my trip to the Cotswolds in a few weeks.
Even though I didn’t complete the sketch on location, I know that, if I hadn’t stopped to draw the house and get a good start onsite, I would never had gotten around to sketching the scene at all.
The moral of the story is: Keep your sketch kit at the ready, and build in extra time when you’re out and about to allow time for capturing surprising moments of joy.
6 Comments
I love this! and I’m inspired 🙂
Thank you for sharing
Leslie! So very glad you keep your sketchbook with you! That cottage painting is so very sweet! Thank you for sharing! Have a safe and happy weekend!
Nancy & Maurice
Hi, Nancy. I hope all is well with you and Maurice. Springtime must be beautiful out at your place. Miss you. 🙂
You’re always an inspiration, Leslie! I enjoy seeing your work. Thanks. Carol
HI Carol – It’s so nice to hear from you. Hope to see you on another trip one of these days. I enjoyed our time together in Tuscany.
Love this sweet little cottage, thanks for sharing.