Earlier this week, I had a chance to get together with some of my art friends at beautiful Oglebay Park in Wheeling, WV, for a few hours of sketching (and chatting, of course!) It was a blisteringly hot day, but there were plenty of shady spots where we could settle in to draw. I couldn’t resist this scene that included masses of flowers, a winding brick path, and an old building with a turret and interesting windows. I always seem to be drawn to the most complex scenes. I should probably make it easier on myself and just do a single flower or doorway, but I tend to want to capture as much as I can in my sketches, to give more information about the place and the experience of being there.
I had to work quickly, because the sun was moving higher in the sky with each passing minute, so I dove in and drew a large circle with a compass then blocked in the largest shapes with a pencil. Next I pulled out my trusty Platinum Carbon Desk Pen (filled with Platinum Carbon black ink) and completed the drawing process with ink.
I used a small travel watercolor set and a #8 round Escoda Versatil brush for the next step. The sky went in first, then the flower blossoms. While they were drying, I started in on the building. Next, I tackled the greenery, painting around the flowers and dropping dark paint into the light washes in places to add variety.
By the time I got to that point, I had already had to move my gear twice to follow the shade, so I decided to pack it in. I added darker values, roof texture, and the surrounding striped frame later at home.
I had put some blue-grey shading on the windows when I was painting on location, but, back in the studio, I decided to draw diagonal lines with masking fluid to indicate the criss-cross design of the window muntins. When the masking was dry, I painted the window panes with dark grey. Later, the masking was removed to reveal the muntin pattern.
After painting most of the morning, we treated ourselves to lunch at a restaurant that had outdoor seating and a wide view of the Ohio River. We’ve all missed getting together at Summerhill for monthly classes, so these rare times when we see each other now are doubly precious to us all. Despite the pandemic, we’ve managed to stay close through regular Zoom calls and occasional outdoor get-togethers this summer. It takes effort and commitment to sustain friendships during challenging times, but the rewards are so worth it!
13 Comments
I’ve failed at staying connected to so many during this past year. I’m glad you are finding the time. It’s so important.
I’ve missed seeing you, Angela. I keep up with you on Facebook, though. Your girls have gotten so big! Looks like you’re all doing well – I’m glad.
What a lovely painting! Thanks for sharing – always fun to see your sketches!
Oh I just love that house!! And I love getting you newsletters and blogs!!!
❤️
At one time I lived very near oglebay. Taking my girls to the Oglebay Zoo and train ride was a real treat for them as well as the Christmas light display. Glad you captured the scene do vividly. What a striking piece of art! Watercolors like these are what drew me to take your classes. If I am ultimately able to do even half as well I will be satisfied.
I always enjoy reading your emails and seeing your creative work. Thank you!
I love that beautiful home! Those flowers a gorgeous, like icing on a cake. Lovely work.
I am glad you’ve been able to keep your group together as well as you have!
Thank you Leslie for sharing such beautiful art, but also reminding us that friendship is worth the time and effort.
Never would have thought of stripes, Leslie…but it really works here.
Just curious…did you draw them lightly in pencil first or just paint along a rule edge?
I marked pencil guidelines 1/4″ apart, then painted every other space. I didn’t worry about them being a bit irregular.
That building is so pretty — I’d like to live there! The windows are lovely and thanks for the masking fluid tip for the panes.
I like how you did the windows. Neat.
Beautiful painting, love how you paint.