One of my favorite types of painting days is to get out into a great location with friends. If I can get into the moment and just paint what captures my eye, without thinking too much, then the day is perfect.

I had just finished a different painting when I looked over and noticed how the two pups were defending us from frogs—and how engrossed my two friends were in their work. My gouache and red pastel pencil were ready, so I turned the page in my sketchbook and jumped in. I like how I caught the alert dogs and the artists’ focus on their paintings.

I hope 2026 is filled with many such sketches for you, me, and all of us—Happy New Year!