Category Archives: Figures

Jumping Waves

Posted on September 18, 2024 by Sarah Sullivan

Looking back in my sketchbook, I found this rough sketch. I was sketching people at the beach on a late July evening. This little guy was having a great time jumping waves and flinging seaweed with his father. Now that … Continue reading →

Posted in Figures, Plein Air, Still Life | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Thinking with a Computer, II

Posted on August 28, 2024 by Sarah Sullivan

A few weeks ago, I sketched a young man who was working on his laptop. This new sketch is a kindred piece. It shows a man with a similar, contemplative expression. Both scenes gave me the sense that the men, … Continue reading →

Posted in Body Language, Figures, Telling a Story | Tagged , | 5 Comments

Thinking with a Computer

Posted on August 18, 2024 by Sarah Sullivan

One of my young relatives was working at his computer during a busy family reunion. I noticed the emotional resonance between him and his laptop and saw that his work captivated him. I wanted to capture this in a quick … Continue reading →

Posted in Body Language, Figures | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Rowing In

Posted on April 20, 2024 by Sarah Sullivan

The Thursday painters met at the Maritime Museum along the San Diego Harbor, where I tried yet again to paint the historic ships. I did not have much luck with that, but I do like this gestural sketch of someone … Continue reading →

Posted in Figures, Plein Air | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Tide Pool!

Posted on April 12, 2024 by Sarah Sullivan

The tide pools along the La Jolla Shores are really special, especially in the late afternoon light. I liked how this young couple leaned toward each other as they looked closely into the small pools, and wanted to capture that … Continue reading →

Posted in Figures, Landscape | Tagged , , , , , | 10 Comments

Under the Umbrellas

Posted on April 6, 2024 by Sarah Sullivan

I started this last February in Mexico. I liked the second figure, the umbrellas, and the simple landscape, but I was sitting in the sand below the first figure and forshortened her leg so much that it bothered me. Today, … Continue reading →

Posted in Figures, Landscape | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Flowers on a Doorstep

Posted on April 5, 2024 by Sarah Sullivan

The model sat on the counter, and I painted her directly without drawing her first. She had an awkward sweetness that was visually emphasized by adding flowers alongside her on an imaginary doorstep.

Posted in Figures | Tagged , | 3 Comments