Category Archives: Learning

Relaxing after Dinner

Posted on December 8, 2016 by Sarah Sullivan

  Sketching with an iPad is so relaxing. With traditional media I do not always know when to stop. I often make additions to my sketches that detract from what I have already put on the paper and then ruin … Continue reading →

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Sketch on Tinted Paper

Posted on December 5, 2016 by Sarah Sullivan

Today our figure drawing class continued to work on portraits. There were six models so we were able to get up close. I chose this particular model as her facial expression and posture are so lovely and the textures in her … Continue reading →

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Study of a Poinsettia

Posted on December 2, 2016 by Sarah Sullivan

Sketching this poinsettia with watercolor was a motivating way to continue working on color and brushwork. I restricted this sketch to a triad of three cool colors, Hansa Yellow Light, Winsor Blue and Quinacridone Rose, and reminded myself of the power of keeping the paint … Continue reading →

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A Huge Poinsettia

Posted on December 1, 2016 by Sarah Sullivan

Every year I buy two of the largest poinsettias I can find and put them out on the front steps. I love seeing them as I come and go and they came in handy today as a subject for my … Continue reading →

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Grading Exams in a Camper

Posted on November 24, 2016 by Sarah Sullivan

Last night we sat in our camper, sharing a very small space, while Peter marked his midterms and I sketched. I liked watching his range of expressions as he considered each exam, particularly his delight, dismay, puzzlement, surprise, and approval. … Continue reading →

Posted in Body Language, Facial Expression, People Learning, Telling a Story | Tagged | 1 Comment

Sunday Morning at Tuna Park

Posted on November 14, 2016 by Sarah Sullivan

The San Diego Urban Sketchers met at Tuna Park Sunday morning. We shared the venue with tourists, all of us enjoying the gorgeous weather, the sculpture Unconditional Surrender, and the USS Midway aircraft carrier. I really got into sketching the tourists but was vexed because my … Continue reading →

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Luke Keeps an Eye on Me

Posted on November 6, 2016 by Sarah Sullivan

I have been enjoying experimenting with charcoal, pastels and water. I am getting a greater range of textures and luminance than when I use watercolor alone. And, the water fixes the charcoal and pastel, eliminating the need for the regular fixative with … Continue reading →

Posted in Deliberate Practice, Facial Expression, Story Creation | Tagged , | 2 Comments