Bowling

Do you remember that charming and witty painting called "Life is just a chair of bowlies?" I still think it is one of my all time favorite plays on words. (And you know how I like plays on words!)

So this week's challenge for you Sunday painters is to take a season, like fall, and instead of painting the autumn leaves, AGAIN, find things around the house, garage or garden that are fall colors. Use them as props for your newest attempt at painting autumn color.
Tip for beginners: Start by drawing from an overhead view. Don't worry about getting a perfect circle, it looks forced and unnatural in a live drawing.

Watch out for camera perspective problems

It's best to paint from life. You may practice, though, by using these photos. Just be aware that the camera does not have binocular vision like we do and the further out to the edges you get, the more problems there are with perspective. (See the window frame leaning toward the outside edges?)

Update: I went sketching with Seattle Urban Sketchers this morning and plan to be with Anscortes Sketchers tomorrow. This morning's sketches will be posted on Tuesday.

Warty Lunch Lady Gourds

From the Warty Lunch Lady Gourds to the giant pumpkin made of vines, Gordon Skagit Farms is the place to be in October. (Click image to zoom)

There is inspiration around every corner and I quite understand why the Anacortes Sketchers visit there at least twice in the season. Thanks, everyone, for inviting me to come and sketch with you. :)

The crate of Indian corn beckoned, with it's varied textures, graceful husks and colorful dried kernels. See my ink drawing here.