21 July 2008
What a great time by the river at Sheep's Green! The weather forecast
predicted cold temperatures and I almost called it off. But the sun was
out and soon warmed us all up. We were visited by canoes and a double punt
of river ecology students talking about the build up of algae.
There are always unexpected challenges when drawing outside. In the
past, heat and sunburn. Today it was the cold and the cow pats which
lurked around the grass.
Wild life included a flotilla of ducks streaking through the water like the
red arrows. And noisy geese protecting their territory on the opposite
bank.
The artistic purpose of drawing outside was to combine figures with
landscape; noticing the intensity of the sun and shade, reflections and
movement. Many of us were using watercolour, battling with the frustration
of that medium. Drawing with the negative shapes in watercolour takes your
work to a higher level.
Many thanks to everyone including our models for making it such a successful
occasion!
