Corner of Sixth
Posted: December 27, 2013 Filed under: Uncategorized 20 CommentsUrban sketching really connects you to your surroundings in a way that studio painting does not. I haven’t been out in my car to paint for a while (extreme cold weather, lots of snow, holidays, etc.) but drawing this morning reminded of what I like best about being out there, even if it is from the confines of a vehicle. As I painted, it became clear that someone inside the convenience store was watching me. First I could see a silhouette in the window, then the door opened a crack and closed. This happened several times until the man ventured out to the stoop for a smoke. He tried not to stare at me but when I finally lifted up my sketch to show him, a connection was made. He smiled and crossed the street to see it. I guess Montreal is still a fairly safe place because I rolled down my window to talk to him, something that I might have been reluctant to do before I started sketching outdoors. We had a little chat about what I was doing, where else I had sketched, and he had a look through the book. Once his curiosity was satisfied it was pretty much as before — I finished my sketch and he chatted up the customers and smoked a few more cigarettes.
gorgeous love your work and you use micron pen and what brand watercolors and colors do you use?
Thanks Kathie. I use lots of different brands of watercolours. Holbein, Winsor Newton, M. Graham and Daniel Smith. And yes, the Micron pen.
Excellent details…..rough surface of old telephone pole, porous bricks, signs, new snow and old dirty sandy snow!
Thanks Sue Anne. This was a fun one to draw because the textures.
I really like the colors and texture in this sketch. What I really like is your story. I have sketched alone in marginal areas of Portland and have only had positive experiences. So called “street people” were always curious and had kind comments.
I am still trying to get that wonderful looseness in signage!
I have had a few bad encounters but most of mine are good too. This was a nice one.
Dear Shari, I have been delighting in your daily sketches for awhile and want to thank you for such inspiration and for such generosity in sharing. Your sketches have such appeal they are so direct and I enjoy your comments that go with them. Thank you again and happy sketching in 2014!
Thanks so much for letting me know. It is always wonderful to hear that people enjoy the work. Best to you in 2014.
Wonderful urban sketch. Adore that brick. What colour did you use to create it?
And happy New Year.
I used lots of Alizarin Crimson that overflowed on my palette. Mixed with Azo yellow and some cerulean blue. Happy New Year to you too.
Beautifull sketch, love the snow detals on the foot steps and the brick work details.
Would that be corner of 6th ave. and william Mcdonald in Lachine?
Keep up the good work.
I follow your sketches every day.
You are an inspiration.
That is exactly the corner André! I guess you know Lachine well. I love every corner of that part of old Lachine.
Yes,I was born and still living in Lachine. I have painted and sketched some of the old buildings and streets. I have found some surprises along the way specially along the old canal area and near the Lachine museum and around McLaughling streeet.
Thanks for your inspiration.
Have a nice day.
Shari;
I look at your watercolours just about every day. I am just a beginner ( and will be for a long time, it seems ). What I find most inspiring is how you manage to leave light in your work, no matter what the subject or time of day.
Thanks so much Werner. I love effects of light and shadow so even on a cloudy day I look for ways to add light.
A wonderful painting … I’m impressed esp. with your ability to compose in such an abstract way. Of course I have saved this in my Blaukopf folder. Thanks for your generosity and inspiration.
Happy New Year 2014!
Happy New Year to you too Veronica. This doesn’t seem very abstract to me but I’m glad it made it to the folder.
Your narrative of the experience is as lovely as your sketch, Shari. Thanks for letting folks know that getting out there is so rewarding.
Thanks Lee. I really miss that aspect when I can’t get out, and it is what I instantly fell in love with from Urban Sketchers.
I love your loose application of color. What a lovely piece and a lovely story. I’m always struck by art’s magnetism and its power to build connection and community.