In the extreme
Posted: January 3, 2014 Filed under: Uncategorized 32 CommentsThis is a bit of a messy sketch but I have a good excuse. The daytime temperature in Montreal today is -25°C. That means that inside my car it’s not much warmer. There’s no way to be precise when your hands are frozen, your feet feel like blocks of ice and the paint on the paper never dries, even with the heater fan turned on full power. Most of Canada is under this Arctic air mass, and some provinces are getting blasted with a snowstorm too, so I am grateful that the sun is out and I have some good shadows to work with.
A lovely, very appealing illustration.
Thanks so much Eli!
You’re welcome! I enjoy your work.
I wish my warm fingers worked as well as your frozen ones.
Susan
I do heat up the car a bit before I go out Sue. That helps a bit.
Wonderful and thank you for always sketching; even in sub zero temperatures!! .
It’s great to hear from you Myra! Thanks.
Shari,
WoW -25 even with sunshine… what dedication! Great as always!
Thanks, Tom
Thanks Tom. These were extreme cold days. It’s warmer now. We may even have rain tomorrow.
I admire your determination, Sheri! This really captures the clarity and sharpness of the winter light and cold.
Thanks Fiona. It was a clear and sharp day. Great for shadows.
Well, I guess sketching n these conditions is one way to keep things loose and spontaneous. Great sketch! Beautifully observed scene.
Thanks Alison. Yes, it has to be loose in these temperatures otherwise everything seizes up!
This sketch is so wonderful! Do you just sketch in the car and then come home to add the watercolour? or…. Do you add the watercolour right there in your car? I think it is great that you get out even in this rotten weather… it’s very cold in Alberta too.
You inspire me…
I add the colour right in the car Beth. It has happened that I add colour at home but that is rare. Once it was because I forgot the paints at home.
We are all in awe of your dedication and skill. This is interesting for how it shows so clearly your pencil beneath. Thanks and Happy New Year!
When there is perspective I always draw a bit in pencil first in case I mess up the pen part. Thanks to you Lee!
Great sketch Shari!
Thanks so much!
I always love all of your sketches but this one really appeals to me with it’s slightly jagged, quirky feel. You should draw half-frozen more often 🙂
Lynne
Thanks Lynne. I will try to remember to be uncomfortable so my drawing stays loose!!
I love it. I feel inspired every time you post a sketch. Thank you.
Thanks so much for letting me know Connie.
This might be one of my all time favorites of yours. I guess I love what you call ‘messy’.
Thanks Sue Anne. I think you are not the only one who likes messy.
Wish my messes looked like this!!!
The messy ones always discourage me in the beginning but if you keep adding lines to the messiness I think it gets an overall energy.
Hi Shari, Haven’t been online for a month and missed seeing your wonderful work.
Happy New Year and what a way to usher in 2014 in this brutal cold! Love this little yellow cottage which radiates a cozy warmth in spite of these temps 🙂 How did you still maintain
a beautiful looseness using frozen fingers ? You’re amazing and can’t wait to see you
later this month 🙂
It’s great to hear from you Mary. I was wondering if you were ok but I remember that you go away at this time of year, right? I am looking forward to seeing you in January.
No excuses! Wow. I love all of the contrasts. It’s beautiful!
And here I am wondering whether it will be too uncomfortable at +6° C sans car to go for a sketch.
Thanks Monica. Have a look at how Nina Johannsen sketches in winter with no car. You might be able to use her technique.
I might even try her approach in Sweden itself when I’m there at the end of this month 😉