Sad little parks
Posted: June 2, 2020 Filed under: Uncategorized 23 CommentsAll parks in my neighbourhood look a little sad these days. The one closest to me had what looked like crime-scene tape wrapped around all of the play equipment for the past two months. I walk through there every day with Alice, and instead of seeing kids playing soccer on the field, all I see is a unmowed expanse of grass with a sandwich board in the middle telling people that there will be no maintenance done until further notice, and if you play there it’s at your own risk. No really sure what the risk of playing in a empty field is, but I guess even suburban towns have to avoid liability. I even ventured a little further away to see what was happening at Centennial Park, hoping that a view of the lake would make the scene a little more lively, but no, just as sad. No doubt a reflection of the state of the world these days.
Shari Blaukopf's Sketchbook 
It’s much sadder in the USA right now. Covid and civil unrest. It is so hard to get interested in painting but I am trying to do your Craftsy class on architecture. Our metro park system is open and is mobbed. People are looking for positive activity.
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Donna, yes, I have been watching what is going on in the US. So hard to watch. I’m glad you are watching the Craftsy class, but you must have heard that they are closing. If you have an iPad you should download the lessons!
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Thank you. I did go and download the classes. I wonder how I access them? Blueprint has an app right now. Are they staying in business? That’s how I access them now.
Virus-wise, things are better here and things are cautiously opening up. Our group went plein air painting but I was too chicken to use the public bathroom. It takes time.
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Donna, as long as they maintain the app, I am assuming that you can access the classes. But I really don’t know anything more than what they have made available to everyone on their website. They are definitely not staying in business, as far as I know. Glad to hear that you are getting out!
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Thank you Shari, you inspire me to paint and get outside
with every one of your posts
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Get out there Liane!
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So true, Shari. The playgrounds look like that here too… but I read that some will be opening up very soon as kids also are back in schools.
Love the pops of colour on the playground equipment, and use of gouache on toned paper.
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Thanks so much Peri!
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Adding people makes every painting a winner in my judgement. For so long no one ventured out even at a safe distance. Warmer days help gladden the spirit despite all the turmoil we are facing. Great painting!
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Thanks so much Bernadette. Yes, I love adding a few people into everything but there are so few people out, and if they are you can’t get close. I guess it will get better as it warms up here.
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You have captured a forlorn atmosphere here. It is very still. Maybe the people are looking out over the water in hope. It is calming to look at water. Hopefully the play equipment can be used soon in your parks.
Thanks to Peri who has answered my question about medium and paper used.
Like Donna, I am finding inspiration to continue with drawing and painting through your Craftsy DVDs. Most helpful.
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Thanks so much Sandi. I’m glad you have the Craftsy DVDs since they will soon by shutting down the Bluprint site. At least you will still be able to watch these.
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I bought Sketching in the City just in time. I am so grateful they were made available on DVD. Excellent.
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Sad parks and sadder issues in the US. There is a certain calmness in your painting….a nice day there. Maybe because I’m watching the Boston news now and it is not good, Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Painting is a good escape right now. Hope everyone is safe.
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Donna, we watch the US news, and it is indeed very sad to see what is going on. All is well here. Hope you are staying safe too.
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Shari come to Mackenzie King parc. It is really gay. There’s people and social distancing but It feels almost normal and you can easily find parking.
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Stephanie, I had to look up where the park was. Of course I know it well. I just did not know what it was called. Thanks so much.
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Good Evening dear friend Shari,
It is very good to find the parks with Caution boards. It is really sad to find not only this park but the whole world with restricted movement. But it is mandatory for Health and safety.
Coming to the sketch, it is really beautiful with no crowd as a sign of present situation.
Regards and blessings,
Uma
.
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Yes, the world is a different place Uma. Hope you and your family are well.
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Shari, you’ve captured the feeling of sadness and isolation that so many of us are experiencing. Thanks for all the beautiful posts.
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Thanks so much Leslie.
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The scene does have that look of isolation…and goes so well with what many of us are feeling. But you have a way of having it make a statement. Hope all is well.
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All is well here Joan. Hope all is well with you too, especially during these troubling times in the US.
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