Idaho car sketching
Posted: August 26, 2021 Filed under: Uncategorized 21 CommentsI did some sketching while driving through southern Idaho on the way to Utah. Yes, I was the passenger! The landscape in that part of the state is quite striking — the rolling fields are golden yellow and the rounded hills are a soft green. These were mostly done in the section between Swan Valley and Idaho Falls on a stretch of road that runs along the Snake River.
Sometimes people ask how to draw a constantly changing landscape. I try to take a picture of it in my head and then I put down two or three pen lines. For most of these, I started with the top lines of the yellow fields. Then I added the road. And finally the far hills. Then I add in the details like trees, posts, power lines. Colour is washed on quite quickly because I want to get it right in one go. These were sketched on a hardcover Stillman & Birn Beta book, 9 in x 12 in. The hardcover format makes it really nice for working in a moving vehicle.
Shari Blaukopf's Sketchbook 
Your sketches made while a passenger in a moving car are really amazing! I can “see” the landscape as it shifts from place to place. Thanks for telling us how you achieved this!
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thanks Jean!
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Love your traveling sketches. I have enjoyed past travels through those landscapes.
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Thanks Cindy.
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Have tried to do this but it is not easy. Appreciate your description of how you do this. Your “sketches” on one page make for a lovely depiction of the land.
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thanks Judy!
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Super on thr move sketches Shari, I have done that but not with such competence. Love the format.
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Thanks so much Doug!
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Beautiful! and great practice to capture a minds-eye image then paint. I’m almost car sick just thinking about it – really. Its something I just can’t do in a moving car.
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I didn’t think I would be able to do this either but surprisingly the motion doesn’t affect me when I am drawing. Thanks for writing De.
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You are amazing. I have trouble sketching at a desk! These are just beautiful.
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Thanks Gretta!
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My uncle has lived in Swan Valley all of his adult life. My wife is an I Idaho girl. Been there many times. That was a nice drive to Idaho Falls and Pocatello. And, of course, Utah is gorgeous in so many ways! Loved the sketches! Looking forward to your sketches from there!
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Tim, we loved that area of Idaho. Of course we were just passing through but I would definitely like to go back to explore more. We were staying in Victor as a gateway to Teton Park, so we did spend a bit of time there. On a map it looked quite close to the park but of course the map doesn’t show that you have to drive through Teton Pass! Despite that, we also got to spend a day hiking around Jenny Lake. Another place we will go back to. There is so much incredible beauty in this area. Thanks for writing!
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Great tips. I like the series on a page. I’ve done some of this myself, it’s a great way to remember a scenic route.
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It sure is. And it makes a long drive go a little bit quicker!
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Unfortunately when we travel by car I am usually the driver. I love that you can capture these scenes as you pass through!
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Joan, if you are the driver this might be a problem : )
but you are such a consistent sketcher. It seems like you always find time to do a sketch, wherever you are.
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I was thinking that too! Lately I am the driver…. Love the sketches and how often you post your work. I appreciate getting to see your watercolor painting. Thank you so much!
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Thanks so much Christi!!
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Well done. The sketches look perfect!
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