Scavenger Hunt #177: 04 - 16 December 2025

[Joan T]

Ai, thanks so much.

Pine Cone, hope you are feeling better. I'm glad you have a few libraries that you can go to. Ours offers so much and has so many programs. It is nice in the summer too because in the back they have their own small park with benches and they offer free concerts there. Right now it is set up for their holiday light show. I'll have to try to get there in the evening to check it out.

Jo, thanks. I've been so busy that I have only done one sketch for the Usk prompts so far and I should have completed 6. I did start the house commission and at least pick up the materials I need for my Christmas cards. At least it is a start. lol I also dropped off some small pieces of art for sale in the gallery in Sayville.

Ai, that tree is so nicely done and contrasts well with the wall. That looks like such an interesting place to sketch.

Jenny-Jo, I'll be waiting to see some of your cups!

Nothing new for the hunt yet. I've been busy combining the images my friend sent me to use in the house portrait commission. I sketched it out and transferred it to the watercolor paper yesterday. Today I spent some time working on the house part of it. I'll try to work on the trees and shrubs tomorrow. It is a ski house in Vermont that my friend's son and his wife bought. I know all of them so it makes it even more important to do a good job on it. Here's a photo of what I've done on the house so far. The shadows are what worries me because there really aren't any in the photos and there is a BIG expanse of snowy land that needs some. lol

 

[JennieJo]

Mug with dramatic lighting.
I think I'm more of a concept sketcher from life rather that a replicator of what I see. Anyway ...
Striking while the iron was hot at my morning coffee. Grabbed my portable solar light, no good-didnt want to play, added a magnifying sheet. Not perfect, but it created some interesting effects. And, I had 5 minutes. View attachment 52494

Day 2, grabbed a torch, sat the cup just out of sunlight. Hopefully by the end of the month I'll get some dramatic lighting. Happy to take my time getting there. Used some old favourite Touchfive markers.

 

[AiArts]

JennieJo: Another cool fun cuppa

Joan: May the force be with you. The ski house looks great so far.

 

[Jo Castillo]

Ned, wow on the photography. Like Pine Cone, I don't understand but they are gorgeous. Looks like you are having a good time with it.

Ai, your plants, sidewalk and trees is super. I don't think I ever saw a real banyan tree. You captured it well.

Pine Cone take care. We like hearing from you any time, sketches or not.

JennieJo, hi there, we will like seeing your sketches any time. I like your day 2 mug. Cool handle shape and shadows.

Fletch, You know what I like. I'm smiling. Fun when you and Joan compare NY areas.

Joan, the house is amazing. Wow.

Gene and I painted today on ornaments for the great grandkids gift tags. The only ones Hobby Lobby had left were round ornaments. I was hoping for trees or Texas shapes or something more interesting. He could paint the solid parts, I will decorate them and put on the names.

 

[AiArts]

Ned: Enjoys photography... I love to learn.

Jo & Gene: Thanks. It looks so fan. Glad Gene can have fun making those memorable gifts.

Today we had our piano tuner in the house. We should have him come sooner. He is good in his craft and very professional. Now we should have better sound for holiday music.

#5 sub. mail box with our piano and the tuner.

 

[Joan T]

Jennie-Jo, I love your mug! I like the softness of the color that you're getting. Keep 'em coming.

Ai, thanks. When I do a commission I usually work on it in sections and take breaks...not like when I'm plein air painting and can go for an hour or more nonstop. Great capture of the piano tuner at work. I'm sure it will sound great!

Jo, thank you. I like how the ornaments are being done by both of you. Gene looks like he's got the solid painting part down pat!

 

[Jo Castillo]

Ai, super lines on the piano and tuner. So much detail in the piano. Kudos.

Joan, thanks. The painting worked pretty well. See what he can do while I finish the details.

Hi and thanks to our other artists........