Scavenger Hunt from Life #181: Jan 21 - Feb 2

[Joan T]

Jennie Jo, you captured the delicate look to the flower so well! Great idea to sketch it every day.

Jo, thanks. It was a bit warmer yesterday, but temps are dropping ahead of the snowstorm headed this way.

Ai, good capture of your friend at the cafe. I like the big, healthy leaves on the plant!

Jade, good to see you this morning.

 

[Jo Castillo]

Ai, sweet sketch of your friend at the leafy cafe. I'm smiling.

Hi, Jade.

Hi, Joan. We are waiting, too. A big storm.

 

[Jo Castillo]

I sketched in the living room on my footstool in the large Canson Mixed media sketchbook.
Number 2 something from the kitchen - a jar opener. It was complicated to sketch and is complicated to use but works so well. Ha. I used Micron 0 2 and 005 /red

 

[Joan T]

Jo, from the weather maps I think half the country will be affected by the storm. They are predicting 8-14 inches of snow here. I'll keep everyone posted on what we get. I'll be sketching it out the window. That looks like a complicated opener. Nice sketch of it. Lately we have been having such problems getting things open. Jerry and I fought with one jar for about 20 minutes before we got it open. Grrr...

So far no sketching today from me, but I'm planning to sketch something after dinner. I did my indoor walking, some chair yoga, and then went shopping to make sure we would have enough food thru the storm. After that I had a doctor's appointment so most of the day was shot. Maybe I'll sketch something right now...

 

[Pine Cone]

Hi everyone

I’ve been lurking, and living off your artwork and hope to post something soon.

But right now, I’m worried about all of you in the path of either the big storm hitting half of America, or storms elsewhere, as weather goes crazy around the world ❤

Joan and JoC, it sounds like you guys have prepared well… I’ll keep you and everyone in my heart and prayers… please stay safe everyone, wherever you are, and whatever you are doing

 

[Joan T]

Pine Cone, thanks so much for thinking of us. I'm hoping to have snow to sketch, and a warm, safe place to sketch from. I know a lot of people will be affected and I pray that everyone stays safe.

It is hard to pick a favorite art material, but more than anything my Lamy pens (especially the red one) are special. The red one is the first fountain pen I purchased. Jerry and I were in Venice years ago. An online art friend who I hadn't yet met in person lived in a small town in Italy. She and I decided to meet. I took the train from Venice to her town and stayed overnight there. She and her husband were so welcoming and nice. Robin and I did fun art things together and when I was returning to Venice she came with me as far as Florence where I was switching trains. We spent the morning walking around and shopping. We ended up at the Fabriano store there. I knew nothing about fountain pens, but Robin helped me buy my first Lamy (the red one). When we had lunch she showed me how to insert the converter and how to fill it with ink. Robin and I continued our friendship until she passed away a few years later. I will always remember her and the lovely time we had together. I often think of her when I use the red Lamy. Here we are in her living room.



I now have 3 Lamy pens. The red one has black ink, the dark blue one has grey ink, and the turquoise one is filled with brown ink. All are permanent inks.

7 - favorite art material (my Lamy pens) - watercolors and ink

 

[Jo Castillo]

Pine Cone, thank you. You keep warm as well. Hopefully the worst is past you. Air is still frigid. Take care.

Joan, such a lovely story about your Lamy pens. It looks and sounds like Robin was a gracious and talented woman. Good memories. Your sketch is lovely, too. I'm sure I got a Lamy pen because of you. Hugs.

 

[AiArts]

Jo: Lovely sketch of the jar opener tool

Joan: Wonderful story of the Lamy pens...Beautiful sketch of them too. Robin sounds like a perfect artist friend everyone wish to have.

 

[Pine Cone]

Joan — Thank you for your story about your friend and your Lamy pens Your sketch shows your caring for her - what a wonderful woman to have spent time with… you were both so fortunate to have each other

JoC — I heard Texas is already in “emergency” mode…

Everyone — If possible, could those of you in the path of the storm let us all know you’re okay throughout the day??? If it’s safe to do so, and if your internet is working???

I luv you all… my heart is with you all… stay as safe as you possibly can…

 

[Pine Cone]

I’m hoping and praying that those of you in the storm have alternative heat sources, such as maybe a wood stove, or something to help… I’m not sure how wood stoves work, or if it is even a safe answer, but I’m just worried sick about the cold, and power going out for you guys.

 

[Pine Cone]

Just read an update that Texas power grid has been updated following bad losses a few years ago. The governor expressed confidence that there would be no loss of power.

Then, few minutes later, an update said that 50,000 in Texas are already without power.

My thoughts and prayers are with JoC and Joan and everyone in any trouble.

 

[Joan T]

Thanks, everyone for your comments and concerns. I was out (actually indoors) with the sketchers today since I'm pretty sure I won't be going any place tomorrow (Sunday) or Monday. My biggest concern is for the possible icing we may have. Our snow is supposed to change to rain and sleet at some point, and that causes a lot of problems with the power lines. Will do my best to update periodically tomorrow.

Today the NYC Urban Sketchers went to Tangram Mall in Flushing. Looking at the website for the mall I wasn't sure it would be too interesting since it looked similar to a lot of malls I've been to...but this one was in the middle of Chinatown in Flushing, so the shops, restaurants, food court, etc. were all Chinese or similar products. I saw a lot of things that would make fun subjects, but the mall didn't open until 11 and we did our show-and-tell at 3:00, so I didn't get a lot done. I started with a sketch of the display window at a shop called, Akiba House. It had what I guess are anime characters in the window. The shop seems to sell Anime merchandise, Japanese snacks, manga, and more. I sat next to my friend, Susan while we sketched and lots of people and their kids stopped by to look.

9 - made of plastic/resin? - watercolors, ink, Posca markers

 

[jmfletch]

Well, am at the let it sit for a few days picking out what needs to be corrected.
Am happy overall other than the front of the barn which is too warm and too bright.
Comments and constructive criticism welcomed.

Hoping to do some Hunt sketches tomorrow.
Fletch

 

[jmfletch]

THANKS TO ALL FOR THE BIRTHDAY WISHES!

Robin - Using rare materials to draw rare materials is fun idea and the drawing looks fun. Cool pencil toppers.

Ned

Joan - Merging layers is easiest and most consistent using the menu. Touch on layer name and menu pops up. Love how you did the huge assortment of tools filling in negative space. Great shading on the digi. Laughed at neat boat painting with buildings and pilings for the Hunt. Story of you friend is as fun as your painting. Like Jo I bought my first Lamy because of you. You captured the anime look, as I thought they looked anime before reading your words.

Ai - Pretty watercolor flowers. Cool stools. Adding background really makes them pop. Love the strong colors in painting of your friend.

Jo - winterizing faucets hmm. Distance memories of such things. . Ice storms are the worst for power outages. Prays are with all enduring this storm. Nice watercolor cup. That bottle opener sure looks heavy duty. Looks like it was built MilSpec.

JennieJo - Please post even if not feeling brave. So delicate.

Pine Cone - Bless you for your kind thoughts. I am not in the path but join you in prayers for those who are.

Keep sketching and learning
Fletch

 

[Jo Castillo]

Our cold is arriving tonight. We are prepared. We won't have as many problems as the last time as that went on for 5 or so days. This will be tonight through Monday. As Pine Cone says, the grid is supposed to be in shape this time. The outage they had was caused by a couple of fires on light poles. They had to put out the fires to fix the lines. Maybe a blown transformer. It didn't last too long and wasn't that cold yet. The roads are wet and they are probably freezing now. They did treat the highways. Our mailbox is metal/iron and had tiny icicles on it about 3pm today. I bet our mail lady is happy not to come tomorrow or Monday. The worse weather is north and east of us. Take care, Joan, and all back east. Robin, too. Fletch may get some of the cold. Anyway, we are good. I cooked today, even made a cake. If the electric goes off we can heat on the grill. Our house stays pretty warm. All phones, etc. charged and ready. Hugs. all around.

 

[Jo Castillo]

Well, am at the let it sit for a few days picking out what needs to be corrected.
Am happy overall other than the front of the barn which is too warm and too bright.
Comments and constructive criticism welcomed.

Hoping to do some Hunt sketches tomorrow.
Fletch

I don't think the front is too warm at all. I see warm evening sun on it, sort of reflected from the snow. I would deepen the shadow close to the barn side. My preference only and it may be darker in real life. You have a beautiful evening scene. Love it.

 

[Pine Cone]

Joan and JoC and everyone in the path of the storm — I’ll be watching for your posts in the next few days, but I know you may want to conserve the battery life of your devices. Stay safe and warm….. please be okay

Joan — Thank you for a fun list!!! I see several things I want to sketch, but I’m having a difficult [impossible] time focusing
Super sketch of the landscaping truck, great perspective and details Wow!!! 🪏
Ditto for your sketch at Panera
And again, I’m marvelling at the perspective quality and detail in your painting of the boat at the dock.
Good to learn that you’re exercising indoors, doing walking and chair yoga….. very cool
So grateful you were still able to get out to do some sketching before the storm reaches you - very cool sketch at Akiba House, brimming with interest, wonderfully composed, perfectly touched with color, and adorable characters. Will be back to study this some more

Robin — Nice sketch with adorable critters, and your background sets off the cheery colors well

Ned — Miss your sketches, but sounds like you’re keeping busy, and busy is good too

Ai — Your lovely flowers enchanted me, and I keep coming back to see them again. Beautiful, delicate, nuanced work
Fun sketch of the plastic stools - they look like a comfy way to enjoy a good book And the scene with your artist friend looks happy

JoC — Oh my, so good that Joanna helped you with winterizing Thank you for your warm wishes So far, so good….. despite being hl, I’ve been blessed in recent months with warmth to help me through
Your gently glowing metal drink cup has mesmerized me - gorgeous colors so beautifully painted and lit
Amazing sketch of the jar opener - you are so good with sketching tools

JennieJo — The delicacy and grace of your flower sketch leaves me hoping you’ll post each one I was reading the other day about the benefits of sketching the same item over and over. So far, I haven’t tried that, but your comment makes me think it would be wise.

Hi Jade

Fletch — HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY
About your lovely painting, to me, the warmth of the front seems perfectly balanced AS IS with the building and the scene as a whole. I want to wander around in the image, and enjoy the sky. Looking more closely, I realize that there are several reasons why I feel captivated by this image…..
…..….. the superb beauty of the barn’s coloring makes me want to follow the footsteps, touch the wall, open the door, and meet the horses () inside……
…..….. the excellence of the fence shadows brings the entire scene to life…..
…..….. the gentleness of the sky and background scene gives me peace and allows me to approach through the snow, and be part of the wonder…..

 

[Pine Cone]

JoC — We cross posted….. So grateful you’re okay…..
You said, “They had to put out the fires to fix the lines”
It’s comforting to know you have a grill, and a cake (!!!) to see you through
Keep those devices charged when you can, and I’ll keep you guys in my heart and prayers through the night and next few days

 

[Joan T]

Fletch, your barn looks great...sort of what we are expecting here tomorrow. lol I usually let a painting sit on my counter for a few days while I casually look at it to see if I still need to change anything...but it looks like you've captured the magical hour well. Thanks for your comments on my work. It looks like the Lamy community keeps growing. The anime characters were so different to sketch, but they really jumped out in that window. lol

Jo, our temps have been below 20° all day. Right now it is 14°. The snow is expected to start about 8am, so we'll see what the morning brings. Hope you are staying warm enough. Sounds like you're pretty ready.

Pine Cone, I think all of the sketchers that came out today were happy to be there sketching...we were inside and warm, sketching with friends, and surrounded by restaurants where everything looked delicious. Thanks for your always positive comments. I hope you aren't anywhere where the storm will be passing thru. I worry about you also. Take care of yourself and stay warm and safe.

I finished my second sketch from the mall this evening. I ran out of time there so I snapped a few photos so I could add the last details.

9 - from a kitchen (not mine) - watercolors and ink

 

[JennieJo]

A flower on my verandah. Planning to do this flower each day. Then I'll post the flower. If I'm feeling brave.

Red, yellow, blue coloured pencils. 1 B8 sketching pencil.
Can almost see it there.

.View attachment 53436

You are very kind people. Thanks.