A Minibook

pages 2 and 3 ©Sue Pownall

This year, as part of my personal development, I am taking Sketchbook Skool's Expressing class. Last week's lessons were with illustrator Jill Weber and our homework was to write and illustrate a min-book, which we had to make. Our books had to share something about ourselves, so I chose to tell Degas' story.

Unfolded mini-book

My book is still unfinished, the final drawing to complete and the type to ink in, as I've had to work on a couple of other things. This is something very different from what I would normally do, hence the reason to do the course. I enjoyed the whole process but it's frustrating to have life interfere with getting it finished.

Front cover

p4-5

p6-7

Back cover

What do you think? Have you done anything similar? Why not share the link to your work below so I can see it?

50th WWSketchCrawl: Colchester

Yesterday afternoon, I arranged for the Colchester Sketchers to sketchcrawl at the bottom of the High Street. Tucked down a lane is the Coffee Cube café, which is where we arranged to meet. After a week that saw sleet and rain, we were amazed to have a blue sky and sunshine, so half of us sat outside to sketch the castle.

First sketch underway.

Being the organiser, I spent more time talking than sketching at the meeting point, but did manage to spend half an hour on my sketch of the castle. Luckily, as the sun disappeared behind the clouds, it was time to move on.

My first sketch

 Our second location was Hollytrees Museum, which is a museum of domestic life and childhood. Several of us were attracted by the Alice in Wonderland temporary exhibition.

The Queeen's croquet game.

  Our final location was the new Tiptree Tearoom at the Minories Gallery. I think we were all so interested in each others sketches and having some tea, that nobody sketched there. I plan to return another day as the choice of teas and cakes demand a proper "sketch" visit.

Colchester Sketchers (minus Johnny) show off their sketches.

  Where did you sketch?

A new style, a new series

Over the last year I have been taking reference photos and sketching in woods whilst walking my assistant. Some of those led to some etchings and now those etchings are influencing my drawings. This is, potentially, the first in a series of woodland drawings called Solitary Wanders. Here's number 1, Memories of Summer and number 2 is resting prior to final tweeks.

What do you think of the loser style? Any comments/constructive criticism welcomed.

Memories of Summer, Pen & Ink, ©SuePownall 2016

 *****
On another matter, I apologise to everyone whose blogs I haven't visited recently. I am trying to rectify my neglect. Sorry

Folk & coffee

Carys, direct watercolour.

 Yesterday, I arranged for the Colchester Sketchers to meet at the monthly folk session of SlackFolk. We had a great turn out, but due to venue limitations didn't manage a group shot at the end.

First sketches underway

 The music and atmosphere was great, so I spent a lot of time just listening. As usual, I also did a lot of chatting to the other sketchers too... 

2 acts in pencil

I still managed several sketches, of which I think the direct watercolour ones are the best. Do you agree?
What did you sketch this weekend?

Bex & Freda, direct watercolour

2015 year in review

2015 A Year of Growth, Development & Successes from Sue Pownall