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| out and about in Harpenden © Teresa Newham |
What happened to the weather? Last week I was sitting on a sunny bench in the town centre, drawing a street cleaner. A crow alighted on the bird bath beside me, and obligingly hopped into a couple of interesting poses. So enjoyable after my previous outdoor sketching session in Lourdes, when everyone was swathed in padded coats, scarves, hats and gloves . . .
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| as seen in Lourdes © Teresa Newham |
Of course, if I waited for good weather every time I wanted to practice my drawing, I'd never get round to it. I often pick up my sketchbook when I'm watching TV; it's a challenge to capture faces when the camera angles keep changing, but it's fun. I could freeze the screen, but I like the challenge!
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| sketches off the telly © Teresa Newham |
I know I should carry a sketchbook everywhere I go, but it's easier in some places than others - Gallery32, for example, is situated above the Fleetville Vintage Emporium, with plenty of opportunities during a three-hour shift to get something down on paper:
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| at the Emporium © Teresa Newham |
Sometimes it just doesn't happen - this Spring I didn't pick up a pen for ages. I was inspired to start again when I read Ronnie Wood - Artist, which includes all sorts of paintings and sketches from his school days up to the present. I took a good look at his meticulously crafted drawings and decided it was time to dig out a sketchbook or two.
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| windowsill sketches © Teresa Newham |
Many of my recent sketches have been made standing up, using the nearest sketchbook to hand - I currently have three or four on the go - and making the most of any sunshine; dappled light on the fences led me to make the drawing below, for example. And when eventually the sunshine returns, I shall venture outside again!
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| corner of the garden © Teresa Newham |
