Round Robin

Today we met for sketching and painting with a small group at Joel's Coffee shop in north Austin. We each worked on our own things for a bit and then decided to paint birds to help support V....Vaughan's wonderful Birdseed Project. 

V's mother is in an assisted living facility and V has discovered how much joy birdwatching brings to the residents and guests of such places. She has begun an amazing project to help buy birdseed and feeders to attract the birds to nurture nature and people. I know from sitting in my own backyard how much fun the little birds can be. What a blessing they would be to those who are more or less "homebound."

Please consider making a contribution to the Birdseed Project. Your tax deductible gift provides feeders and seed, and maybe a NEW BIRDSEED PROJECT to a home near you! Click to donate to

Threefold Cord Ministries. Mention Birdseed Project on the ENVELOPE.

 

Below are paintings my mother and I did today!  I couldn't resist the lovely fat Robin and wanted to try to abstract him a little into the background. My mom hasn't worked in oils in ages, but seemed to get the knack back in a short time with her little sparrow. To make a purchase, and therefore contribute birdseed to V's project, email me!

Round Robin
8x8 oil on panel
artist: Robin Cheers

Spare Sparrow
8x8 oil on panel
artists: Opal Cheers

Sketching 101

sketch from photo - working out composition and light/shadow patterns

sketch from life with graphite wash

sketch before painting "en plein air"

Whether you are working from life or from photo reference, sketching is a wonderful way to improve your "vision." I find that if I take a little time to work out my composition and value pattern with even the simplest sketch, I am better able to express myself in painting. Its easy to be overwhelmed by all the information before us. We see in 3D, but have to render in 2D. As a scene changes, or when we need to edit, its wonderful to be able to refer to your first impression caught in a sketch and keep yourself on course.

Come and sketch with me and V.... Vaughan at Joel's Coffee House in Austin on Saturdays in June (except the 29th). Bring your supplies, or use ours, we offer instruction, demos and hopefully inspire you too with some delicious coffee and truffles (or hot chocolate in my case.) Cost just $20.