TESCO, March, Cambridgeshire. UK

This is a page from my journal today, which includes another morning sketch session at Tesco.

TESCO CAFE, March, Cambridgeshire. UK

Another trip to Tesco today and a few quick figure studies while I sipped on a sweet latte, Mmmmm!

TESCO CAFE, March, Cambridgeshire. UK

Ink in Seawhite sketchbook

Popped along to Tesco with my sketchbook yesterday morning and, after a hearty breakfast and froth laden latte, I captured the man a few tables up from me in my Seawhite 6x6" sketchbook.

TESCO CAFE, March, Cambridgeshire. UK

A quick trip to Tesco this week presented the chance of a latte and a cafe sketch or two in my moleskin sketchbook!



Images created using Noodler's red/black ink and coloured pencils

DODDINGTON BUS STOP

Doddington Bus Stop
Large moleskin sketchbook, coloured pencil and Noodler's red/black ink

Another sketch from the truck after the school run.
I parked in the lay-by and captured this man in ink and coloured pencil before he hopped onto the bus, I then filled the background in around him after he'd gone.

DODDINGTON VILLAGE

A quick sketch from the truck yesterday while making the school run. I completed the ink sketch of the figures quickly on location then added the background and the colour back at home.

Isn't it strange how I make this trip every day and I could not remember what the background would have shown behind the figures, for this reason the background is a little 'imaginative'.

BYGONES CAFE, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire. UK

What a day!

I had to go into Wisbech today so I thought I'd make a day of it and take my sketchbooks along, it has some fantastic architecture. No sooner I had stepped out of the truck it tipped down with rain and I mean literally tipped down! I spent my whole day skipping from one shelter to another in hope it would soon stop but it didn't.

Soaked, I ventured into a favourite little cafe of mine in Wisbech called 'Bygones' and this is where my day began to brighten up, not because of the very few sketches I finally managed to make but because of the company.

I met Elva, a wonderfully warm, mature woman who asked if I minded her taking a seat beside me. We talked and talked as if we had been friends for ever and her appreciation of life was a welcome inspiration on such a day. Elva noticed I was sketching and, after taking a look through my moleskin, she confessed she 'made things'. Intrigued, I listened while she explained she made houses and buildings from her empty cigarette packets then she took me towards the back of the cafe to show me the replica of 'Bygones' she had crafted. It was fantastic!

Elva was sunshine on a gloomy day.

One of the things I have enjoyed most about my location sketching is the fact that it allows me time to just stop, sit, think, SEE, appreciate and share special moments with such interesting people I may never have found the time to meet otherwise.

CHATTERIS SURGERY, Cambridgeshire. UK

Made good use of the few minutes I had to wait in the doctors surgery on Friday afternoon. The guy next to me had obviously suffered a much longer wait than I because he actually woke himself up with the noise of his own snoring!

Please don't worry, I am fine, it was a routine appointment.

DODDINGTON COUNTRY SHOW 2007

Last year the 13th Alabama Infantry elected me as their 'resident' artist and today I went over to the country show at Washbrook Farm, Doddington to spend a couple of hours with them...sketch book in hand!



The infantry went about their day as I set up my chair among them and captured a few sketches in my A5 Winsor & Newton, working directly with ink. A fantastically challenging and productive afternoon and an opportunity I am most grateful for.

FRANKIE AND BENNY'S, Huntindgon, Cambridgeshire. UK

A trip out to Frankie & Benny's restaurant in Huntingdon today prompted some quick sketches in my small moleskin sketchbook using my new handbag sketch kit.

I had a crayfish cocktail starter followed by F&B's famous BBQ chicken and ribs, which I would have loved to have sketched for you but they just didn't stay on the plate long enough I'm afraid.
I assure you...they were delicious though!

The sketch to the right shows part of their menu decorated with old Italian photographs and the sketch above shows the glazed cabinets that run adjacent on two walls filled with various jars and bottles.

DODDINGTON HOSPITAL, Cambridgeshire. UK

A visit to Doddington hospital took up the best part of my day today so I made good use of the waiting time using my small moleskin sketchbook and Edding 1800 profipen.

I tried out a new handbag travel kit I've been considering consisting of two brush pens filled with diluted ink; one brown and one black and a pigment liner. Notice: no pencil or rubber, this is my new personal challenge 'Lead-free Figures'.
The diluted ink seems to absorb into the moleskin paper much easier than watercolour and will save me having to cart my watercolour pencils around for a hint of tone/colour required on location.



I enjoy a neutral or monochrome palette in art so I felt this new kit was worth a few test sketches. I am pleased with the results and the limited kit fits neatly into my slim Caran D'Ache pencil tin which, in turn, fits neatly into my tiny handbag...Perfect!

TESCO, March, Cambridgeshire. UK

After grabbing a quick sketch of Jubilee Gardens in the morning, I later went on to Tesco, a great chance to plonk myself in the cafe with a nice big latte and take advantage of all the free models!

I happened to have my little book of challenges in my handbag with me and completed EDM challenge #36 - To sketch in public.