just a quick post from the desert to share my latest sketchbookery!
so many lovely cacti in the yard that have me opening up my watercolor & gouache boxes and grabbing a juicy brush.
my fan palm has a funny wet spot in the center that makes it look white. ignore it.
i was very displeased with my violet shadow, but as with all things sketchbook related i just keep going.
here are a few more quirky desert photos. i trecked north into the vast expanse of the mohave.
it is so very beautiful and keenly alive.
Every time I look at your work, it’s better than the last time. Merry Christmas!
Such beautiful cactus sketches Mary Ann, some serious inspiration right there
Oh wow, Mary Ann! That is some gorgeous work you have done there! My faves are the purple cactus and the multicolored agave. Just lovely!
I wish I were in solitude right now. Instead I am working my posterior off, wrapping gifts and elbows flying, cleaning for Christmas company. I love the family and holidays, but I have to admit, I can’t wait to get back to my art after the paper and ribbons fly. Too much commotion for this loner soul. One day at a time…The thing I am most lacking is patience, so this is good for me.
Oh! I know where you took that broken window image 🙂
I appreciate your willingness to let go and move on when you are not happy with your results. I don’t journal because I have trouble with imperfection.
just wanted to tell you about a fabulous blogger Roz Stendahl rozwoundup.typepad.com I know you will love her & after all your recommendations of classes, artists, authors, techniques, philosophies and genuine positive outlook on life just thought I would alert you to another awesome artist.
These are incredible! I love that you make opportunity to draw everything, and these are exceptional…I just love them!
That two page spread is so lovely and charming. You just get better and better, my friend. Wish I could send you a big box of snow or a mini snowman – I know you would love it! 😉
Terrific watercolor sketches. High five to you!
The succulents are gawjus!
I LOVE the big Joshua tree best. I don’t want to have a favorite but I can’t help it!!
Seriously. Too beautiful.
Wow, your painting abilities are improving at every post!!!! I just love your watercolor sketches. I’ve never used watercolor before but since finding your blog last summer, I’ve been loving exploring in watercolors and I even joined your Sketchbookery and Sewn classes and am having a blast using the sketchbook I made in your class. Thank you so much for all the inspiration you’ve given so many people to just have fun painting and not stress out about it.
Wow- your various sketches of desert plants came out fabulous! Even the purple shadow looked good to me! Thanks for sharing with us.
Pic of lined-up windows!!!!!!!! Wow.
Loving being able to appreciate your watercolor journey!
Thanks for a trip down memory lane you didn’t know you inspired in me. When I was a kid….. a VERY long time ago……. my parents LOVED to go to the desert and so off we would go with them. We lived in San Diego at the time so it wasn’t that hard to do…….. They liked to go on “digs” …. we just liked to go and see what interesting things we could find. Your watercolors are wonderful. Thanks for inspiring some memories.
Dear Mary Ann, I like your drawing style using only watercolor. You do it so beautifully!
Thank you for your constant inspiration!
Sending you good wishes from Cape Town xx