The library

I was introduced to Charles Reid's books about watercolor painting through  Shari Blaukopf's blog. I wanted to find out more about Mr. Reid so I started going to the local library to borrow the books written by Reid.
It's been a long time since I visited a library to borrow books. Nowadays it's so convenient to get books online. To my surprise, this library is nicely set up and quite busy. I went to the library yesterday to pick up a book that I put a hold on. It happened to be the 'Free Book' day and many people stopped at the free book carts on their way to/out of the library. Some of them stopped to talk with me about sketching and some just sneaked behind me to have a peak of my sketchbook (yes, I could hear them!).

By the way, I really like Charles Reid's books and his loose painting style with watercolor. I also found some Youtube videos of Reid demonstrating his techniques. I think I know what I would like to get from Santa for Christmas this year :)

Art Summer Camp

 I wasn't sure if I'd be comfortable helping out at a teen's summer camp. My impressions of summer camps is all from American movies and seem crazy. This camp is different from what I expected. The teaching artist is very experienced and the students are responsive. They have spent a few afternoons experimenting with oil pastels, chalk pastels, acrylic paint and watercolors. Most of them draw and paint methodically but there are a couple of boys who just go all in while painting. Real artists at work :)

Waterbrush or Quill brush?

 I did this sketch on the main street in my neighbourhood yesterday. I was hungry and eager to go back home for lunch but couldn't resist the sketch itch. I thought I could just throw some wash on with my waterbrush. I think the waterbrush did its job on this small 7"x7" sketch but I didn't enjoy using it. I felt I didn't have a good control of the water and paint even though the end result seemed fine.

This morning I did this sketch at home. I used my daVinci Casaneo quill brush and I just love how the paint flows on the paper with it! I don't think I will take the waterbrush out of my sketch kit yet. After all, it is convenient to use a waterbrush at times. I will definitely try to use my quill brush whenever possible though. Just to see the paint mix and flow on the paper is worth the trouble setting up.

Canopy Tree Talk

 While looking up volunteer opportunities in my area, I came across Canopy, a community-based organisation that is all about city trees. 

The Tree Talk is a project done by Canopy and City of Palo Alto to introduce urban forest to public. The tour today was just around the local library's parking lot, but it covered almost 20 different trees. I knew that urban forests require lots of maintenance but I had no idea that there is so much planning involved. I don't think I will remember everything mentioned in the talk today but it was fun and I like getting to know the city through knowing the trees. 

A trickling pond

I was supposed to go into the library to pick up my library card. Instead, I sketched outside. I have been practising painting water at home so the trickling pond next to the library was a great subject. I guess I will have to make another trip to the library tomorrow.