I’m One Lucky Lady!

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Sometimes you’re lucky!

No… I did not win PowerBall!

Bur a few weeks ago, through an online giveaway, I won a copy of Richard Sheppard’s new book, Impressions of Wine Country.

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Just look at that glorious scene! Can’t you feel the warm sun on your back?

I first became acquainted with Richard Sheppard in 2013 when I saw his work in Danny Gregory’s book, An Illustrated Journey. Richard has a lovely, loose, atmospheric technique that nicely evokes a sense of place, particularly in this book about California, its wines, and their “terroir”. I’ve done a bit of wine tasting in New York’s Finger Lakes region and have always dreamed of doing the same out west.

Richard’s book reads as a monthly look into his wine experience as he visits vintners across the Sonoma and Napa valleys. Each page is illustrated with one of his fabulous watercolors. I particularly enjoyed seeing how Richard captured an iconic pear tree in each of the four seasons. Not only can I admire and learn from his artwork  but I’m learning about wine and its production to boot!

Highly recommended!  This would make a great gift whether the recipient is an artist, an oenophile, a Californian or just someone who dreams of getting away!

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Please check out Richard Sheppard online for more of his wonderful images including many from his travels outside wine country.  You won’t regret it.

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Disclaimer:  I won this copy in a blog giveaway.  I was not compensated nor was I asked to review this book.

October’s Teachable Moments

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I learned two things this October… but did I internalize the lessons?  Oh no, I let them slide. 

It’s time to revisit those lessons.

First, InkTober taught me how much I enjoyed fleshing out and shading a pen and ink sketch with crosshatching. I thought I didn’t have the patience to achieve volume hatching all those tiny curving lines. Don’t get me wrong, I’m nowhere near proficient but I’ve enjoyed the process way more than I thought I would. I’m going to make sure I keep practicing. 

  
Secondly, I love, love, LOVE posting with the WordPress app for my iPhone. I posted most of my InkTober sketches with the app. I look forward to using it more and more. 

That’s it for now… have a great weekend!

My Peripheral Memory

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My Sketchbook.

I use it for all sorts of things, even phone numbers I need to remember. 

The other day a friend forwarded an article with the collected points of Irwin Greenberg, an art instructor in New York. I paid particular attention since I wrote one of these points in bold face on the first page of my sketchbook:  “An artist is a sketchbook with a person attached.” I knew then I needed to keep all 100 points where I could easily find them. 

  
  
  
  
  

Want an easier way to read all Irwin Greenberg’s wisdom?  Click here.