sketchbooking picnic

What fun to repeat the Sketchbook Workshop I did last year with Judy Labrasca, this time with a new flock of arty folks. Judy and I shared sketchbooks and materials with the class and began our trek, starting by the “army dock” near the ferry landing  on Peaks Island.  She gave a nimble watercolor demo with a brush pen.

I added a quick pencil sketch to the handmade sketchbook from last year.

Another curious flock kept an eye on us.

The boat in the background above is the E Cosi, which sailed into my illustration in Here Come the Humpbacks!

I drew a goose on sanded pastel paper, but he was not impressed.

We ventured over to Sandy Beach, where low tide allowed for ample sketching perches.

Pam found a shady spot for this watercolor of Cushing Island. She used a viewfinder Judy handed out, by making a miniature composition in the upper right.

In fact, several sketchers found good spots beneath a gnarly tree.

Judy is the best teacher, always ready to experiment. Her daring shows in this painting on a black piece of paper, done with muted colors  in a matter of minutes.

From there, we walked another 5 minutes over to Picnic Point. This little peninsula juts out toward Cushing Island, facing Hussey Sound in a way that feels like you’ve landed on another island altogether. We paused to eat our picnic lunches. Then I did a quick pastel demo.

I enjoyed being outdone by “Dennis the Menace” who drew this lyrical pastel beside me as we sat on a driftwood log.

We walked another 10 minutes over to the Fifth Maine Museum, where ocean views and gardens beckoned.

We laid out our work on tables facing the sea. So much beauty captured!

I made this sketch of the daisy crop on vellum pages in my sketchbook.

John painted this delicate watercolor.

We hustled back downfront, to the crowds that gather at ferry times. Thanks to MECA for a lovely encounter with intrepid artists who made such uniquely indelible records of one memorable island day!