Plan to Fail?

11:05 AM

Watercolor
Strathmore Aquarius II 80lb*
Before Ink
4" x 5"
Yesterday, I had a wonderful day with a friend in a garden. The University of South Florida's Botanical Gardens to be exact. The day was already warm when we arrived and it was on its way to getting down right hot by the time we left.

We arrived after 10 and by the time we'd walked and talked and photographed the various things that captured our eye, it was lunch time. And we hadn't brought any lunch.

As we strolled around, we noticed a great deal of seating, though it never seemed to be in quite the right location nor did it look all that marvelous for sitting on. We've had buckets of rain in the last week and most all the seating was wood—wet and green.

So far we have a very hot day, we've arrived late, we didn't take any lunch with us and we didn't take our stools for sitting where we could sketch and draw where we wanted to...would you say we planned to fail if we went to sketch? I would. We failed to plan.

Watercolor and Ink
Strathmore Aquarius II 80lb*
 4" x 5"

We didn't take into consideration the need for seats, that it would take two hours to wander around and that we might get hungry nor did we consider that we would take all of time photographing but none for sketching. But that's what happened.

To be fair, I concede that I did go with the intent to photograph flowers for the Imaginary Visit to the Garden eClass that starts in a week. However, sketching on location still takes pre-planning and more than a bit of determination. Getting there with your supplies is only half the battle. You still have to get them out and USE them.

This sketch is of some plants I bought while we were at the gardens. I did it last night. Since I was dog tired by the time I arrived home this is not my best effort. I will have to revisit and try for a better sketch. Regardless of the quality of the sketch, it captures the day. With a few details about the day, I'll have a good journal page.


After thinking over the day, I realized that even though I failed to plan, it was still a day well spent. Next time though, I'll plan to succeed with my sketching too!
_______________________


*To those of you who have read my prior post about being a journal 'ho, the use of this paper was a deliberate choice as it is a new paper for me. It is Strathmore Aquarius II 80 lb. watercolor paper. I will continue to experiment with it and then post on the paper later.

You Might Also Like

9 Creative Thought(s)

  1. I loved this post. There is a lot of work envolved in going on location to paint. I find even going outside in my yard to paint takes some planning so I dont have to take the whole Studio out there. Planning is important or one gets discouraged. Even so it sounded like a lovely day and that you got some nice photos to paint from. And it also helped you PLAN what you will need for next time. :)) Lots to think about here.

    ReplyDelete
  2. oh I love your new piece Laure!!!! wonderful work and great post!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Your post is a good reminder about planning--even if some of the pieces are in place, if you haven't considered the comfort of the artist, you very well may fail. Hungry, hot, tired, no place to sit comfortably...you'd have to be inhumanly disciplined to sketch under those conditions!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I never even thought about taking a stool! Boy, sitting on a stool would make it really obvious you've come to sketch. I wonder if that would draw people to come see or have them realize I'm busy so leave me alone? Will have to go look at stools for sketching outdoors.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Laure it still sounds like you still had a successful day's outing but yes, I can see most definately what you're pointing out. I think it's an easy to do thing, we just casually take for granted and expect all will work out. I love your little sketch and look forward to more.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sounds like it was a fun day out and you got great sketches out of it! And maybe more photos for later things? Beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thanks, Cris, it was a lovely day but you're right about the planning....gotta do it!

    Thanks, Diana!

    That's one thing I don't think anyone has ever accused me of, KJ, being inhumanly disciplined! Probably not even humanly disciplined for that matter.....

    Timaree, it does send a message. Will people leave you alone? Of course not!

    It was a very successful day, Carole. I think you're right, we just casually take it for granted and think everything will come out fine. Sometimes it doesn't, sometimes it does.

    Hey, Sue, yes, I did get some good photos!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Too bad life gets in the way of painting sometimes.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I always carry a sketchbook and paints with me. I must learn to USE it when in the field. I tend to take photos and sketch later. Sigh... One can rarely remember to take all one needs for an outing. It was hot here this weekend Ican only imagine how hot it was down your way.

    ReplyDelete

Let's talk!

Like us on Facebook

Flickr Images

Subscribe