Really Being There

Sketching and painting are ways to become more present to a place. It focuses your attention. However, even then, you're present from a visual standpoint. Are you really present? You may be more present than if you were talking on your cell phone or reading a book. But, are you smelling the place, are you feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin, are you tasting the air?

Moonstone Beach, Central California Coast

Last weekend, I spent some time on the central coast of California. There are so many beautiful things to see and experience. I took some time to do this sketch after beachcoming for a while. What I realize in looking at this drawing is that although it helps me to represence the place, but still, something seems to be missing.

Perhaps taking one's presence to a broader range of senses can further improve your art. If you've found that your art has improved as a result of broadening your senses, you are invited to comment on this post. Would love to hear your experiences.

Urban Sketchers: Sketchwalk @ The Intan Peranakan Museum, Singapore...

Another wonderful article on Urban Sketchers with very colorful drawings. Very inspiring.


Urban Sketchers: Sketchwalk @ The Intan Peranakan Museum, Singapore...: Objects for ancestral worship(Left) and ornately carved day bed for the newly wed(Right). Below you can see 2 pairs of beautifully handmad...

Urban Sketchers: Vila Maria Zélia- Boys School (Repost)

This article reminded me of one of the great rewards for getting out and drawing or painting: you see things in much more detail than usual. The article saddened me given this person witnessed the loss of a neighborhood that at one time was charming. Now, it sounds neglected and derelict.


Urban Sketchers: Vila Maria Zélia- Boys School: This Sunday I went to the first village workers of São Paulo, on a tip from my dear friend and also a member of the Urban Sketchers, Eduardo...

The Ultimate Artfest: Part 1

The Ultimate Artfest: Part 1


This artist's work is interesting and she appears to be prolific. She has had several articles published in magazines and offers a lot of art information (workshops, techniques) on her blog. Worth a quick check.

Whatever creativity is, it is in part a solution to a problem. - Brian Aldiss

Life is a Miracle - Albert Einstein

There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle. - Albert Einstein

Paint Outdoors in Sacramento Area

Now that the weather is getting warm and dry, if you enjoy painting outdoors or would like to try it and you are in the region of Sacramento, California, this group may interest you. They are active and have a core group of artists who are great at choosing beautiful locations.

http://www.meetup.com/art-500/