Journal post

There have been some sorrows in my life lately that have seemed to weigh me down. I tried to find solace in drawing and sketching and applying colour to a page. But it just didn't seem to work for me. My imagination seemed weighted down, and my sense of enjoyment seemed blunted. Sounds like the classic definition of depression and I suppose that the loss of loved ones does result in depression.
I have been doing these quick little inspirational journal cartoons, no pressure, just whatever inspirational saying gave me some comfort that day. This weekend, though, I have so many ideas in my mind.  The sun seems to have thawed the numbness and started the creative juices flowing again. (My writing also seems a little disjointed - but I'm maybe out of practice with posting to this blog.)
This ia Derwent Inktense pencils in the Co-mo sketchbook.

Pelican

Every time I've been in Mexico or the Caribbean, I am fascinated by the pelicans.  They are so big and ungainly on land, but in the sky they are graceful and lovely.  When they fold their wings in, and plummet like an arrow to the water to scoop up their fish, they are quite wonderful. Sharp-eyed and lightning fast, they can be deceptive.  On our last trip, we frequently saw them perched on old wooden pilings sticking up out of the water - one pelican on each perch.  I wondered if they each had their designated perch or if they even cared about things like that.  I like the way their black feathers etch against the brilliant blue sky.
Watercolor pencils in the oddly curved sketchbook.

Simple pleasures

I really like to draw fruits and vegetables.  Not for me the soaring mountain ranges, or golden light of Italy. I am a simple woman of simple needs and I find inspiration and beauty in the everyday things that surround me.  The graceful shapes and vibrant colour of these peppers for example, make me want to draw and paint them before I even get home from the store.
Because I was having trouble photographing in the other sketchbook that was so curved and buckled, I was on the lookout for a new one.  At my last dental appointment, I made a short detour to the art supply store.  This is a Handbook sketchbook. I had heard many raves about these sketchbooks, but had never seen one sold in Canada. I liked the size and texture of the paper, and the price was good, so I took the very last one that they had in stock.  So far I like it.  It takes a wash nicely although the paper is not too thick.  It also has a hard cover which helps the pages flatten out.  It photographed quite well - not too many shadows or crinkles.  The paint is regular water-colour paints with a bit of the Inktense pencils added in.  Thank you to the commenter who told me that they are ink pencils rather than water colour.  Despite the name, i had not clued into that.