Hurricanes Are Severe Cyclones

Today I thought I would do something for our non-horsey friends. 

As far as I can gather, a cyclone is the same thing as a hurricane, only milder. They are both tropical storms with a system of winds rotating inward to an area of low atmospheric pressure.  A cyclone is categorized as a hurricane when it's winds reach a force of 74 miles per hour. 

I decided to sketch and paint a couple of these storms. Using the rule of thirds, I first sketched out where the eye (center of interest) of the storm would be. Once I was happy with the layout, I transferred my drawings onto watercolor paper via my light box. Here are my layout sketches and subsequent paintings.

Outhouse With A Breathtaking View

Here's my drawing from last week's sketching challenge photo. I've simplified the scene and used some artistic license with the colors of the outhouse.

Like all my sketches, it was done on regular drawing paper. I like an 11" x 14" or 9" x 12" Strathmore 300 series drawing pad. You can see the one I recommend on my brand new page "Sketching On Location".


Tip Of The Day: I have just started putting a piece of watercolor paper behind the sheet that I'm working on. It prevents the wrinkling of the sheets underneath from the moisture.

For our New Sketching Challenge, I'm posting another photo taken last July while on vacation in Crested Butte Colorado.

Just For The Fun Of It

This color sketch was inspired by a little stained glass sun catcher that I have hanging over my kitchen sink. I opened my paint palette yesterday to give it a misting and starting thinking that I'd like to do some sketching in color again. I've been thinking a lot about SHAPES lately this month, ever since I started up Drawing Everyday again. When I saw that hummingbird hanging there today, I knew I had to just have my way with it. What fun! If you are thinking that you'd like to try a real easy one, give copying this a shot! AND think S H A P E S . . .

The Jersey Devil

Fall has come to New Jersey and so has an obsession with Halloween and the JERSEY DEVIL! Weird sounds and screeches woke me from a sound sleep last night. It got me wondering if it was my ole' pal JD, coming to check on this year's artwork for the Cranberry Festival Yearbook. Anyway, my files have been sent off to the printer and I should be getting a proof any day now. I thought I'd post the black and white version today, since I showed preliminary sketches here during the summer. I hope you are all enjoying the wonderful fall weather and hope to see some of you at the Apple Festival or Cranberry Festival this month!

2009 - The Jersey Devil at the White Horse Inn, Chatsworth, NJ