9/12/11

Lunch - book binding in September

Lunch
During last week's book binding/journal painting workshop we sat in the sun in big comfortable Adirondack chairs, painted our lunches, and talked about food, gardening, cooking . . .

The two days of the workshop, Thursday and Friday, were absolutely  perfect  -  warm and sunny.  And the sketchbook journals that were made were absolutely beautiful  -  colorful and creative.

The idea of having the journal painting day as part of the bookbinding workshop is to get the book binders to "bond" with their books.  The books take a whole day to make and are very precious  -  not something you'd mark up, throw in your paint bag, possibly goof up a page here and there  -  unless of course, you were paying someone to coax you into making those first marks in your book, and you find out how much you and your book like being together.  You might even get a little obsessive about having your book with you at all times.  You might even find that you use it to, not only sketch in, but jot down notes and lists, directions and ideas.  You might even buy a roomier purse for your sketchbook and a little palette. 

Since I've been carrying my sketchbook with me all the time, I find that I look at life around me with a little more appreciation.  I see more colors and shapes, shadows and patterns.  I guess if you look through my sketchbooks, you'd notice a lot of the colors, shapes, shadows, and patterns that I see are food related.  Whatever gets ya goin', huh?


8 comments:

Suspinz: Dabbler in Many Things said...

Love it, as usual. It's interesting that you outline your shadows here, and it's very effective.

Catherine said...

Thanks Suspinz. I don't usually (maybe never) outline shadows, but they were so strong on the arm of the Adirondack chair in the sun, I just unconsciously included them as shapes as I did my contour drawing.

Anonymous said...

I think carrying your journal with you is such a great idea,, you never know what might just pop up,, and the moment might be missed.Lovely painting,

Catherine said...

Laurie - thanks! Carrying our sketchbooks around is a nice habit.

Balaji Venugopal said...

Nice thoughts...I agree entirely. and a lovely sketch!

Catherine said...

Thanks Balaji!

Colleen - the AmAzINg Mrs. B said...

I'm new to your site and to your work - found from Pinterest - and I am very glad! I have purchased your book and am waiting as patiently as I can {which is not very } but it's supposed to be here by Saturday! Yay! Who wanted to do laundry anyway! I am really enjoying both your watercolors and your words..you have a gift for both. I have actually gotten a bigger bag to carry around my supplies as well..it's also a great reason for shopping, don't you think? Anyway, if you ever decide you need a little Utah air, let me know - we've got an extra room {if you don't mind sharing with an adorable ShihTzu named Braxton} . I think the Utah mountains would be a great subject, along with all the wonderful flowers {and me wanting lessons} to draw you in...

I'm just sayin'....

Catherine said...

Colleen - thanks so much for your very kind words! And welcome aboard.

I have heard that Utah is absolutely beautiful.

Hope you enjoy the book. Thanks for purchasing it. Whether it arrives on Saturday or not - don't do the laundry.