Last Thursday, after posting my blog, I joined the Plein Air Painters of Portland at Cornell Farms to paint pumpkins. It was my first time with a plein air group, and I did enjoy it so will do again. The painting I did has already found a home, I will be delivering it Saturday after it is dry, I love it when a painting finds a home, so ask, we might work something out.
Michael Franks sings a song with the line: “My baby does eggplant about 19 different ways.” Tricia says that could be about me. There was a time when I thought eggplant was boring at best, even undesirable, but as with so many things it was operator error, I have found it is wonderful if prepared and seasoned properly.
Gruyére, tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, a bit of basil are all perfect with les aubergines. This time I grilled the slices, then layered them in mini-cruets and baked uncovered at 400F – layers of eggplant, tomato, garlic oil, cheese, repeat, ending with cheese. The lid is just for show and serving – bake uncovered. Then let sit for about 10 minutes to so the juices reabsorb a bit.
Wednesday Tricia had a hair appointment so I went for a walk. My first stop was on the Willamette Greenway Trail. The longer I sketch and paint the more I realize the truth of a quote I heard recently, not sure where it is from though. “Focus on the process not the result.”
This structure has intrigued me, and intimidated me, for a long time. So I focused on the process: concentrate on big shapes, draw what you see not what you think you see, and avoid getting caught up in the minutia.
I used 5mm graphite to lay out the basic shapes, this prevents you from getting too detailed. Then I used my TWSBI fine point with black ink for a bit of detail, and a blue marker for shadow. The final part was to darken the darks with a Kuretake brush pen. For a quick sketch I think it turned out quite well.
My next stop was to meet up with Tricia at Fields. Before she got there I had time to sketch some wine bottles at Spin the Bottle, and a local at Fields.
Sketching with just graphite, ink, and a marker is so enjoyable. When I look back at old sketches it always impresses me how well these simple tools capture the moment, often more than with watercolor.
Tricia posted today about autumn colors, take a look. Right now she is making one of my favorite comfort foods, shepherd’s pie. So I will close this and wish you a weekend of good food, autumn colors, and of course an encouragement to grab a pencil and capture part of it.
