I wandered around in the heat looking for a spot to paint, got overheated, and decided to go swim instead. Fortunately I had my pens and watercolors with me! I did a few quick sketches and watercolors in my sketchbook. Here's a page from the book -- with a couple of doodles edited out.
Geoff Watson, "Pool sketches," ink wash on paper, 5" x 8," 2018.
The rain held off today, and I managed to get in 2-3 hours of plein air painting. I'm really out of practice, as I've been doing mostly pen-and-ink and watercolor work for the past month, since I can do those things indoors (away from all the rain!). So I set my expectations low and resolved to do a loose urban sketch.
The painting depicts the Friendship Heights metro stop on the DC-Maryland border. I was most interested in the area on the left, and I should've zoomed the picture in more on that; I didn't spend much time at all on the right half of the painting. I still like it.
Geoff Watson, "Friendship Heights Metro," oil on panel, 11" x 14," 2018.
The highlight of this swim practice was when the coaches insisted that little kids demonstrate dance moves while standing on the starter block. It was so cute! But dancers are tough to draw, so I focused instead on the coaches, who mostly stayed still.
Geoff Watson, "Swim team practice," watercolor and ink on paper, 5" x 8," 2018.
I spent the afternoon at the pool and did some sketching and watercoloring. Apologies for the glare in this first photo. I can't re-take the photograph because I accidentally blotted the picture after I photographed it! So this will have to do.
Geoff Watson, "Pool sketch," watercolor and pen on paper, 3" x 8," 2018.
I did an ink wash sketch, using blue ink, of a woman sitting at the pool.
Geoff Watson, "Sketch at the pool," ink wash on paper, 4" x 5," 2018.
And a lifeguard. It's a bit out of proportion, but it's still kind of fun.
Geoff Watson, "Sketch of a lifeguard," ink and watercolor on paper, 4" x 6," 2018.
Bethesda Lane is a lovely pedestrian mall sandwiched between two busy streets in downtown Bethesda. Its defining feature is this graceful arch. People come to eat at the various outdoor cafes or just to sit and relax.
Last week I did a watercolor study at this spot, and today I returned to try my luck with oils. I had an easier time drawing the scene this time, and I was happy to get some people into the action. Unfortunately it was rather a dreary day, and the lighting conditions weren't great. I'd like to return one more time to try to capture more vibrant colors. I love this spot, so I shall return!
Geoff Watson, "Bethesda Lane," oil on panel, 16" x 20," 2018.
Catholic University Law School had its Commencement exercises today, and I sketched the proceedings while sitting at the back of the stage in my cap and gown. This was perhaps a tad risky, as I was using pen and ink-wash, and it would have been bad to mess up my nice robes! But it went smoothly.
Commencement takes place in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. Here's a look at the Basilica, and the graduates and their families seated in the church.
Geoff Watson, "Commencement in the Basilica," ink wash on paper, about 4" x 5," 2018.
This was the student speaker, Kwambina Ishmael Kyre-Martin Coker. Mr. Coker was in my Contracts class in his first year; he's a great guy, and his speech was one of the best student speeches I've ever heard. He has an inspiring life story.
Geoff Watson, "Kwambina Ishmael Kyre-Martin Coker," ink wash on paper, about 3" x 4," 2018.
The main Commencement speaker was The Hon. Brett M. Kavanaugh, a well-regarded judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. Judge Kavanaugh gave a thoughtful and down-to-earth speech.
Geoff Watson, "The Hon. Brett Kavanaugh," ink wash on paper, about 3" x 5," 2018.
I took my sketchbook, fountain pens, gouache and water brushes to Bethesda Row today to sketch for a couple hours. I did this first drawing mostly with water-soluble ink and water, though I did add a little background greenery in gouache. I could have added much more detail everywhere, but I decided to leave it as is.
Geoff Watson, "Bethesda Row," ink wash and gouache on paper, about 5" x 8," 2018.
I then wandered over to the pedestrian mall across the street, which looks through an arch at the Apple store on Bethesda Avenue. I've always wanted to draw this arch! I drew the outlines with water-proof ink in a fountain pen with a fine nib, and I added color with gouache (opaque watercolor). Fun!
Geoff Watson, "Bethesda Pedestrian Mall," ink and gouache on paper, about 5" x 8," 2018.
This is an ink-and-watch drawing of my beautiful daughter, but I added a little mascara and makeup to add even more glamour. She looks like a movie star!
I used my Sailor fountain pen and a new Pentel waterbrush, in my small Pentalic watercolor sketchbook. I think the drawing turned out pretty nicely, especially considering that you can't erase mistakes in ink. :) Anyway, a pretty drawing of a pretty girl.
Geoff Watson, "Movie Star M," ink and wash on paper, about 4" x 6," 2018.
I've hardly touched a paintbrush in the past week, what with grading and graduation ceremonies, and I felt rusty in life class today. Not my best effort, but by the end of the session I felt like I was back in the swing of things.
Geoff Watson, "Natalya," oil study on panel, 11" x 14," 2018.
My mom is a wonderful person, and one of the many things I love about her is that she inspired me to take up art. She's also a terrific artist in her own right. You can see more of her work at http://www.bethwatson.com/ .
She did this painting of roses some time ago, and when I admired it last Christmas, she sent it to me as a surprise gift! So she sent me Mother's Day flowers. It's supposed to be the other way round! :-)
I'm sorry for the glare on the photo; it's been raining all week, and I've had trouble finding a good spot to photograph (or create!) paintings. Anyway, Happy Mother's Day, mom!
Beth Watson, "Roses," oil on canvas, 9" x 12."
Today my son graduated from The Catholic University of America at its 129th Commencement ceremony! Because I'm on the faculty at Catholic, I had the honor of greeting my son on stage and handing him his diploma. That was great!
Also, the theme of the ceremony was remarkable. It was about immigration, and about welcoming. First the University awarded several honorary degrees to immigrants from Cuba, Syria, Pakistan, Italy, and Lebanon. Then we heard from the main speaker, Archbishop Jose Gomez, who spoke movingly of immigration's role in American history and culture. President John Garvey described a painting he hangs in his home that welcomes guests, and he urged graduates to welcome guests into their own lives. And one of the closing speakers quoted Emma Lazarus: "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free."
I brought my sketchbook but forgot a writing implement. My new best friend from the Drama Department loaned me a pen, and I drew the sketch below with it. I'm pleased with it, though I got hot and tired by the time I reached the right half of the page, and my vertical lines there wandered off in the wrong direction. Still and all, the picture captures the essence of the thing. Hats off to CUA for a great Commencement!
Geoff Watson, "Catholic University Commencement, 2018," pen on paper, 5" x 8," 2018.
Today The Catholic University of America held its Honors Convocation for graduating students -- including my son! The event took place in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. I wore my red academic robes, processed in with the faculty, and got a nice front-row seat. I had my handy sketchbook with me, so in between applauding and cheering, I did some drawing! I hope to do more of the same tomorrow at Commencement.
Geoff Watson, "Honors Convocation at The Catholic University of America," mechanical pencil on paper, 5" x 8," 2018.
More softball! This time I sketched the whole field across two pages of my sketchbook. The game ended before I finished; I wanted to darken the darks, for example. Still fun!
Geoff Watson, "Softball field," ink and watercolor on paper, 5" x 16," 2018.
I brought my fountain pens and watercolors to a softball game today. First I sketched a few people hanging out before the game.
Geoff Watson, "Hanging out," ink wash on paper, about 5" x 8," 2018.
At the diamond, I started with this quick pen-and-ink sketch of the catcher.
Geoff Watson, "Catcher," ink wash on paper, about 3" x 5," 2018.
And a quick sketch of the coach. Alas, I closed the sketchbook too soon, and some of the ink ran, but it still captures his gesture.
Geoff Watson, "Coach," ink wash on paper, about 1" x 3," 2018.
Next, a ballplayer.
Geoff Watson, "Ballplayer," ink and watercolor on paper, about 5" x 7," 2018.
I have some earlier sketches of players at bat and some infield action, but I haven't gotten around to photographing them. So for now you'll have to settle for a watercolor sketch of fans in the bleachers.
Geoff Watson, "Softball fans," ink and watercolor on paper, about 5" x 8," 2018.
I had a great time painting this house today! The weather was perfect, and the passersby were friendly and supportive. I'm happy with this painting, but I'd like to try this subject again from a different angle, and I'd like to experiment with softer edges everywhere except at, say, the chimney and circular turret. Anyway, what a great day to be outdoors!
Geoff Watson, "House in Wesley Heights," oil on canvas panel, 11" x 14," 2018.
I've been using my new fountain pen all over the place -- in the doctor's waiting room, on the softball field, at the shopping mall. Here are a few more examples.
Geoff Watson, "Heads," ink wash on paper, about 4" x 6," 2018.
Geoff Watson, "Ballplayer," ink and wash on paper, 4" x 6," 2018.
Geoff Watson, "Head," ink wash on paper, 5" x 7," 2018.
Geoff Watson, "Doctor's waiting room," ink wash on paper, 5" x 7," 2018.
I did this quick oil study of a local mansion today.
Geoff Watson, "Mansion study," oil on panel, 12" x 16," 2018.
Here's an ink study I did of it beforehand. I think I prefer this to the painting!
Geoff Watson, "Mansion sketch," ink wash on paper, about 4" x 6," 2018.
Behind me was the church I painted last week, so I did a quick ink sketch of it for fun too. It might have made for a better subject than the mansion, but I wanted to try something different. I may return to the church later, as I do like it a lot.
Geoff Watson, "Church sketch," ink and wash on paper, about 4" x 6," 2018.
I bought a Sailor fountain pen and decided to give it a whirl at Mazza Gallerie, in the Friendship Heights neighborhood of Washington, DC. I brought along a waterbrush so that I could create ink washes -- diluted areas of ink used for shading and blending. I started in the lobby area, which features big comfy chairs. Lots of people flop in them to snooze or, more commonly, to use their phones.
Geoff Watson, "Man at Mazza," ink and wash on paper, about 4" x 6," 2018.
The fellow below didn't notice me, but his companion did. They liked my drawing.
Geoff Watson, "Another man at Mazza," ink and wash on paper, about 4" x 6," 2018.
Here are a couple more guys with phones.
Geoff Watson, "Man on phone," ink and wash on paper, about 3" x 5," 2018.
Geoff Watson, "Mazza phoning," ink and wash on paper, about 4" x 6," 2018.
I then wandered over to a nearby McDonald's and has a small order of fries. While eating, I sketched a group of boisterous friends at the table next to mine.
Geoff Watson, "Friends at McDonald's," ink and wash on paper, about 5" x 7," 2018.
I also sketched people waiting in line to order.
Geoff Watson, "Waiting in line at McDonald's," ink and wash on paper, about 4" x 6," 2018.
Then I wandered into TJ Max and sketched a few folks shopping. Shoppers move around more than I expected, so this was more of a challenge. Here's a shoe-shopper.
Geoff Watson, "Shoe shopping," ink and wash on paper, about 4" x 6," 2018.
Finally I wandered back to my starting point and sketched one more person in a chair. It was a nice afternoon!
Geoff Watson, "Lady at Mazza," ink and wash on paper, about 4" x 6," 2018.
This portrait was a real challenge, as I had to contend with three light sources: two light bulbs, plus off-and-on sun streaming through translucent window shades. I wiped it off halfway through and restarted! I'm afraid some of the shadows are too dark, but I don't like to retouch it once the model is no longer in front of me. It's still kinda cool.
Geoff Watson, "Blonde," oil on panel, 11" x 14," 2018.
I've long wanted to paint this church, and especially its steeple. I set up my easel in the church parking lot yesterday, under a beautiful sunny sky. A few parents came by to pick up kids from school (or was it daycare?), and then I seemed to be completely alone.
After I'd drawn a couple sketch lines, a large group of elderly folks appeared, seemingly out of nowhere. They walked by me on their way to an exercise class in the social room of the church. They were friendly, and a couple of them asked me how long it would take to make the painting. So I was hoping to show it to them when they finished their exercise. But when I stopped painting, the exercise group was nowhere to be seen. The group must have exited in a different direction. Rats!
One nice thing about keeping a blog is that it helps me remember little episodes like that. (Like the time my easel blew into a lake.) I used to dread that passersby would watch me paint. Now I kinda like having an audience!
Geoff Watson, "Concord-St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church," oil on canvas panel, 11" x 14," 2018.