Final Design (larger)

Often when I am out and about sketching I run into people who are curious and would like to know more. I give them my URL, but of course they soon forget. So, I decided to make up a “business” card that I could give out. It has proven very useful, both for random encounters and to give to fellow SketchCrawlers.

This turned out to be a really fun project. I ordered the cards online (from Overnight Prints, although there are many companies that do this). They provide a template file (.pst) that can be manipulated in Photoshop Elements. I spent about two hours designing the front of the card, and about a week agonizing over the exact right color of blue for the back!

There are many production options for the cards themselves. I choose heavy card stock with a glossy finish on the front which looks great. On the back is a matte finish: perfect for writing notes.

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Berkeley Shop Window (larger)

I made this sketch from my car yesterday while waiting for an appointment. It was fun to do!

Shop windows are great to draw: interesting and colorful, and they hold still too . I did some others on my recent Pasadena trip and also the one below in Italy, in 2001.

Shop window, Santa Margerita, Italy (larger)

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A Line Style Experiment (larger)

I have been thinking a lot about line style recently. I can never predict how a sketch will turn out; some drawings are stiff and labored while others are loose and lively. On any particular day I can tell what my drawing style will be from the first line I put down, but seem to have little control over it.

I thought I would draw a single subject in multiple styles, to confirm for myself which I prefer and perhaps learn to better control my line quality. However, this experiment did not turn out as expected!

The expected best and worst are flipped!

Now I am more perplexed than ever. These sketches are not as varied as I had hoped, and the results are basically backwards from what I expected. The order I drew them may be a factor: I lose focus as I get tired and seem to like the earlier drawings better.

I did these from my parked car. I think I will try this experiment again in a more relaxed setting, and take my time with each sketch.

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Berkeley Public Library (larger)

Here are a couple of Berkeley sketches I made last Saturday in the downtown area, in between errands. The first is the airy reading room at the public library. The building was beautifully renovated recently, and its art deco roots are well preserved.

The library doesn’t have a cafe though, and so on to Peet’s Coffee across the street. I grabbed a quick sketch and a quick cappuccino!

Peet’s, Downtown Berkeley (larger)

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