Art Inspiration for August...Summer Sketchbook

'A Sunny Patch'             11x14              ©Karen Margulis
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Summer is for slowing down. I have been working at half my usual speed it seems. But it is a welcome change of pace. After my trip to Iceland I spent time in the studio writing and painting. Last week I spent time in the mountains and lake with my son, sighter-in-law and 4 month old granddaughter. We hosted 20 family members for the weekend and had a wonderful time. I was off the grid with no internet or phone.  I didn't paint or blog. I simply enjoyed family time. It was wonderful.

It's hard to believe that school has started where I live. That usually signals the end of summer but I have to remind myself that it isn't over yet. I still want to savor summer. I am enjoying this slower pace. I want to capture it and hold onto it. I have an idea! I invite you to join me in keeping a Summer Sketchbook.

• Take out a blank sketchbook and spend the rest of August and fill it up with images of summer. Sketch, take photos, make a collage. Use any media you  wish...mix it up! Take time each day to find something that represents summer to you and capture it in your sketchbook.

• If you haven't had a chance to travel this summer...become a tourist in your own town. See it with fresh eyes. Sketch it...experience it....savor it. 

I will share my sketchbook in progress with you later this week. If you have a blog, share your sketches on your blog or join my Facebook group....The Pastel Challenge Group and share your sketches with the group!

About today's painting: This is on Uart paper with a watercolor underpainting. If you look carefully you can see a lot of the watercolor showing under the pastel.

Heidi enjoyed the weekend at the lake!