A Journey into Sketch Land

30th Sketch Crawl, Austin, TX

2011-01-24T11:09:00.000-05:00

I had no particular location in mind before I set out to Sketch Crawl. I stopped by at St Paul's Lutheran Church on Red River Street. There is a playground and this is a view of the back-end of the church.

Another building attached to the church, which I assume is a school.

I drove to river-side, by which time, I felt no urge to sketch and wanted to take a walk. So, I managed to do just one sketch of rowers from the Austin Rowing Club members.

EDM # 261: Draw a winter Olympic event

2010-02-17T11:23:00.003-05:00

Off and on, I have been watching some events from the Winter Olympics 2010 in Vancouver. A couple of days back, I got to watch the figure skating event. What a delight it was to watch the dexterity, deftness, grace and finesse of the skating athletes. The pairs events was absolutely breath-taking considering the perfect synchronised movements. Their costumes were eye-catching and I even skipped watching my all-time favorite show - Everybody Loves Raymond.

I am no good in remembering names, but the Chinese team was absolutely impressive. Everytime the men skaters tossed the women high into the air, the women looked like light birds flying and maneuvering their landing gracefully.

Virtual Paintout - Feb 2010 - San Francisco Bay

2010-02-05T10:59:00.005-05:00

Virtual Paintout this month is in the city of San Francisco. This is a scene from one of the streets near the Palace of Fine Arts.

EDM # 257: Draw a house plant

2010-01-21T17:20:00.004-05:00

This week's EDM is one of my favorites. I love plants, although I do not seem to have many in my home now. Monstera deliciosa is a creeper that has large bright leathery oblong leaves. These plants are native to Central America. Also known as windowleaf, these plants require light shade and thrive well as indoor plants.

EDM # 256: Draw something bubbly

2010-01-08T11:49:00.004-05:00

ENO fruit salt is a digestive aid used to treat stomach acidity. It is commonly available in India and South East Asia. When mixed with water, ENO produces bubbles. ENO is also used in some recipes to aid fermentation.

EDM # 249: Draw a coffee pot

2010-01-06T11:53:00.003-05:00

Every morning, we like a cup of hot coffee brewed in a traditional South Indian coffee filter. I am not fond of the modern day percolators. They brew just as fine as this old fashioned one. But all we need is a cup or two of coffee and this filter is convenient for smaller volumes. We also prefer sipping our coffee in an old fashioned stainless steel tumbler rather than a ceramic coffee mug. Both the filter and tumbler are an integral part of South Indian coffee times. At the end of the day, what matters is the taste of coffee. I stick to the same old brand of Columbian coffee. Someday, I would like to be daring to try an Ethiopian coffee or a South East Asian coffee. Talking of coffee, I love the coffee at Fara Cafe in Austin's Bergstorm airport. I prefer their coffee to the one's at Starbucks.

EDM # 253: Draw a sock

2009-12-31T12:41:00.002-05:00

EDM # 230: Draw a map

2009-12-31T12:38:00.003-05:00

This is a map of the community that I live in. It has been a year since I moved in here and I seem to like the area. I like the large park where one can see residents enjoying a BBQ or running around with their dogs.

EDM # 252: Draw a fir or pine tree

2009-12-16T12:16:00.001-05:00

Littlefield House - Sketch in Colored Pencil and ink

2009-12-08T12:15:00.003-05:00

The Littlefield House stands within the UT campus. It is a bright brick red structure that does not go unnoticed. The house was owned by George Littlefield and later donated to UT. The house has a cedar tree that came from the Himalayas. This house is part of the historic buildings in Austin.

UT Tower - Watercolor and pen

2009-12-08T12:08:00.004-05:00

Last weekend we went to the UT tower, right up to the observation deck. The UT campus has a lot of fine buildings and statues. The observation deck gives a good bird's eye view of Austin. This december, winter has been very cold and chilly in Austin. Last weekend was no exception. Up at the deck, it was icy cold. It was the day of UT graduations and the tower was to be lighted up in orange. The tower will close for public view this week-end and open again in March.

EDM # 231: Draw a junk drawer - Colored pencil

2009-12-08T12:06:00.002-05:00

This is more of a junk box than a junk drawer. Anything that cannot be placed elsewhere lands up inside this box. At times, it becomes crowded. But here in this sketch, it seems less cluttered.

EDM # 251: Draw perfume or a scented product

2009-12-04T11:57:00.003-05:00

Laundry days are never complete without a dash of Sauvitel Fabric refresher. Lavender is my favorite scent. I love lavender in any form. Lavender has a soothing effect and the color is pretty too. Everytime I purchase a fabric refresher, I make up my mind to buy something other than lavender, but end up buying the same stuff again and again.

EDM # 250: Draw something you got for free

2009-12-04T11:50:00.003-05:00

I got this glue stick for free when I purchased a tube of Fevicol. I did make a sketch of Fevicol too.

Crepe Myrte tree in Fall - Sketch in Colored Pencil and Micron Pen

2009-12-02T11:13:00.004-05:00

There is a Crepe Myrtle Tree right in front of my apartment and the leaves have been turning a nice glowing orange. A month back the tree was filled with purple flowers and brightened up the lawn.

Egyptian Star Cluster - Sketch in Colored Pencil

2009-12-01T10:47:00.003-05:00

Bald Cypress Tree - Sketch in Colored Pencil

2009-12-01T10:44:00.003-05:00

My apartment complex has a lot of Bald Cypress trees dotting open spaces. These trees turn a rusty brown in Autumn and never fail to catch the eye. Bald Cypress trees can be found in plenty along the riverside walking trail too in Austin.

Fall leaves - Sketches in Colored pencil and Micron Pen

2009-12-01T10:36:00.004-05:00

The colors of Fall are always impressive - year after year. It is early December and trees in Austin are beginning to display shades od orange, amber, rust, yellow and what not.

I bring home a lot of leaves from my walk with the intention of sketching them. Not many make it into my sketch book, though.

Fall tree sketch - Watercolor and Micron Pen

2009-11-23T12:14:00.004-05:00

Passion Flower Sketch - Colored Pencil and Micron Pen

2009-11-23T12:13:00.002-05:00

Flowering Aloe sketch - Watercolor and Micron

2009-11-23T12:11:00.005-05:00

EDM # 248: Draw a lock

2009-11-17T12:16:00.002-05:00

EDM # 242: Draw a figurine

2009-11-17T12:13:00.003-05:00

I have been having this laughing Santa figurine since some years. On a cold winter evening, I saw this laughing Santa in a Dollar Store and bought him home. He has been living with us ever since and has continued to brighten many grey and dark winter days.

Unknown Plant

2009-11-17T12:10:00.002-05:00

I do not know the name of this plant. If anyone reading this blog knows, then please do let me know.

Coleus

2009-11-17T12:08:00.003-05:00

Coleus is one amoung those plants whose presence cannot be ignored in a garden. Their colors are so vivid and an instant attraction. At Zilker Botanical Gardens, there are many species of Coleus.

Zinnia

2009-11-17T12:05:00.003-05:00

This again is a sketch from my visit to the Zilker Botanical Garden. No Botanical Garden is complete unless there is a bed of brightly swaying Zinnias. They seem to be such common flowers and yet are attractive. Toss in a few Zinnia seeds in a garden and they add so much color and life.

Sketches from Zilker Botanical Garden

2009-11-07T11:13:00.007-05:00

Last weekend, I visited Zilker Botanical Garden in Downtown Austin. This garden is Austin's best kept secret. I was not aware that right in the heart of the large Zilker Park, is a wonderfully maintained garden. There is no entrance or parking fees. That's how it was last Saturday. Here are two plant sketches from the visit.

Osage Orange tree

2009-11-03T12:13:00.003-05:00

I have walked passed this tree several times wondering what this fruit was. I had never seen something like this. On the outside, it is textures to resemble the human brain. It took me some googling to find that this tree is also called Hedge Apple tree and is found in Texas. I have not dared to cut open the fruit and I have one sitting on my table. I read that the fruit keeps pests and bugs away.

EDM # 246 - Draw a glove

2009-11-03T12:12:00.001-05:00

EDM # 233 - Draw your favorite drink

2009-11-03T12:09:00.004-05:00

Like a lot of people in the world, my favorite drink is a steaming cup of coffee. Just plain old coffee with milk - that is the way it is consumed in South India. Coffee brewed in a traditional south Indian filter lends a lot of flavor.

EDM # 235: Draw a butterfly

2009-10-29T15:43:00.003-05:00

In Spring this year, we visited Johnson City, Padernales Falls and Wildseed Farms. Wildseed Farms was awash with large doses of Red Poppy flowers. My primary aim of going to these places was to see the famed Texas Blue Bonnets. But the Blue Bonnet season was just coming to a close. The area in and around Wildseed Farms has some wonderful Lavender Farms and Vineyards. Texas Wine comes from these vineyards. Wildseed Farms also has a small Butterfly Farm. There were a lot of these Black and Yellow butterflies.

EDM # 245: Draw something October

2009-10-25T11:48:00.003-05:00

October is the month of leaves and acorn. Here in Texas, we do not get to see Fall Colors in October. A lot of trees begin their shedding season, though.

Draceana Lemon Lime

2009-10-25T11:46:00.002-05:00

Snake Plant aka Mother-in-laws tongue

2009-10-25T11:45:00.001-05:00

Yucca

2009-10-25T11:42:00.002-05:00

Yucca seems to be a common ornamental plant in Texas. This time of the year is flowering time for the Yucca. There are several species of Yucca and I fail to identify this species.

Agave

2009-10-25T11:40:00.002-05:00

This again is a sketch from India. I spotted large Agave's growing in the wild. There seems to be several types of Agave's.

Potted plants - Unknown plant

2009-10-25T11:38:00.003-05:00

This is a sketch from my recent visit to India. I could'nt identify the plant, but it looked colorful in a blue pot.

Taro Plant

2009-10-20T08:57:00.000-05:00

Potted Plants - Aglaonema

2009-10-20T08:39:00.001-05:00

Wildflowers - Goldenrod

2009-10-20T08:27:00.003-05:00

Goldenrods have been in bloom since mid september. Their bright golden yellow contrats so well with the green foliage and seems like an instant attraction.

EDM # 244 - Draw the oldest thing in your refrigerator

2009-10-20T08:24:00.003-05:00

This salad spray is yet to see its last days. There are times when all that I like to eat are salads. This spray made its entry into our refrigerator during one such periods.

Potted Plants - 1

2009-10-19T20:06:00.008-05:00

I have begun to sketch a lot of plants, of late. Here are a bunch of them, which are from my trip to India last month.

From left:
Aglaonema - This one is widely popular as a container plant. In South East Asia and China, they are considered as Lucky Plants.

I do not know the name of the plant in the middle. The leaves have purplish pink veins.

Extreme right is Coleus Aromaticus. I had planted a small stem cutting during one of my trips to India and it seemed to have survived well. The leaves are fleshy and people back home use the leaves to make a tea. The leaves have an oregano like flavor and are used to unlock blocked sinuses.

Oak Acorn and Wild mushroom

2009-10-19T20:06:00.002-05:00

Acorn

2009-10-19T20:05:00.002-05:00

Wildflowers - Gay Feather

2009-10-19T19:58:00.003-05:00

A small open tract of land near my apartment has a rich display of Texas Wildflowers all thorugh spring, summer and autumn. This time of the year, Gay Feathers have been blooming. The flowers look more taller and slender than my sketch.

EDM # 238 - Draw something from a first aid kit

2009-10-19T19:54:00.002-05:00

EDM # 239: Draw the last thing you bought

2009-10-10T12:05:00.001-05:00

EDM # 239: Draw something that scared you

2009-10-10T11:57:00.003-05:00

Injections and vaccine shots scared me for most part of my childhood. I grew up in a small town in India where cholera outbreaks were rampant. Cholera shots were mandatory and schools were required to ensure that every child had been vaccinated. Cholera shots are painful. The arm swells up for 3 days.

EDM # 243: Draw a pillow

2009-10-09T11:24:00.002-05:00

EDM # 234: Draw something that belongs to someone else

2009-10-09T11:22:00.001-05:00

EDM # 236: Draw your left palm

2009-10-07T11:44:00.001-05:00

EDM # 240: Draw a pencil

2009-10-07T11:36:00.004-05:00

After a two month blogging break, I am back. I had to do an EDM to get back into sketching mood. The humble pencil is my rescuer.

San Francisco - 6 (Muir Woods)

2009-07-23T16:53:00.002-05:00

The Red Woods were equally fascinating as their cousins - the Giant Sequoias. Red Woods are not as wide as the Sequoias, but are taller.

San Francisco - 5 (Alcatraz Island)

2009-07-23T16:51:00.002-05:00

San Francisco - 4 (Golden Gate Bridge)

2009-07-23T16:50:00.002-05:00

San Francisco - 3 (Palace of Fine Arts)

2009-07-23T16:49:00.002-05:00

San Francisco - 2 (Coit Towers)

2009-07-23T16:47:00.001-05:00

San Francisco - 1

2009-07-23T16:41:00.005-05:00

We left Yosemite to San Francisco. It was cold here and did not feel like summer at all. The first thing that hits a person's eye in Downtown SF are the buildings. They have a distict style. Driving down the streets in Downtown SF is like riding a roller-coater with it's inclined streets. Lombard Street (below), with its hair-pin curves is a major tourist attraction.

Yosemite - Sketch 6

2009-07-23T16:34:00.003-05:00

Up from the Glacier Point, the scene is fatastic. We get to see the entire valley and the Hslf-dome appears so majestic.

Yosemite - Sketch 5

2009-07-23T16:33:00.003-05:00

Spire of Three Brothers

Yosemite - Sketch 4

2009-07-23T11:38:00.004-05:00

This is a view of El Capitan. There is a beautiful meadow down with a sprinkling of wild-flowers. In real life, Yosemite seems like a slice of heaven tucked here on earth.

Yosemite - Sketch 3

2009-07-23T11:34:00.004-05:00

Yosemite Valley is dotted with several water-falls. We walked up to the Bridal-veil Falls and Yosemite Falls (in sketch above).

Yosemite - Sketch 2

2009-07-23T11:31:00.004-05:00

Everything in Yosemite seems huge. Especially the trees. I loved the Mariposa Grove and the Giant Sequoia's. These gentle giants do'nt seem to be so huge, until one goes near them. There were prescribed fires en route, which the Park Management undertakes in order to let new vegetation spring over. These trees are so sturdy and have seen so much of history, with their ages being around 2000 years. I kept wondering what a great place this muct have been during the time of John Muir, when the Native Indians lived here.

Yosemite Valley - Sketches 1

2009-07-23T11:21:00.004-05:00

We spent 2 days in Yosemite and stayed at Curry Village which is a camp site. Every tent in Curry Village has a Food Locker or a bear-box to store food. We spotted a bear rummaging through a waste bin in search of food. We also spotted a mother deer and her baby frolicking around. Evenings in Curry Village are a wonderful time, with people sitting outside their tents and talking. Although the tents are very close to each other, everyone seemed to maintain the quiet hours from 10 pm to 6 am.

Napa Valley - Sketch

2009-07-23T11:13:00.003-05:00

Last week, we went on a trip to San Francisco, Napa Valley and Yosemite. As with other trips, I clicked a lot of pictures with the intention of bringing them back into my sketchbook. Most of the times, laziness takes over me and the pictures never get to enter my sketchbook. This time round, it is different. I have been sketching a lot. We spent around half a day in Napa Valley and went to a couple of vineyards. All along the route, we stopped over at scenic locations and at small road-side stalls selling fresh produce.

Remembering Michael Jackson - A Sketch

2009-07-07T18:46:00.005-05:00

EDM # 229: Draw a summer joy

2009-06-22T16:44:00.005-05:00

This is from a picture I have of tubing down the Chattahoochee river in Helen, Georgia. Tubing is an enjoyable activity. For most part of its course, the river was gentle and calm and tubing was a pleasant experience. Once in a while, there is a small water cascade or a few rocks, that adds to the fun.

EDM # 228: Draw something that makes you laugh

2009-06-17T18:54:00.003-05:00

I am a big fan of Mr.Bean. I can watch all of Mr.Bean's episodes again and again and still have bags of laughter. I think he is got some amazing facial expressions. Without uttering a word, he can carry on an entire show.

Coming to this sketch, I am wary of drawing people. It is going to take a lot of practise with portraits.

Drawing Day 2009

2009-06-10T16:23:00.003-05:00

Last Saturday was Drawing Day 2009. I spent time drawing from pictures that I had clicked long back and had been meaning to draw, but kept putting off to a later day.

I find Ice-Cream hawkers in Austin along the river-side. They are so much sought after during the hot months.

EDM # 227: Draw a tote bag

2009-06-10T16:17:00.003-05:00

I prefer tote bags to plastic shopping bags. If I could, then I would go for banning plastic shopping bags. Much has been written about the environmental damage that plastic bags cause. I carry more than one tote bags with me while on a round of grocery or vegetable shopping.

EDM # 226: Draw a screw

2009-06-04T11:41:00.002-05:00

EDM # 225: Draw something sticky

2009-06-04T11:38:00.003-05:00

Fevicol is a popular adhesive brand in India. The advertisements are even more popular. I remember one advertisement where a chicken's egg does not break even with a hard hit because it is been stuck together by Fevicol.

EDM # 224: Draw a jug or pitcher

2009-06-04T11:37:00.001-05:00

EDM # 223: Draw your favorite sound

2009-05-18T18:58:00.003-05:00

My favorite sound is the sound of children's laughter - purely organic and spontaneous.

EDM # 36: Draw out in public

2009-05-18T18:53:00.001-05:00

EDM # 14: Draw what you see in the morning when you wake up

2009-05-11T08:39:00.001-05:00

EDM # 20: Draw something dad

2009-05-11T08:38:00.001-05:00

EDM 212: Draw a mirror image

2009-05-11T08:36:00.002-05:00

Edm # 72 - Go somewhere new. Draw what you find - Wildflowers from a Texas Road trip

2009-05-07T18:00:00.006-05:00

Last Weekend, we drove from Austin upto Fredicksburg. We were very late to watch the Blue Bonnets. But we got to see a lot of other wildflowers and a few Blue Bonnets too. There is a beautiful place called Wildseed Farms. They cultivate and sell Wildflowers and seeds and they had a large field full of Red Poppies and another full of Verbena.

EDM # 221 - Draw a hand-held game

2009-05-07T17:57:00.002-05:00

This is a hand-held magnetic Sudoku that I got sometime back.

EDM # 222: Draw your favorite drawing tool

2009-05-05T10:26:00.001-05:00

EDM # 50: Draw your home's entryway

2009-05-05T10:25:00.001-05:00

EDM # 173: Draw something from memory

2009-05-04T12:02:00.000-05:00

EDM # 134: Draw a familiar person or thing, but from an unusual angle

2009-05-04T11:50:00.003-05:00

I had been cracking my head on how to go about solving this challenge. An umbrella turned inside out on a windy or stormy day seemed just right.

EDM # 82: Draw your art space

2009-05-04T11:49:00.000-05:00

EDM # 148: Draw or paint soothing

2009-05-01T10:34:00.003-05:00

I think music is soothing. Soft music, popular music, sufi music, Carnatic music, folk music, Indian film music, Algerian and Morrocan music - I find them all to be calm and soothing.

EDM # 220: Draw the moon

2009-05-01T10:27:00.003-05:00

I had done a similar sketch earlier of a rising yellow moon in an early evening sky. This was from a scene in Atlanta and the moon was in her full glory that evening.

EDM # 211: Draw or paint an everyday object “in the style of” an old master or notable painter you admire

2009-05-01T10:25:00.003-05:00

This sketch is in the Bengal style of which Jamini Roy was known for. The Bengal style stood out for its colors and large eyes besides traditional Indian motifs.

EDM # 97: Draw a present that you have received

2009-05-01T10:23:00.002-05:00

This is gift I got on my visit to India. This came from my mother and I think she was very thoughtful in giving this to me.

EDM # 86: Draw a traffic sign

2009-05-01T10:21:00.002-05:00

I just returned from a trip to India. While in India, I came across some traffic signs which I think are uniquely Indian. They may not be seen elsewhere.

EDM # 42: Draw something you are thankful for

2009-05-01T10:15:00.003-05:00

I think this is a very childish sketch. But, so be it. When one is thankful, one is simply thankful with all their heart. The times that we live in now makes me thankful for the food that I get to eat everyday and for a roof above my head. I am always thankful to nature for the joy that she gives and for being a teacher to all of humanity. I am thankful to all those kind souls who may have been a part of my life or not. I am thankful for all those peaceful and calm moments that I get to savor in my daily life.

EDM # 219 - Draw a Window

2009-04-27T17:53:00.002-05:00

Sketch reference from the Wetcanvas reference library.

EDM # 213 - Draw a microwave oven

2009-04-27T17:52:00.001-05:00

EDM # 98 - Free Choice

2009-04-26T10:59:00.004-05:00

I am back from India. While in India, I sketched these Frangipanis. There is tree in our yard that gives us these pleasant scented flowers.

EDM # 216 - Draw your inner critic

2009-04-26T10:53:00.004-05:00

My inner critic is me in the form of a voice that constantly chatters and nags. When it comes to sketching, it tells me that I am not good at what I do. But seems like I over-rule that voice. Else, I would not be sketching now.

EDM # 218 - Draw a knife

2009-04-26T10:52:00.003-05:00

EDM # 210 - Draw some underwear

2009-04-26T10:49:00.004-05:00

EDM # 6 - Draw your favorite well-loved object … or a childhood toy

2009-04-04T01:13:00.002-05:00

During 1982, Delhi was home to the Asian Games. Appu, a friendly elephant, was chosen as the mascot for the games. Kids loved Appu and the market was filled with Appu toys. This is a timy Appu hair clip that I loved and still havewith me.

EDM # 217: Draw an umbrella

2009-04-04T01:11:00.002-05:00

EDM # 151 - Free Choice

2009-04-03T00:54:00.003-05:00

Rather than diamonds, I would say flower's are my best friend. I like them in their natural habitat - on plants and trees, rather than in bouquets and vases. There are a lot of flowers blooming around. I am not sure if the version with background color looks better than the one without. From top left, the list runs like this:
Oleander, Crossandra, Gulmohar, Ixora, Crepe Jasmine, Daisy, Hibiscus, Zinnia and Indrajao