Sketching in the Wild
A few journal entries ago I talked about how my friend Joy encouraged me to bring my sketchbook with me when I go out with my family. As hesitant as I was, now I’m so glad that I’m remembering to toss my watercolour palette and sketchbook into my back that I pack for our outings. I mean, if you have to pack snacks and wipes and all the things that go along with toddlers, adding a couple more things isn’t that much.
The other week after my youngest woke up early from his nap, my husband and I were facing a long afternoon. And the dreaded witching hour in the late afternoon before dinner. It was overcast and rain was looming, so we took our chances for even just a bit of fresh air. We went to our neighbouring town, in search of a new park for the kids to play at. We found one, along with a path along a sweet little creek. We started by throwing sticks, getting bit by red ants hanging out in those sticks, and chasing butterflies. Around one bend, we found a little beachy area with a natural pool and lots and lots of rocks.
I’m glad that I packed my paints and sketchbook, as the kids happily threw rocks for at least two hours. They loved filling up my little water jar for me, bringing me pretty rocks they found, and chasing butterflies. It was just a dreamy afternoon, much different from what we thought we were facing with a potentially tired toddler.
I won’t always be sharing sketchbook pages, but I think that this is a nice place to do so. Carrying around the sketchbook is definitely pushing me, and making me think creatively throughout more of my day than just my dedicated studio time.