A Quick Little Sketch

Hummingbird with Lamb's Ear Flowers, 2021

Watercolor & pen

11" x 15"

I recently bought myself a treat - a brand-new set of watercolor paints! I found this particular set at good old Hobby Lobby (Angela, in a Christian art store? Shocking, I know). I use watercolor pencils quite frequently in my work, however, it has been a while since I played with actual watercolor paints. In fact, I don’t believe I have touched the medium since my college days - yikes! Something had to be done to remedy this! Also, the fact that this particular set was marked 50% off may have influenced my decision making process a little bit… okay, a lot. The only thing more exciting than getting new art supplies is getting new art supplies on super sale! :)

At the risk of sounding like a Hobby Lobby spokesperson, let me take a moment to say - I love this store! I love their products; I love their customer service; I love that they are unapologetically Christian (even though that means they are closed on Sunday); and I love their weekly sales. If you are looking for quality materials, that won’t break the bank, the Hobby Lobby store brand Fine Touch®/Master’s Touch® are wonderful “student grade” options.

It has been a minute since I have used watercolor paints so I was super excited to take my shiny new set for a spin! I produced many a test strip  sampling each splendid hue. This was also a nice way of reacquainting myself with the medium. As I casually painted and played, the notion of a nature study began to form in my mind. I determined that I would attempt to create an old-fashioned field-sketch using my watercolor paints as a wash. I sought to produce delicate whispers of color which would merely suggest the forms and let my pen do the heavy lifting.    

I frequently draw inspiration (every pun intended) from Chelle’s garden. The ecosystem that she has lovingly cultivated is a sight to behold. Think of a Disney movie - birds and butterflies flitting about amongst beautiful cascades of foliage and flowers. Seriously, the only thing missing is the singing princess… and when her friend Sandra comes over, then we have that too. Once again, Chelle’s garden did not disappoint. My sister’s magical garden produced a picture-perfect subject: a pretty little hummingbird. The little female bird paused for a sip at the blooming Lamb’s Ear stalks. She was even kind enough to pose in-between drinks. The whole scene felt like a children’s book illustration come to life.

Thank you, Lord, for this idyllic moment on this beautiful day, for the lovely little bird, and for my new set of watercolors - Amen :)