Karen

1. This course offering came along at just the right time.  After clearing away some prior commitments, I had set a goal of engaging in creative play, painting and observation.  The place where I live is inspiring me to get to know it better and instead of photographing, I want to devote the time to observe, to sketch and paint the natural world. 2. If only I could get comfortable doing quick sketches of birds!  Or any animal on the move... the various examples in several of the journals encouraged me. 3.  I'm not sure, but it might work better for me to begin with a smaller format journal.  I'd started with a little 4" X 6" because it's easy to carry and, since I think I'm very slow at painting and observing, the 7" x 10" feels daunting.  On the other hand, I liked the way  some of the journalers simply used the space for several observations and either framing them, or simply creating a moving, rhythmic series of sketches.  I'm going to think about this a little more!  It was pouring rain today, but I have plenty of natural objects in my house to sketch and paint.