It’s July 2023’s Sketchbook Confessional! The Sketchbook Confessional is a blog where I review all of the art that I made in a month. Rather than a ‘to-do’ list, the Sketchbook Confessional is a ‘done’ list, where I can objectively see what I made.
In July I worked on quite a bit of paper art, including making handmade paper for backgrounds for pieces.
I enjoyed making these hummingbird pieces and am happy to say they are all shipped out of my home, either to collectors or to Harperrose in Leadville. I’ll be sure to make more soon.
In July I made a few ink drawings in my Traveler’s Notebook of scenes around Boulder, which have been very nice to look at this summer, with more flowers and taller grass than I have ever seen before.
To make these, I’m still using the Watercolor paper for the Traveler’s Notebook, and a double-sided Kuretake pen. It’s really the only pen I need lately. Usually I don’t get too excited about supplies or gear but this is a pen I will be buying again and again for the future. I think they’re about $5 each if you buy a pack of three of them online.
To make some of the smokier elements in these drawings, I am using Chromatek water brush pens to draw out the ink of the Kuretake ink pen and make grays. I had some watercolors ready to go for these, but I decided I liked them best in black and white.
I haven’t gotten out for any plein air painting lately as it’s been a bit too hot. I can only slap on so much sunscreen before I feel like the extra-close Colorado sun melts it off and I’m getting too toasted. My goal for August will certainly be to find more shaded places to paint.
Playing:
In July I played quite a bit of Octopath Traveler 2, I enjoy the set design of this game quite a bit, and I get attached to the stories as well. They’re a fun way for me to spend time when I am taking it easy from art, running, or baby care. Here are some of my favorite moments, there aren’t too many spoilers in these other than what the scenes look like.
I’ll get excited about the little houses and things like that in this game. I think the details are very easy to appreciate. Even the wallpaper in the shot above is a nice moment.
Running:
I’ve been taking it easier on running ever since finishing the Leadville Heavy Half in June. This has been great timing because it’s been a bit too hot to run most days. Now I’m usually just hiking or taking Baby Jewell out to playgrounds to play. Also, Baby Jewell is now 1 year old! He’s 25 pounds so he definitely keeps me strong as I lift him dozens of times a day and carry him around town for all of our errands. I can safely say being a mom hasn’t slowed me down at all, in fact it’s probably made me fitter than I was before, even in 2021 when I was doing things like half-marathon distances every weekend.
Since I’m taking a break from running and plein air, my process for July was very much about going on hikes and getting photos to draw later. It’s been a fun way to work, which I hope to continue.
That’s what I got for July 2023! Catch you next time!