Racing the Weather at Kent Falls State Park

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Yesterday we meandered up Route 7 toward Litchfield County, just because. It wasn't supposed to rain until late, or so said Weather.com. But as we passed around Lake Waramaug and took a long loop back toward Kent Falls State Park, the sky was threatening. I sketched the footbridge in pencil and took a photo for color notes; I used Arches Hot Press paper, which is a hit-or-miss experience. Then I sat by the waterfall and sketched in different media (NOT on the Arches paper but in a sketchbook). I tried dip pen and pencil but wasn't too happy with either, so I went back to my Lamy Safari for a last try. And then the sky opened up, so I had to pack up and go. (We did stop for handmade hazelnut ice cream at Belgique, of course, because, well, c'est necessaire!)

When I got home I added watercolor to both -- the footbridge painting has way, way too many layers of paint on it, and the tree shapes are bizarre. The other was a challenge because it's really hard to paint a waterfall.

How about you -- what tricks do you use with Hot Press paper and watercolor?

People enjoying Kent Falls State Park, Kent, CT

Footbridge at Kent Falls State Park, Kent, CT

Shakespeare on the Sound - "Othello"

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Finally got a break in the weather and was able to go see "Othello" at Shakespeare on the Sound in Rowayton, CT. Was a bit rushed, so I sketched in fountain pen after eating a quick dinner from Rowayton Market and added color later on. The stage was ... different: a triangle-shaped pile of rubber gravel or something similar, in front of a raw plywood back board. Off to one side was a two-tiered catwalk. These modern interpretations are fine, and the actors really did a superb job -- but I would love to see a traditional, fully period-costumed version someday.

The stage for "Othello," Shakespeare on the Sound, Rowayton, CT

Preparing for "Othello," Shakespeare on the Sound, Rowayton, CT

Impressions of actors, Shakespeare on the Sound, Rowayton, CT

More actor impressions, Shakespeare on the Sound, Rowayton, CT