Do you ever like to sit and think and maybe do a little writing or sketch something you see in your yard or from your porch or window? If you’re living in an apartment, I do. Sitting here tonight looking at the sky that’s full of heavy clouds, birds flying to roost to their tree house homes and bats emerging to eat their insect supper/breakfast, as the case maybe. The moon and evening sky are blowing a kiss to the day, wishing it goodnight. The peacefulness of the evening has settled in. Juliette the cat is lying down, cooling herself on the wooden deck, and Lilli the Dachshund is sniffing around the yard to see what interesting creatures might be hiding out in the underbrush of our semi-rural desert.
I love evenings such as this, because it slows me down and commands me to write and come up with visions of illustrations I may want to create just by the nature that is all about me. Gesture drawing quick sketches, capturing a moment in time. I love doing this even more than writing because I am such a visual person. When I revisit the art, it really brings me back to that very moment.
It is the hottest time of year here in the desert southwest. Most everything struggles in this heat. That is why I always leave water out for the wildlife and stray animals, and take extra care for my family and friends. I ponder how on earth I stand it every year, year after year. Then I think it could be worse. I could be living in a very humid climate, in regions where you get 100 humidity and the temps are 90+. My new reality is, I am blessed to be here in this beautiful, most unlikely place that I ever thought I’d be residing in… And… when anybody says to me in random conversation, gosh, it’s so hot out YUCK! I immediately reply, “ It’s summer, it will pass. The past few years, I’ve come to embrace each season, where it used to be only fall was my favorite time of year. All seasons have their place. Mother nature delivers each and every quarter for us to enjoy and embrace. If we choose to stop for even just a moment, take a breath and say, “Wow, this is really something to behold.” Moments in time can inspire illustrations. I encourage everyone to go ahead, keep a journal or sketchpad wherever you are. Flow with the creative unfolding on the spot. It’s such a freeing feeling, even if you just write a sentence or a paragraph. It is great for future artistic projects, or just to look back upon, and enjoy for yourself.
Tonight I leave an illustration of what I’m witnessing at the moment. That you may see and feel it, and hopefully this little sketch brings you peace and tranquility.
Have a beautiful night everyone.