Draw A Bird, September 2022

We just returned from an adventurous trip to Alaska and are blessed to have visited there twice. This trip was planned for August 2020, but “you-know-what” happened and the trip was cancelled. Things seemed pretty much back to normal, but some restaurants had closed and some places were short-staffed, but that seems to be the current situation all over the U.S.

Previously I made scrapbooks of our travel adventures but stopped doing so a few years ago. When we moved last year, I realized just how many trip scrapbooks I’ve made, how much work I put into them, and how little we look at them. However, after each trip that I did not scrap, there was a feeling of disappointment and let-down because nothing was documented and because we had just a smattering of photos on our cell phones. However, I think I’ve found a happy medium.

On a YouTube video, Lindsay Weirich (The Frugal Crafter) featured handmade watercolor sketchbooks gifted by an Etsy shopkeeper, ArtsiRosi. I purchased a small book made with Arches cold press watercolor paper (the best), packed up a Portable Painter Watercolor Palette, a Derwent push-button water brush, and a few other essentials. Sketching our way through Alaska and detailing some of the highlights was so satisfying and fun. I drew and painted in the car while traveling from city to city, in the evenings, and on the plane.

View from the Plane

Because it is Draw A Bird day (unofficially), here are two of the many species of birds we saw. I have always wanted to see a Puffin in its own environment, and boy were there puffins (horned and tufted)! The ravens are bold and huge and likely could feed a family of four, but that’s probably not recommended 😉

Tufted Puffin

Nevermore, A Common Raven

It’s joyful to remember where these quick-ish sketches (definitely not masterpieces) were created, and the plan is to feature some favorites over the next couple of weeks. Do you document your trips? What methods do you use? Take care ❤

Alaskan Sea Lion Pup #WorldWatercolorMonth

I’ve used Paint My Photo and other various internet sites to find subject matter in the past, and they are great for inspiration.  While perusing my computer for a specific photo recently, I came across so many amazing photos taken by my shutterbug husband and friends and found many fun subjects to paint.  This cute little sea lion photo was taken by my friend Ronda when a group of us visited Alaska quite a few years ago.  I believe she saw this pup while on a whale-watching excursion, but sea lions were plentiful in the glacial waters we explored.

 

Alaskan Sea Lion Pup

My favorite place we saw sea lions was around the gigantic Hubbard Glacier, which is up to 400 feet tall and over six miles wide where it meets the ocean!  I was in awe of its grandeur and gorgeous blue colors, not to mention its sound – yes, glaciers are noisy.  There is lots of creaking and cracking as ice breaks apart or bumps together, and when a chunk splits and falls, also known as calving, it makes a thunderous sound!  A calved chunk of ice is called an iceberg.  Icebergs smaller than a car are usually called growlers, and larger ones are called bergy bits.

 

A section of the Hubbard Glacier

But I digress – the sea lions swam happily around the glacier and all the floating bergs.  The ship had to stay a certain distance away from the magnificent glacier, and the sea lions appeared to be smaller than the size of pinhead.  It was a little like playing Where’s Waldo, but once you spotted a couple they were easier to find.  Can you tell I am in awe of the Hubbard Glacier? 🙂  Thanks, Ronda, for allowing me to use your photo!

World Watercolor Month is flying by! Remember, we are raising awareness for the Dreaming Zebra Foundation and the Art Room Aid project sponsored by Dick Blick with hopes of bringing art supplies and teaching to children who otherwise would not have exposure to the enriching world of art. Please consider a donation today!

World Watercolor Month 2016