Yesterday I left early and drove to Parman Branch Library in Stone Oak. The building is modern, and pretty cool looking. It’s actually beautiful. When I got there about 9am, I could see the sun hitting a table and chairs by the window. I found myself wanting to go in and sit there with a cup of coffee and a book.
But it was a hard building to paint because it’s hidden by the landscaping. Out front there’s a huge old oak tree and some kind of small, amphitheater. I think it will be like painting a landscape with signs of the building in the background. I’m looking forward to painting it, to the challenge.
I finished painting about 10:15 and had a lot of time before I met my mom and uncle for lunch. We were supposed to go Sunday but my aunt’s back troubles kept her from being able to do much. The holiday was mostly a day off but not entirely. It felt good to get out and paint outside, to hear the birds and feel the breeze. This summer went from triple digits to overcast and rainy. Finally we’re having some sun without extreme heat.
It’s interesting how one day I can feel so good about my artwork and then the next day feel as if I’m terrible. I was happy with my painting yesterday until a very kind woman asked if she could look at it. She was very supportive, but the moment she looked at it I found myself wanting to explain why it wasn’t better. I guess that’s just the experience of being an artist, of creating personal things that are intended to be shared. I can’t seem to feel great about the sharing process, even when it’s with someone who clearly has an appreciation for art and the different ways people create.
Saturday I met up with a group called Urban Sketchers: San Antonio Chapter. I had a really great time. We met at Denman Estate Park off Fredericksburg Road and drew for a few hours. I wanted to make sure I connected with everyone there because I would like to have people to go paint with and make art with. I’m normally not that outgoing but I decided to walk around while everyone was working just to introduce myself and see what they were up to.
There’s an old house, which was where the Denmans lived and down a trail is a pond and gazebo. Unfortunately the pond is mostly empty, as are all our lakes and ponds in Texas these days. There were some great sketches and watercolors created. It’s hard to describe how exciting it is to see other artist at work and to compare what we came up with. There was no competition involved, just pure appreciation and support. I look forward to meeting up with them again.
I’m also looking forward to getting some more books from the library. I’ve got another drawing book that’s in transit and a novel (Jane Austen Pride and Prejudice which I think I’ve read). When the drawing book arrives I’ll be able to continue my afternoon drawing practice. I’m going to spend some time today doing some sketching but it will be cool to get some instructions and suggestions for how to grow.