These are beautiful flowers. Are they hydrangeas? It is so amazing how simply using a darker background can change what a viewer feels about the painting itself. The moodiness of the composition touches a different chord in us. You are growing so much in your art, Sheila. I have gone through periods where I will sketch something every day even if it’s only five minutes, and then others where months will go by and the only sketch I do is for the painting that is about to happen. But it really is an excellent habit to get into. I was watching Paul Foxton’s recent video and he was verbalizing exactly that. It increases your confidence when you paint and it allows for experimentation. Definitely get a spiral bound notebook!! xoxo
Hi Laurelle,
Comforting to hear about your sketching/not sketching habits. I did one last night that I will post later today. I found his videos on Youtube, I will take a look. Thanks for sharing I have never done a prep sketch for a painting, and I know it is a good habit.
I found an old spiral sketch book, but it only has about five pages left in it. LOL. I do have a large spiral, but I think for daily, something smaller is more comfortable for me.
They are hydrangeas
The remarks about moodiness are so interesting to me. I was not thinking that at all. Just trying something new, and thought of Marcela’s recent still lifes, and then classic still lifes… so I tried a dark background. Very interesting to me, the feelings that this invoked.
Thanks Laurelle, for the insight and interpretation, and the info on Paul Enjoy your week, and happy painting
It was a busy day, and I was ready for bed at seven I think, LOL I just looked again, and I am really happy with those area too Val. Thanks for visiting Val, have fun this week!
Sheila, I’ld love to have you tell me what constitutes a sketch in your painting life. Do you work in a sketch book? Do you set out with the intention of sketching on some days? and what does the word sketch mean to you? Do you sometimes start a painting and then decide not to finish it and call it a sketch instead? Do you think of sketches as a way to practice something? Would love to hear your thoughts : ) Thanks!
It feels odd to me to say Dotty… Sketch. Funny because with me, it is usually “painting”. Watercolorists do often call small, quick studies a sketch. Yes, this is in my “free birthday gift” sketchbook from Jerry’s Artarama.
I really admire sketches by other artists, and the daily “art journaling” habit. But I haven’t taken it up before. So the sketchbook was the “push” to get me going. LOL I am not sure if it will be a daily habit, trying for that though. If I spend time on a full painting, there may not be time for a sketch that day. We’ll see.
For me the idea of sketching right now, is a way to get some art time in every day. The practice of just using skills I have, and trying new ones. To stay in the daily habit. Which you are so accomplished at!
I can tell you, I do already want a larger sketch book, and one with a spiral binding. (It is hard to scan this hardbound book, for one thing.) So I take that as a sign I am enjoying it. LOL
Thanks for asking Dotty Enjoy your week my friend!
These are beautiful flowers. Are they hydrangeas? It is so amazing how simply using a darker background can change what a viewer feels about the painting itself. The moodiness of the composition touches a different chord in us. You are growing so much in your art, Sheila. I have gone through periods where I will sketch something every day even if it’s only five minutes, and then others where months will go by and the only sketch I do is for the painting that is about to happen. But it really is an excellent habit to get into. I was watching Paul Foxton’s recent video and he was verbalizing exactly that. It increases your confidence when you paint and it allows for experimentation. Definitely get a spiral bound notebook!! xoxo
Hi Laurelle,
I have never done a prep sketch for a painting, and I know it is a good habit.
I do have a large spiral, but I think for daily, something smaller is more comfortable for me.
Enjoy your week, and happy painting 
Comforting to hear about your sketching/not sketching habits. I did one last night that I will post later today. I found his videos on Youtube, I will take a look. Thanks for sharing
I found an old spiral sketch book, but it only has about five pages left in it. LOL.
They are hydrangeas
The remarks about moodiness are so interesting to me. I was not thinking that at all. Just trying something new, and thought of Marcela’s recent still lifes, and then classic still lifes… so I tried a dark background. Very interesting to me, the feelings that this invoked.
Thanks Laurelle, for the insight and interpretation, and the info on Paul
I am wondering about the tit!e! Is this sketch sleepy, or maybe the artist? Yes it definitely has mood!
LOL, the artist.
I was thinking of fine artists, and still life paintings, and how they often use a dark background to highlight the object. 
Love your blue flowers.
Thank you Lana. Love your barns!
Love the ‘moodiness’ of this Sheila – beautiful tones – the background with the brush strokes adding some variety. Great way to start a Monday!
Thanks Janet
I like that description, moodiness 
LOVED waking up to your blue with a ‘tude 
A sweet “Sheila” painting! xo
You may have been sleepy when you did this but it is a great job. The depth for the table and the vase is super – they just pop. Nicely done, Sheila!
It was a busy day, and I was ready for bed at seven I think, LOL
I just looked again, and I am really happy with those area too Val. Thanks for visiting Val, have fun this week!
Sheila, I’ld love to have you tell me what constitutes a sketch in your painting life. Do you work in a sketch book? Do you set out with the intention of sketching on some days? and what does the word sketch mean to you? Do you sometimes start a painting and then decide not to finish it and call it a sketch instead? Do you think of sketches as a way to practice something? Would love to hear your thoughts : ) Thanks!
It feels odd to me to say Dotty… Sketch. Funny because with me, it is usually “painting”. Watercolorists do often call small, quick studies a sketch. Yes, this is in my “free birthday gift” sketchbook from Jerry’s Artarama.
I am not sure if it will be a daily habit, trying for that though. If I spend time on a full painting, there may not be time for a sketch that day. We’ll see.
Enjoy your week my friend!
I really admire sketches by other artists, and the daily “art journaling” habit. But I haven’t taken it up before. So the sketchbook was the “push” to get me going. LOL
For me the idea of sketching right now, is a way to get some art time in every day. The practice of just using skills I have, and trying new ones. To stay in the daily habit. Which you are so accomplished at!
I can tell you, I do already want a larger sketch book, and one with a spiral binding. (It is hard to scan this hardbound book, for one thing.) So I take that as a sign I am enjoying it. LOL
Thanks for asking Dotty
That’s lovely! you’re so talented and hard working!
Thank you Dave
Have a super week!