August Train Sketches

 I have oodles of train sketches and at some point I'll make them into a zine. The following are from my recent train trip to Melbourne and back and also around Melbourne. Some of the sketches took just 5 or less minutes with the longest closer to 15 minutes. I don't spend too long looking at subjects, either because they get off the train or because I don't want to be staring at people, which might be misconstrued! It also helps if I start on one person and then begin on another, coming back to the first not long after. Basically nearly everyone on the train is looking at a mobile device anyway so they are oblivious to much else. A few rare ones are reading books but I don't see newspapers anymore. A small number of people are talking to each other and a much smaller number looking out the window or into space. Occasionally someone is snoozing, which makes a great subject. This trip I noticed a few people wearing their football colors and raving, deliriously about the 'footy'. Some old bird enthused about how they had 'annihilated' the rival team on the weekend. Anyone would think she was out there hobbling across the field and kicking the best goal of the day. Something might have broken if she had been tackled.

  Riding on trains I find somewhat relaxing, except when they have some issue and change to coach services, which sometimes has left me stranded when the bus drivers, especially in the city, inform me they can't take bicycles and I usually have the old 'treadly' with me. it did not happen this time. There is also the occasional odd loud, obnoxious person but the no eye contact rule usually works.

Rock Ballet

 

Images of Sale Hospital Imaging Department

 Today I was waiting in the imaging department waiting room so thought 'Why not make some images?'

Medical Waiting Room Sketch

 This is today's sketch. I had a medical checkup and did not waste the waiting time. The page in my sketchbook had been pre-painted for a new effect.

Sunday Portrait Group Sketches of Sarah

 Today I drew on large sheets of paper on an easel as I left my sketchbook behind. This first one, below, is my favorite. There is a mirror in the background. Sarah, in the foreground, is the model. Also shown are Jeanette to the left, Klara in the center, Jerry to the right and Jerry's reflection with blackened cap and behind him Rod's reflection at the very back. I moved Klara's position so it really should be her reflection in the mirror.

The next drawing has less of a close likeness but I still like it. I used paint pen and colored pencils. 

           Jerry often manages to gatecrash my pictures but his cap makes it worthwhile.

This picture did not reproduce well so I'll do some more enhancement on it but it was a three minute sketch after I arrived late to the portrait group for the first sketch.

                    

Sketches of Glen & Royal Dental Hospital

 First up is a gel pen picture of Glen I made at the portrait group. I like the economy of line which still captured essential features.

The next picture is another dental hospital waiting room picture. The woman was holding her chin as she gazed at her friends teeth. His dreadlocks were a striking subject.

My Chilean Friend Juan as a Confederate Cavalry Officer

 

My Chilean friend, Juan Godos makes and sells reproduction Lido toy soldiers. He also does military reenactment such as the 1870s Pacific War uniforms. As he has a special interest in the American Civil War so I painted him as a Confederate cavalry officer.

  Materials: Acrylics, colored pencils, water colors and fine liners.