Bethesda Lane

Bethesda Lane is a lovely pedestrian mall sandwiched between two busy streets in downtown Bethesda.  Its defining feature is this graceful arch.  People come to eat at the various outdoor cafes or just to sit and relax.

Last week I did a watercolor study at this spot, and today I returned to try my luck with oils.  I had an easier time drawing the scene this time, and I was happy to get some people into the action.  Unfortunately it was rather a dreary day, and the lighting conditions weren't great.  I'd like to return one more time to try to capture more vibrant colors.  I love this spot, so I shall return! 

Geoff Watson, "Bethesda Lane," oil on panel, 16" x 20," 2018.

CUA Law Commencement

Catholic University Law School had its Commencement exercises today, and I sketched the proceedings while sitting at the back of the stage in my cap and gown. This was perhaps a tad risky, as I was using pen and ink-wash, and it would have been bad to mess up my nice robes! But it went smoothly.

Commencement takes place in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. Here's a look at the Basilica, and the graduates and their families seated in the church.

Geoff Watson, "Commencement in the Basilica," ink wash on paper, about 4" x 5," 2018.

This was the student speaker, Kwambina Ishmael Kyre-Martin Coker. Mr. Coker was in my Contracts class in his first year; he's a great guy, and his speech was one of the best student speeches I've ever heard. He has an inspiring life story.

Geoff Watson, "Kwambina Ishmael Kyre-Martin Coker," ink wash on paper, about 3" x 4," 2018.

The main Commencement speaker was The Hon. Brett M. Kavanaugh, a well-regarded judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. Judge Kavanaugh gave a thoughtful and down-to-earth speech. 

Geoff Watson, "The Hon. Brett Kavanaugh," ink wash on paper, about 3" x 5," 2018.

Bethesda sketches

I took my sketchbook, fountain pens, gouache and water brushes to Bethesda Row today to sketch for a couple hours. I did this first drawing mostly with water-soluble ink and water, though I did add a little background greenery in gouache.  I could have added much more detail everywhere, but I decided to leave it as is.

Geoff Watson, "Bethesda Row," ink wash and gouache on paper, about 5" x 8," 2018.

I then wandered over to the pedestrian mall across the street, which looks through an arch at the Apple store on Bethesda Avenue. I've always wanted to draw this arch! I drew the outlines with water-proof ink in a fountain pen with a fine nib, and I added color with gouache (opaque watercolor). Fun!

Geoff Watson, "Bethesda Pedestrian Mall," ink and gouache on paper, about 5" x 8," 2018.

Movie Star M

This is an ink-and-watch drawing of my beautiful daughter, but I added a little mascara and makeup to add even more glamour.  She looks like a movie star!

I used my Sailor fountain pen and a new Pentel waterbrush, in my small Pentalic watercolor sketchbook.  I think the drawing turned out pretty nicely, especially considering that you can't erase mistakes in ink.  :)  Anyway, a pretty drawing of a pretty girl.

Geoff Watson, "Movie Star M," ink and wash on paper, about 4" x 6," 2018.

Natalya

I've hardly touched a paintbrush in the past week, what with grading and graduation ceremonies, and I felt rusty in life class today.  Not my best effort, but by the end of the session I felt like I was back in the swing of things. 

Geoff Watson, "Natalya," oil study on panel, 11" x 14," 2018.

Mother's Day flowers -- from Mom!

My mom is a wonderful person, and one of the many things I love about her is that she inspired me to take up art.  She's also a terrific artist in her own right.  You can see more of her work at http://www.bethwatson.com/ .

She did this painting of roses some time ago, and when I admired it last Christmas, she sent it to me as a surprise gift!  So she sent me Mother's Day flowers.  It's supposed to be the other way round!  :-) 

I'm sorry for the glare on the photo; it's been raining all week, and I've had trouble finding a good spot to photograph (or create!) paintings.  Anyway, Happy Mother's Day, mom!

Beth Watson, "Roses," oil on canvas, 9" x 12."

Commencement

Today my son graduated from The Catholic University of America at its 129th Commencement ceremony!  Because I'm on the faculty at Catholic, I had the honor of greeting my son on stage and handing him his diploma.  That was great!  

Also, the theme of the ceremony was remarkable.  It was about immigration, and about welcoming.  First the University awarded several honorary degrees to immigrants from Cuba, Syria, Pakistan, Italy, and Lebanon.  Then we heard from the main speaker, Archbishop Jose Gomez, who spoke movingly of immigration's role in American history and culture.  President John Garvey described a painting he hangs in his home that welcomes guests, and he urged graduates to welcome guests into their own lives.  And one of the closing speakers quoted Emma Lazarus: "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free."   

I brought my sketchbook but forgot a writing implement.  My new best friend from the Drama Department loaned me a pen, and I drew the sketch below with it.  I'm pleased with it, though I got hot and tired by the time I reached the right half of the page, and my vertical lines there wandered off in the wrong direction.  Still and all, the picture captures the essence of the thing.  Hats off to CUA for a great Commencement! 

Geoff Watson, "Catholic University Commencement, 2018," pen on paper, 5" x 8," 2018.

Honors Convocation

Today The Catholic University of America held its Honors Convocation for graduating students -- including my son!  The event took place in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.  I wore my red academic robes, processed in with the faculty, and got a nice front-row seat.  I had my handy sketchbook with me, so in between applauding and cheering, I did some drawing!  I hope to do more of the same tomorrow at Commencement.

Geoff Watson, "Honors Convocation at The Catholic University of America," mechanical pencil on paper, 5" x 8," 2018.

Softball field

More softball!  This time I sketched the whole field across two pages of my sketchbook.  The game ended before I finished; I wanted to darken the darks, for example.  Still fun!

Geoff Watson, "Softball field," ink and watercolor on paper, 5" x 16," 2018.

Softball

I brought my fountain pens and watercolors to a softball game today. First I sketched a few people hanging out before the game.

Geoff Watson, "Hanging out," ink wash on paper, about 5" x 8," 2018.

At the diamond, I started with this quick pen-and-ink sketch of the catcher.

Geoff Watson, "Catcher," ink wash on paper, about 3" x 5," 2018.

And a quick sketch of the coach.  Alas, I closed the sketchbook too soon, and some of the ink ran, but it still captures his gesture.

Geoff Watson, "Coach," ink wash on paper, about 1" x 3," 2018.

Next, a ballplayer.

Geoff Watson, "Ballplayer," ink and watercolor on paper, about 5" x 7," 2018.

I have some earlier sketches of players at bat and some infield action, but I haven't gotten around to photographing them. So for now you'll have to settle for a watercolor sketch of fans in the bleachers.

Geoff Watson, "Softball fans," ink and watercolor on paper, about 5" x 8," 2018.

House in Wesley Heights

I had a great time painting this house today!  The weather was perfect, and the passersby were friendly and supportive.  I'm happy with this painting, but I'd like to try this subject again from a different angle, and I'd like to experiment with softer edges everywhere except at, say, the chimney and circular turret.  Anyway, what a great day to be outdoors!

Geoff Watson, "House in Wesley Heights," oil on canvas panel, 11" x 14," 2018.

More ink studies

I've been using my new fountain pen all over the place -- in the doctor's waiting room, on the softball field, at the shopping mall.  Here are a few more examples.

Geoff Watson, "Heads," ink wash on paper, about 4" x 6," 2018.

Geoff Watson, "Ballplayer," ink and wash on paper, 4" x 6," 2018.

Geoff Watson, "Head," ink wash on paper, 5" x 7," 2018.

Geoff Watson, "Doctor's waiting room," ink wash on paper, 5" x 7," 2018.

Mansion studies

I did this quick oil study of a local mansion today. 

Geoff Watson, "Mansion study," oil on panel, 12" x 16," 2018.

Here's an ink study I did of it beforehand. I think I prefer this to the painting!

Geoff Watson, "Mansion sketch," ink wash on paper, about 4" x 6," 2018.

Behind me was the church I painted last week, so I did a quick ink sketch of it for fun too.  It might have made for a better subject than the mansion, but I wanted to try something different. I may return to the church later, as I do like it a lot.

Geoff Watson, "Church sketch," ink and wash on paper, about 4" x 6," 2018.