The last page of my watercolor sketchbook … and sundry other things

 

I came upstairs to my new studio in the loft a few times today to continue organizing and seeing what I will need to complete my set-up. Finally, I was able to come up here after dinner and actually put brush (and pen) to paper.

Spoonflower is having an upcoming fabric weekly design contest with the theme of the Chinese Year of the Monkey. I tried to doodle a few ideas and this seems like it could be fun if I work on it some more …

And then I worked up some easy leaves and palms on the last page of my yellow watercolor sketchbook in shades of green with pinks and pale blues in the background.

LEAVES AND PALMS | Watercolor with marker accents | CYNTHIA MANIGLIA

What I like about my new space is that everything I need is here – natural light by day, good lighting by night, all of my supplies in one place plus digital stuff too – I’m set up with wireless internet, a scanner, even a TV monitor I can hook up to my laptop. While the desk is small, I can always get a table easel or work on another table outside or take the folding table onto the balcony. I have lots of options up here!

Florida had a heat wave as a result of El Nino but now it’s downright mild. I’m liking Florida more and more. I haven’t been able to draw and paint a lot lately due to family visiting and entertaining, additional cleaning and organizing around the house, and a little part-time job I just started. But I plan to do more and more up here. It’s working out nicely.

The other day, my sweetie put this on the shelf above my desk – it’s something I made for him many years ago …