Old door new color

I haven't done any sketches or paintings lately but I haven't being far from art. I've been sewing small projects, which it involves creativity and to my eyes it is a form of art. But paper called me, I thought I would give a photo a go to draw something on my desk. This is one of the old doors in Mexico I like to take pictures at, doors struggling for survival. After a careful observation, it was obvious this door had some sort of aqua color paint from previous layers. It was the perfect opportunity to use a new color I have never used before, cobalt turquoise light from Winsor&Newton. It feels good to be back to drawing. It was made in a watercolor sketchbook given to me by my dear friend Roisin Cure, thanks my friend.

Still Summer in Autumn

Pencil and Daniel Smith watercolors on Arches cold press paper.

I've been waiting for this papaya to ripe for days. Finally that day has come but I couldn't help to draw it first. The visual impact of these complimentary colors made me. It feels like breakfast in the summer, when you crave for something fresh in a hot day. It actually still feels like summer during this fall season. Days are warm but oddly, the position of the sun in the sky reminds you it is not, it's not the solstice of summer. 

My thoughts are with the people of Napa. When are we going to have a break from all this natural disasters and tragedies? 

American Revolutionary War Reenactment, Battle of Dollinger Farm 1776

Located in Channahon Illinois, Dollinger Farms holds an American Revolution Battle reenactment every year. Dollinger Farms were occupied by the British in 1776 andthe Continental Forces (the Americans) won a battle there. Many volunteers from Illinois and surroundings states participate in this reenactment. The volunteers dressed accordingly, the military uniforms and civil cloth are from different years, but definitively from that era. I had the chance to sketch and talk with some of them before the battle performance.They were very cooperative and patience and also were pleased to pose for me.

Rick (above), plays a private in the 84th of Foot Scottish Highland Regiment, I didn't get to talk to him since he was having a conversation with visitors where he was sharing very interesting information.   

Zack, plays a Militia loyalist for the British. This style was used from the 1760's to 1790's. He looks a little puffy but that's how the custom is. The short attached cape was used to cover the head during the inclement weather.

Bryn plays a camp follower Irish woman of the Worthington Company, the Continental Forces (the Americans). These women were in the camping ground to cook, to heal, to repair cloth, etc. She allowed me to sketch the undergarments these women used to wear, including the pockets (as a belt) and the bum pad for her skirts, all cotton and linen. No shoes, it was a common practice to be barefoot. 

She was bringing the components of her outfit out of her tent. These actors actually sleep in tents during the weekends they perform. They try to stay true to the ways of the American Revolution. Some prefer to have some comforts for safety, like using a cooler to prevent their food from spoiling. 

Finally I run into Ken, from Garfield, IL. He was fixing a cartridge box fro his friend. He plays a marine. Yes a marine. He told me the Continental forces brought the canyons of ships to the battle and they brought the marines with them because they were the only ones who knew how to use them. While sketching he mentioned I was like a reporter from that time, so true! There were no cameras, just sketches and drawings! He made me feel like I belonged there! 

I spoke with other actors dressed as civilians that I didn't sketch. I asked them why do they do this. One told me it was like a 3D experience of American History and the other one, former professional photographer, told me that participating in this events motivates him to continue learning about history. 

I had an incredible afternoon, I was fascinated by the commitment of these people to share their passion for history. If you want to attend another battle and get to talk to these interesting people click Civil War Reenacting. 

Mexican grocery store

I stopped at the little Mexican store in my neighborhood where I go regularly to  buy some groceries They also serve food. There are three tables in the back of the store where to sit. We decided to have lunch there, my husband order a burrito and I wanted a soup. I asked the Mexican owner,  who is also the cook, if he had any soups. He said he had none, but he offered me some of the beef broth he has cooked for himslef and his wife for lunch. I immediately said yes.  He was born in the same town my mother was from and I intuited the broth would taste close to what I remember when I lived in Mexico. When I tested the broth it took me back the childhood, it tasted the way my mother used to do it, same ingredients, same seasoning. Just perfect. I was so grateful for his kindness, not only because he shared part of his lunch with me but for the memories he brought. While waiting for my husband to finish his lunch I sketched the butcher fridge behind us in my pocket size Stillman&Birn skethbook.