I needed to get out of the house today. I find sketching therapeutic when I am a little stressed – for an hour or so I am focussed on looking and making marks, rather than thinking about anything else. This little bridge goes over one of the swimming pools where we live. They rebuilt it recently (after several failed attempts), using UPVC instead of timber.
Thu-1-Jun-2023
On our second full day on Camiguin Island, we took a trip to White Island – a sandbar a little more than a kilometre off the shore of Mambajao Municipality. There is nothing there – just beautiful white coral sand. With no shade, there are guys renting out umbrellas to the crowds of people who come an have picnics on the beach and do a bit of paddling. Not many people seem to swim, but we did a bit of snorkelling.
Wed-5-Apr-2023
Straight after I did my previous sketch, I turned to my left and got this view. What attracted me was the colour of the shadows and the yellow reflecting on the pool, only part of which I managed to capture. I was sketching this quickly again, before the sun went down.
Sat-25-Mar-2023
Here is the second sketch I did on our little family outing to a resort in Laguna. I wanted to capture the shadows of the palm on the wall, but I couldn’t sketch fast enough!
Sat-25-Mar-2023
On our first full day in Siquijor, after doing a bit of snorkelling in the morning, we went up the coast to Salagdoong beach, only to find it ‘closed’ because it was being refurbished (which looked suspiciously like bulldozing more sand onto the beach). So instead we went to “Ocean View Farm and Cottages” a little further down the coast, where, after a quick swim I sketched this view.
Thu-15-Sep-2022
We are having a long weekend at the coast, doing a bit of snorkelling and chilling out. It’s not really romantic (our daughter is with us), but that’s the name the owners give to the airbnb place we are staying at. After arriving we did a quick snorkel and then, before it got dark, I sat on the terrace and sketched this view.
Sat-3-Sep-2022
Here is a quick sketch done after work – just catching glimpses of the swimming pool and the cafe. I had to rush this one so that I could go and do some shopping.
Tue-9-Aug-2022
Last week I bought myself a face mask and snorkel, in preparation for an upcoming visit to the beach (again). I often sketch new things I get – this one was a challenge because it’s mostly black and shiny.
Fri-5-Aug-2022
The other day, having had too much of staring at a screen for work, I went outside to sit by the pool and read from some traditional paper and use a pen to make notes. I did make some progress (honestly), but I couldn’t resist doing a sketch before it got dark. Can you spot the woman in green?
Mon-18-Jul-2022