EDM 115,116,117 - Basket, Leaf, Bead

Every Day in May (EDiM) I have to draw something from the EDM list. It's now past the middle of May and I'm feeling like one does half way through a diet, thinking of reasons to give up.

It's not that I'm not getting something out of this exercise but, looking down the list of subjects I still have to go, I'm thinking of other things I should be sketching outside while the weather is beautiful. See what I mean, like being on a diet and thinking of reasons to give up.

Today's Wednesday afternoon watercolour group too, so I will get outside to paint.

You can see where everyone else is up to with the EDiM Challenge HERE. Some gorgeous, imaginative sketches.

Bird Sketches and EDM #114

Pigeon pen & watercolour wash

I'm prone to obsession and my current craze is birds. Until now I'd had no luck feeding birds in our garden - Italian birds don't seem to understand the concept of hanging bird feeders. Finally I had some wonderful advice from the Bird Forum to supply drinking and bathing water. Since I couldn't find a proper bird bath I used a large pot saucer fill of water. Two other pot saucers are placed in the garden and scattered with seed. Now I lie in bed each morning with my binoculars (and my coffee) delighting in all the bird life.

Black Redstart - watercolour and oil pastel

A Black Redstart female nesting under the eaves dives from the nest like an Olympian. They are such curious and friendly little birds. I'm going to be so sorry when nesting is over.

EDM # 114 - Draw something Ugly

I wasn't very inspired by my latest EDM subject, so I'm looking forward to moving on to the next. Can't wait to get to 'Draw a Bird'.

EDM 112 - Draw Something Fresh

Fresh Peas from our garden

If one gets out of step with the EDiM Challenge as I just have, it's a struggle to catch up.

HWEM would be quick to point out that while he was sweating it out under the Umbrian sun helping establish a vegetable garden near Todi (see previous post), I was sitting in the shade with Dermott, sketching. Well I was sketching, Dermott was enjoying the change of scene.

Pigma Micron pen and watercolour in Strathmore Watercolour Journal

The farmer on the hillside below was cutting hay all day. The birds and I were delighted!