Chanticleer Garden: Season Finale

I spent last weekend sketching in the neighboring state of PA. First stop was the bewitching Chanticleer Garden. The day is not enough to absorb and reflect on its splendor so i limited myself to capture couple of my favorite places. The stone library:

The japanese garden scene:

The courtyard:

Fall in Central NJ

There are several little parks where the Bound Brook meanders that I have been wanting to paint.  I really enjoy the granulating properties of the hematite genuine that I used in the shadows.  This is the first sketch where I used both M Graham and Daniel Smith watercolors.  No reason why I have not done this sooner other than I keep them in two separate kits.

                             Watercolor on paper 11.0x5.5

Connecting to the Bound Brook via the East Branch Reservoir is the Middle Brook in
Washington Valley Park.  The leaves are just beginning to change color.

                               Watercolor on 140 lbs block 9x12

Below is the view from the spot I painted, along with my portable easel set up.  It is a simple hike to reach.  Directly behind me would be the Buttermilk Falls.

The tree in my neighbor's backyard is the favorite haunt of some beautiful Red-bellied Woodpeckers and cardinals who have thus far eluded my attempts to photograph them.  I just love this tree and have drawn and painted it several times (and will paint it again I am sure).  I tried something different with this one and did not do any kind of under drawing, just free form painting.

                              Watercolor on 140 lbs paper 9x12

Sketches from Duke Farms

Greetings Urban Sketchers.  This is Charles from Central New Jersey and I am really excited to be a part of the new NJ USK group.

One of my favorite places to walk and sketch in Central NJ is Duke Farms.  Aside from its great ecological stewardship, the farms offers lots of interesting topography and subject matter.  It is wonderful place to spend a weekend day.  I have returned to it often for inspiration.

 Stone Bridge, South Gate Entrance

 Little waterfall, Dukes Brook

Great Falls at Duke Farms

Coach Barn

Announcing New Jersey Urban Sketchers

An email went out yesterday to all the Administrators of the Urban Sketching locations around the world announcing the newest member of the Urban Sketching family - us!

Here are some of the congratulatory emails we received:

Kumi Matsukawa	9:38 PM (12 hours ago)
to usk-regional-a.

Congratulations for New Jersey sketchers. I included your group on the sidebar on USk Japan blog.

Best,

Kumi

Yoo Byung Hwa <vivong>	5:03 AM (4 hours ago)
to usk-regional-a.

Congratulations! I added your group in the side bar of Seoul blog.

Looking forward to seeing lots of sketches from your members,

Cheers,

bh yoo

---

Björn Fundberg <bjorn>	5:09 AM (4 hours ago)
to usk-regional-a., Helena, James

Welcome!

I will add your link as soon as possible!

Best regards,

/Björn

Eskilstuna Urban Sketchers (Sweden)

http://urbansketchers-eskilstuna.blogspot.se

TIA BS	5:36 AM (4 hours ago)
to usk-regional-a., Helena, James

Congrats and will add later. Welcome New Jersey group to the USK big family!

Peggy Wong	5:40 AM (4 hours ago)
to usk-regional-a., Helena, James

Welcome, New Jersey USk, to the ever expanding USk global family!!! 

Liz Steel	5:42 AM (4 hours ago)
to usk-regional-a.

Yay! Welcome New Jersey - so great to have you join the network. Have added to the USK AUstralia blog roll!

Happy Sketching!

L

Liz Steel

Jim Richards via googlegroups.com	6:02 AM (3 hours ago)
to usk-regional-a., Helena, James

Welcome and congratulations!

Alvin Wong	6:24 AM (3 hours ago)
to usk-regional-a., James, Helena

Dear Mark,

Now I know who to look for when I am in NJ!  Welcome and Congratulations!

Best Regards
Alvin Wong
USk Hong Kong

- email sent by my android mobile