Southend Library with Chalk_Collective

The library in Southend is an impressive modern building and we thought it would make a change from  going to pubs whilst it is dark and cold. We were expecting the place to be full of students  studying which would be great for sketching.  There was hardly a soul so... after sketching in the most interesting areas we landed up in a bar.... again!!!

Tate Britain with London Urban Sketchers

A bitterly cold day yesterday just the walk from Westminster tube station to the Tate along Millbank was awful, a vicious wind.   There were plenty of people walking through but no one stayed still for long which was frustrating. We were asked to use pencil only in the galleries. I don't think I have drawn with a pencil in years and found it hard work!

A lovely evening of jazz with the Chalk Collective at the Railway Pub in Southend

Wellcome Collection with London Urban Sketchers

We had been told that only dry media was allowed so I didn't take my usual kit, just a fountain pen and some pastel pencils and pencils in case there were complaints about  the fountain pen.  It is an interesting place but has really low lighting in lots of the display areas so I found it quite a strain after a couple of hours.  I would think there were 50 to 60 urban sketchers,quite a turnout!

Back to Belfairs Woods

Michelle, Paul and I braved the cold to return to Belfairs woods.  Between the temperatures (-1 rising to 2 degrees by midday)  and the impertinent dogs wiping their muzzles across the wet paint, not the best of sketching mornings

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Belfairs woods with Chalk Collective

A bitterly cold but gloriously bright Sunday sketching in Belfairs woods which should be renamed "dog paradise"!   I don't think I have ever seen so many dogs in one place!  Am a little nearer to getting the cold weather gear right. Thermal leggings,  down gillet plus coat, fingerless gloves which worked on the painting hand but next time will take "proper" gloves for my left hand. Even in the sun it was very cold.  Amazingly the paint dried quicker today than on other occasions... maybe it just froze!

Leigh on sea.

I met Paul after his class and we stayed in the Cooperative Fish Monger area sketching as the tide went out. The Brent Geese were all gathering as the water ebbed away. It is a pretty impressive sight but impossible to capture in a sketch.   A damp, grey day, a couple of hours sitting was more than enough.