Urban Sketchers Memphis

Downtown Stables

2012-02-08T17:50:00.000-08:00

My neighbor and fellow urban sketcher Stuart Lacey has been suggesting we go draw at the stable that houses the carriage horses just north of downtown. I finally got it together to join her yesterday, and it was fabulous. Fortunately, we showed up just as the owner dropped in, and he very hospitably gave us the run of the place and told us to come back when more was going on and bring a group. It would be a great group outing sometime.

Stuart watched the farrier shoeing a younger horse, but I was drawn to the whole line of stalls and settled down almost immediately to do the above watercolor.

It was getting noticeably colder by the time I finished, so I didn't start another one. Instead I did several quick pencil sketches waiting for Stuart to get done, and then we headed home for a little warmth. I definitely want to go back and paint more, though. What a fun afternoon.

Sketching at the Peabody

2012-02-07T06:24:00.000-08:00

We had a great February gathering of the Memphis Urban Sketchers. It was a rainy day, so we were grateful that an indoor location was already planned. Because of the recent newspaper profile of the group, we had a huge number of first timers, and everyone enjoyed connecting with other artists, comparing our traveling art kits, and talking about our work habits and hopes for our art.

We had about 21 people overall, and it was a far more rewarding session than the last one I facilitated (where exactly two people showed up in 99 degree temperatures at Overton Park). Lots of people lingered for a good while to talk even after we'd compared our sketches and wound down on the actual drawing.

February Sketch Group at the Peabody Hotel

2012-01-28T08:06:00.000-08:00

Next sketch group

Saturday, February 4th

Peabody Hotel Lobby

10:00 AM - Meet at the fountain

You'll want to have a good sketching spot picked out before the Peabody Ducks come out at 11:00 AM!

Please comment here or on our Facebook page if you plan to attend.

Hope to see you there!

Overton Park

2012-01-22T15:25:00.000-08:00

I've been having a great time lately walking my dog over to the park and letting him enjoy the nice weather while I draw. Overton Park, our large, Central Park-inspired landscape is one of the very best things about living in my neighborhood, and I'm there almost every day.
Today it was both late and cloudy when I got there, so I just did a pencil sketch of one of my favorite trees.

Mary K VanGieson's Sketches from the Brooks

2012-01-09T10:00:00.000-08:00

This was Mary K's first time sketching with us, and we are happy to have her! She did the first two sketches here in pencil, and the helmet is in mixed media.

Greg Larson's Sketches from the Brooks

2012-01-08T10:33:00.000-08:00

These sketches are by Greg Larson, who is fairly new to the group. He likes sketching large-scale, and these were done on 18" x 24" paper, with pencil. These are from the Armed + Dangerous exhibit currently at the Brooks Museum of Art.

(click on the images to see more detail)

Sketching at the Brooks Museum Today

2012-01-07T14:28:00.000-08:00

Here are a few sketches from our gathering at the Brooks Museum today. Thanks to everyone for coming out today, especially all of the new folks! A big thank you to Martha Kelly for the free passes, and a super big thank you to Brooks Museum and their wonderful staff. Everyone was so accommodating and so patient with us, and the show Armed and Dangerous was awesome! We can't wait to come back!

Next Sketch Group - Brooks Museum of Art

2011-12-31T11:14:00.000-08:00

Next sketch group, Saturday, January 7th, 11:00 AM at the

Brooks Museum of Art

1934 Poplar Avenue in Overton Park

Please comment here or on our Facebook page if you plan to attend. We'd like to let the Brooks know how many people are attending.

Hope to see you there!

On-site painting of the Brooks, above, by our own Martha Kelly!

Sketches from Florida

2011-12-21T17:30:00.000-08:00

Here are a few sketches that I did while visiting Boca Raton, FL.

Otherlands Coffee Shop

2011-12-20T08:36:00.001-08:00

A nice place to sketch on a rainy day.

Memphis Urban Sketchers Are Still Famous

2011-12-15T07:27:00.001-08:00

Hey Sketchers, we are in the paper today!

Central + Cooper

2011-12-07T07:57:00.001-08:00

It is such a busy intersection + it was also the St. Jude marathon that day. We got a kick out of listening to the cops direct traffic + the drivers that were not happy at all. When it got quiet enough, you could hear the Christmas music playing from Midtown Nursery. I got there an hour early because I mixed up the time. I decided to do a longer sketch with only watercolor of the Mapco from my car:

Then I sketched the nursery on the opposite corner:

One of the cops said we better draw him, so I did (when he would stay still enough):

My last two sketches were of the traffic light + trestle with runners under it (they were my favorites of the day):

Urban Sketchers Workshops

2011-12-06T20:16:00.001-08:00

Check out Urban Sketchers new Workshops Program! This is exciting stuff for Urban Sketchers' education program, and for people who love to sketch. Visit the Workshops Program blog to learn more about bringing a little bit of the international symposium experience to more cities through individual Urban Sketchers Workshops!

12-3-11 at Central and Cooper

2011-12-05T09:11:00.000-08:00

On Saturday some of us met up at the intersection of Central Avenue and Cooper Street. I go through this intersection nearly every day, and it is always hopping. The first drawing below is of the Midtown Nursery on the northwest corner. The corner is very small as it backs up to an elevated train that runs diagonally, so that trestles for it span both central and cooper. The nursery is currently selling Christmas trees and wreaths, and is quite festive.

Below that is the view looking north at the trestle spanning Cooper.

The bottom sketch is from the Palladio Cafe, just east of Cooper and Central. It is a nice cafe within an antique mall, and they have cute Christmas decorations on the table.

12.03.11

2011-12-03T14:02:00.000-08:00

Today was a beautiful day at the corner of Cooper and Central! -CF

Sketch Group This Saturday & St. Jude Marathon

2011-11-30T20:20:00.000-08:00

If you are attending the sketch group this Saturday, December 3rd, please note that the St. Jude Marathon will go right through that intersection, but I don't know at what time. Might make it difficult to get to a parking spot, but it will be worth it! Having to deal with events and traffic is just part of what being an Urban Sketcher is all about!

Final Sketch Group of 2011 on December 3rd!

2011-11-22T13:28:00.001-08:00

When: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Saturday December 3rd

Where: Central Avenue and Cooper Street

Meet in the parking lot to the east of Urban Outfitters, between that building and Palladio. We'll meet there and then branch out to draw all of the activity of this intersection, such as:

nursery at the north-west corner
old buildings on the south-west corner
busiest gas station in the world on the north-east corner
antique store next to the gas station
all of the railroad trestles
public art to the south

FREE

BYO sketching equipment.

Meet other sketchers, relax, have fun and share your art and experiences. All skill levels are welcome!

For updates and to share experiences and sketches

http://urbansketchers-memphis.blogspot.com/

*In event of rain or if it's too cold by then, we will gather in Cafe Palladio and do some indoor sketching.

Upcoming Sketch Groups for 2012!

Jan 7 -- Memphis Brooks Museum of Art

There will be a fee to get in, but it will be worth it to get out of the cold!

Adults $7

Senior Adults (65+) $6

Students (with student ID) $3

Visit http://www.brooksmuseum.org/planyourvisit to get a $1 off coupon!

Feb 4 -- Peabody Hotel

Mar 3 -- Riverfront

Apr 7 -- Botanic Gardens

May 5 -- Beale Street (during but not at Music Festival)

June 2 -- Central Library

July 7 -- Mississippi River Museum (to be confirmed)

Aug 4 -- Young Avenue Deli

Sep 2 -- Collierville Town Square

Oct 6 -- TBD

Nov 3 -- TBD

Dec 1 -- TBD

Memphis Urban Sketchers at India Fest

2011-11-11T19:48:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday was India Fest, and a few of us met there to do some sketching.

1) My nephew Calvin's school band was playing there, so I sketched them first.

2) They have booths selling food set up by regions so that you can taste important dishes from each region.

3) Kids put on some great performances!

4) I made sure to sketch lots of people after making the students in my sketching class draw people last week.

5) So many people, so much going on!

Sketching before Cara Tomlinson's Lecture

2011-11-08T08:47:00.000-08:00

I went to an art lecture at Rhodes College the other night.

Here's a sketch I did:

I'm looking forward to seeing the show soon.

Cara Tomlinson

2011-11-06T17:41:00.001-08:00

My sketches from India Fest.

Sorry for the Multiple Postings!

2011-11-05T13:41:00.001-07:00

Sketch Group at India Fest

2011-11-05T10:51:00.001-07:00

Zoo Totem

2011-10-31T13:24:00.000-07:00

I took my kids to the zoo last week. It was a beautiful fall day. Somehow I managed to find ten minutes to sit down and do this little watercolor of one of the totem poles outside the Northwest Passage exhibit. -CF

At the Café

2011-10-31T13:02:00.000-07:00

Here are a few people from one of my many outings to the local coffee shop. -CF

Shelby County Clerks Office

2011-10-31T12:55:00.000-07:00

In Memphis I think we have the option of renewing our car tag by mail or online, but I am not even sure because I'm always in line at the county clerk's office a week before my tags expire. At least at this location, on Exeter, you don't actually have to stand in line - you take a number and sit in chairs that all face the tellers' windows, like they are putting on a show. It doesn't take long, though, and if you go at your lunch hour you usually have time to get a take-out lunch nearby. Just don't go the last day of the month!

Sketch Group NEXT Saturday November 5

2011-10-27T11:24:00.001-07:00

Next Sketch Group:

November 5
11 AM to 1 PM
India Festival at the Agricenter
7777 Walnut Grove Rd.

Hi All!

November's sketch group will be at the 2011 India Fest (http://indiafestmemphis.org/)! There will be so much to see and draw (and eat)!

Please be aware that the cost to get in is $3, but also bring extra cash for all of the good food they have there.

We will meet just inside the entrance at 11:00 AM, then venture into the crowd to sketch. If you come in late, just come on in and start sketching! Meet up again at 1:00 PM at the same place for our show and tell.

As usual, this sketch group is open to the public and everyone is welcome, regardless of skill level.

Let's make some great sketches to share with the world, and show the unique diversity of Memphis.

Upcoming Sketch Groups:

Dec 3, 10 AM to 1 PM, either Central/Cooper/Young or Rhodes Library (to be confirmed), depending on the weather

Jan 7 Memphis Brooks Museum of Art (to be confirmed)

Feb 4 Peabody Hotel

Mar 3 Riverfront

Apr 7 Botanic Gardens (to be confirmed)

May 5 Beale Street (during but not at Music Festival)

June 2 Central Library

July 7 Mississippi River Museum (to be confirmed)

Aug 4 Young Avenue Deli

Sep 2 Collierville Town Square

2011-10-03T13:44:00.000-07:00

This month we sketched at the Sears Crosstown Tower. I've always thought the building was so interesting + it was really neat to be able to go inside. I was pretty excited about it. I wasn't really sure what to expect. We went to the third floor first. It was painted in one of my favorite colors- minty green. The smell was so interesting...I could smell it the rest of the day. There was dust + peeling paint everywhere.

I chose to sketch a section of the room that had some funky colors going on- minty green, yellow + red. I liked the combination.

Then we walked through dark hallways + stairs to the cafeteria. It was sorta spooky. We had an interesting playlist of music going on in the cafeteria (thanks to some neighbors), haha.

I sketched an exit door + curtains with all kinds of mess on the ground.

And the ceiling of the kitchen (i think).

I think I may have had more fun taking pictures than sketching :)

more pictures here.

Sketches from Saturday at the Sears Crosstown Tower

2011-10-03T05:04:00.000-07:00

Below in the top left is a sketch from outside, and the other two are from inside the building.

I drew this looking east in the building towards some big contraption with conveyor belts coming off of it.

Looking at Sketches at Sears Crosstown Tower

2011-10-01T09:24:00.001-07:00

We are here right now! This is an amazing space.

Sketching at the Sears Crosstown Tower

2011-10-01T09:15:00.001-07:00

Sketch Group This Saturday at Crosstown Tower

2011-09-27T12:50:00.001-07:00

Join us for an exciting sketch group this Saturday, October 1, at the Sears Crosstown Tower.

Sears Crosstown Tower

corner of Cleveland Street and Autumn Avenue

Saturday, October 1

10:00 AM

We will meet in the parking lot at the corner of Cleveland and Autumn. We'll be able to go inside the building, so please wear closed-toed shoes and don't count on great light for sketching.

This is a great opportunity to see the inside of this iconic structure. Hope to see you there!

Memphis Urban Sketchers @ the Dixon

2011-09-13T14:53:00.000-07:00

This month we sketched at the Dixon. We started in the gardens. I decided to sketch this deer first. It reminded me of Zac + he was out at his hunting land. I wondered if I saw more deer than he did (I didn't). I found a cute little bench on top of gorgeous stepping stones + grass. It was so peaceful...then came the mosquitos...they were relentless. I didn't even think about bringing bug spray. I still really enjoyed it.

They had tons of beautiful flowers blooming. Zinnias are some of my favorites too :)

It started to get hot + the gallery was opening, so I went inside. The guard did not like my mini backpack so I had to take it out to the car. I carried my small sketchbook + put my car key, pencil sharpener, kneaded eraser + phone in my pocket. I sketched some Jean-Louis Forain paintings:

My last sketch was of the chairs + lights at the Cafe Forain. We visited there for a bit + showed our sketches. Fun morning :)

Upcoming Dates and Locations for Sketch Groups, Plus Extra Festivals

2011-09-08T10:59:00.001-07:00

Some of these might change. Let me know if you have any suggestions!

Oct 1, 10 AM to 1 PM Sears Crosstown Tower (to be confirmed)

Nov 5, 11 AM to 1 PM India Festival at the Agricenter

Dec 3, 10 AM to 1 PM, either Central/Cooper/Young or Rhodes Library (to be confirmed), depending on the weather

Jan 7 Memphis Brooks Museum of Art (to be confirmed)

Feb 4 Peabody Hotel

Mar 3 Riverfront

Apr 7 Botanic Gardens (to be confirmed)

May 5 Beale Street (during but not at Music Festival)

June 2 Central Library

July 7 Mississippi River Museum (to be confirmed)

Aug 4 Young Avenue Deli

Sep 2 Collierville Town Square

Some other ideas for places to sketch during Memphis' festival season:

Sep 10 International Goat Days in Millington

Sep 10 Germantown Festival

Sep 17 Cooper Young Festival

Sep 17 Memphis Airshow @ Millington Airport

Oct 1 Repair Days

Oct 9 Pink Palace Crafts Fair @ Audubon Park

Oct 22 River Arts Fest

Oct 22 Victorian Village House Tour

More Work from Dixon Outing

2011-09-03T19:03:00.000-07:00

I thoroughly enjoyed the Dixon today as well. Here is one my drawings after Forain.

Dixon Gallery and Gardens

2011-09-03T13:56:00.000-07:00

Today we had a lovely sketch group at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens. We all sketched in the gardens first, and luckily a couple of people thought to bring bug spray! Some of us also sketched inside the museum, where a great exhibit on Jean-Louis Forain is installed. We finished up with some lunch and socializing at their outdoor cafe, which is thankfully cooled with fans and misters.

We'll definitely return to the Dixon to sketch in the gardens in the spring!

Here are my sketches from today:

Sketch Group This Saturday!

2011-08-30T11:27:00.001-07:00

Don't forget! Our next sketch group is this Saturday, September 3rd, at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens! Access to the gardens will be available as early as 8:00 AM, and we'll have access to restrooms, water fountains and AC in the garden buildings before the museum opens at 10:00 AM. We can sketch in the galleries where the Forain exhibit is still on view.

Let's all plan to meet up at 10:00 AM at Cafe Forain, which is outdoors about halfway between the ticket booth and the entrance to the museum. That way, those who arrived early can see each others' sketches, and those who just arrived can get situated before sketching. Let's meet up again at 12:30 at Cafe Forain to see everybody's work!

Hope you can join us!

Location: Dixon Gallery and Gardens, 4339 Park Avenue
Date: Saturday, September 3rd
Start Time: 8:00 AM (It's okay, you can come later. The museum opens at 10:00 AM. Admission is free until noon.)
End Time: Plan to stay a while! There is plenty to see inside and out, and Cafe Forain serves beverages and sandwiches in the gardens; located just past the admissions booth near the Cutting Gardens.
Please Note: Saturday mornings are very busy! The Dixon's policy for sketching in the galleries is pencil only. Let's be good guests!

Memphis Urban Sketchers @ Flying Saucer

2011-08-24T13:00:00.000-07:00

This month we went to the Flying Saucer downtown. We sat on the covered patio facing Beale Street. It was a hot day but at least we had a breeze by the windows. I sketched the Blues City Cafe + the corner of Peabody Place + 2nd Street. I was inspired by a sketch I saw recently (which I can't find now) to keep most of the image in pencil (or pen) + only have one part in colorful watercolor. I really like the effect:

Then I decided to sketch the interior. I drew a beer keg planter hanging from the ceiling + the plates on the wall:

After that I met my mom for lunch + continued sketching:

Next Sketch Group - Dixon Gallery and Gardens

2011-08-19T11:41:00.000-07:00

Our next sketch group on Saturday, September 3rd, will be at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens! Access to the gardens will be available as early as 8:00 AM, and we'll have access to restrooms, water fountains and AC in the garden buildings before the museum opens at 10:00 AM. We can sketch in the galleries where the Forain exhibit is still on view.

Hope you can join us!

Location: Dixon Gallery and Gardens, 4339 Park Avenue
Date: Saturday, September 3rd
Start Time: 8:00 AM (It's okay, you can come later. The museum opens at 10:00 AM. Admission is free until noon.)
End Time: Plan to stay a while! There is plenty to see inside and out, and Cafe Forain serves beverages and sandwiches in the gardens; located just past the admissions booth near the Cutting Gardens.
Please Note: Saturday mornings are very busy! The Dixon's policy for sketching in the galleries is pencil only. Let's be good guests!

Photo: Dixon Gallery and Gardens

August Sketch Group - The Flying Saucer

2011-08-16T11:14:00.000-07:00

Memphis Urban Sketchers met at the Flying Saucer on Saturday, August 6th. The Flying Saucer is at the corner of Second and Peabody Place - a very busy corner. It made for great people-watching and great views onto Beale Street. We sat at bars along the huge windows and had a view of the outside from the comfort of the restaurant.

Next Sketch Group Saturday, August 6

2011-07-31T13:28:00.000-07:00

Next sketch group:
Saturday, August 6th, 11:30am at the Flying Saucer downtown, 130 Peabody Place at Second Ave.
Come have lunch with Memphis Urban Sketchers since we're running out of indoor places to sketch! The interior of this place is great, plus they usually open the big windows so we can sketch all of the passersby.
Hope to see you there!

Sketching at the Great Peabody Hotel

2011-07-19T11:40:00.000-07:00

This was done with pencil, the second with pens and markers, and the third with pencils and colored pencils.

Peabody

2011-07-13T14:57:00.000-07:00

After the tourists had died down, I came downstairs to sketch the ducks. FYI: ducks do not sit still.

Peabody

2011-07-13T14:53:00.001-07:00

In such a glorious building, with the duck master and his ducks making their daily march, I found it interesting that some people choose to be on ipads and phones instead take in the scenery.

Peabody

2011-07-13T14:49:00.001-07:00

Peabody Hotel

2011-07-11T05:59:00.000-07:00

Ink and watercolor sketches by Martha Kelly
7/9/11

Memphis Urban Sketchers @ The Peabody

2011-07-09T20:44:00.000-07:00

This month we went to The Peabody for our sketch group. There were lots of people in the lobby waiting to see the ducks march. It was quite a production. I'm just glad I sat in a seat with a good view of the fountain.

(hand book watercolor journal, pencil, watercolor pencil + watercolor)

It was a great place to sketch! The air conditioning was nice + some of the girls even got mimosas! :) I decided to sketch the beautiful chandelier next. It was so ornate.

(new sketchbook I got in Paris, pencil + Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens)

Sketching at the Peabody Hotel

2011-07-09T16:22:00.000-07:00

Today we met at the Peabody Hotel for air-conditioned sketching. We learned that sketching while being served mimosas is ideal.

Sketches by Lea Holland

Next Sketch Group - July 9th (2nd Saturday) at Peabody Hotel

2011-06-21T11:58:00.001-07:00

Please join us for some comfortable indoor sketching at the world famous Peabody Hotel
Saturday, July 9th (2nd Saturday this month, to avoid the 4th of July weekend)
10:00 AM (the Peabody ducks march at 11:00!)
149 Union Avenue, between Third and Second
Meet at the fountain

Hope to see you there!

Save the Date: Next Sketch Group

2011-05-24T10:58:00.000-07:00

Next sketch group:

Saturday, June 4
10:00 AM
Overton Park
Meet at Veteran's Plaza

photo by: lalunablanca

2011-05-13T20:09:00.000-07:00

I think it's cool that you can buy tomato plants out of the back of an ambulance, at the Memphis Farmers Market!

2011-05-13T19:48:00.000-07:00

Nice listening to this guy while sketching!

2011-05-13T19:12:00.001-07:00

warming up... I love all the textures a pile of veggies offers

2011-05-10T19:15:00.000-07:00

This couple was rockin' the blues. I was feeling it.

2011-05-10T19:09:00.000-07:00

The balloon animal guy at the Farmer's market. Loved his hat.

Sketching in Downtown Memphis

2011-05-09T14:23:00.000-07:00

Memphis Farmers Market

The Arcade Restaurant

Lunch and Martyrs Park

May 7 Sketch Group at Memphis Farmers Market

2011-05-08T16:00:00.000-07:00

We met early this week at the Memphis Farmers Market and sketched throughout the market while it rained.

Mary Jo

Eric

BJ

Carl

Margaret

Mary Jo

Eric, Elizabetb

Next Sketch Group - Saturday May 7th

2011-04-28T05:27:00.000-07:00

Memphis Urban Sketchers - Next Sketch Group
Memphis Farmers Market and South Main Street
Saturday, May 7

Time for another sketch group with Memphis Urban Sketchers! There will be plenty of opportunities for you to join us at your leisure:
10:00 AM
Memphis Farmers Market
Meet behind the coffee stand on the north end. We plan to get some good early light, and will have plenty of food stalls, people and nearby architecture to sketch.
12:00 PM Meet back by the coffee stand to see everyone's sketches.

12:30 PM
Meet at the Arcade Restaurant for lunch and more sketching.
After lunch (or during if you don't care to have lunch) sketch around the intersection of South Main and GE Patterson.
2:00 PM Meet back in front of the Arcade to see everyone's sketches.

2:00 pm
Meet in front of the Arcade Restaurant.
Wander up South Main to Butler, making sure to sketch Ernestine & Hazel's and the firehouse at South Main and Butler.
4:00 PM Meet at South Main and Butler to see everyone's sketches.

Feel free to come and go as you please or stay for the whole day! There is a lot to draw down there. All skill levels are welcome, and participants are free to attend at your convenience. If you have any questions, leave a comment here or email me at e(at)elizabethalley(dot)com.

Sketching at Elmwood Cemetery Again

2011-04-10T19:16:00.000-07:00

We met again at Elmwood last Saturday for sketching in glorious weather. I sketched these first couple to loosen up a bit.

Watercolor

After meeting back up with everyone to look at their sketches, I went back and made this sketch with graphite and colored pencils.

Memphis Urban Sketchers @ Elmwood Cemetery (2nd time)

2011-04-07T12:31:00.000-07:00

This month (April) we went to Elmwood Cemetery again to sketch. It was a beautiful, warm day :) Great for sketching! I walked around to find something to sketch + this caught my eye. The epitaph said "Nannie Lucas":

(Pencil, Watercolor, Water soluble graphite)

For my next sketch I wanted to do an overall sketch with many tombstones:

(Pencil, Watercolor)

After that, it was time to meet back up to see everyone's sketches. It's always neat to see how others record + translate the same space you are in.

I brought my lunch + stayed for one more sketch. I loved the paired tombstones in this photo:

I decided to focus on the columns, tree + what appears to be a pile of books:

(micron pen, derwent inktense pencil, watercolor)

My last sketch was my favorite :) I'm glad I decided to stay + found a nice spot in the shade.

Sketching at Elmwood Cemetery Tomorrow!

2011-04-01T14:22:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to come to Elmwood Cemetery to sketch tomorrow at 11. If it rains, we'll meet at the Trolley Stop Market at 704 Madison, but it is supposed to be sunny and 70, so I'll see you at Elmwood!

April Sketch Group - Saturday April 2

2011-03-26T08:50:00.000-07:00

We're having another sketch group at Elmwood Cemetery!

Saturday, April 2, 11:00 AM til whenever

At Elmwood Cemetery - meet at the entrance

824 S. Dudley
From Lamar/Crump go south on Dudley, which ends at the entrance to Elmwood. If you're taking the interstate to get to Lamar, take 240 West and exit at Lamar.

If the weather is nice, I will probably pack a lunch and stay a few hours. Feel free to do the same.

Elmwood now has bicycles for rent! To reserve them email cookie@elmwoodcemetery.org

If you have any questions please leave a comment here.

Blue Plate Cafe by Mary Jo

2011-03-16T14:06:00.000-07:00

This was Mary Jo Karimnia's first time out with the Memphis Urban Sketchers. She did this great drawing of her soup cup and plate. See more of her work here and here.

Blue Plate Cafe

2011-03-08T19:06:00.000-08:00

We had fun sketching at the Blue Plate Cafe when it was so cold and rainy out.

Yummy yummy blueberry pancakes.

Rick and Chandler

March Sketch

2011-03-07T18:48:00.000-08:00

We met at Court Square this month. It was rainy and cold so we didn't get to sketch outside like we had hoped :( We sketched at the Blue Plate Cafe instead. We all sat at one big round table. I had already eaten breakfast, but I got a cup of coffee & sketched it. The table cloth pattern was fun to sketch:

(hand book watercolor journal + prismacolor col-erase pencil in brown)

Then I sketched a tea bag, creamer & sugar packet:

(moleskine pocket sketchbook + mechanical pencil)

My last sketch was of a salt shaker:

(moleskine pocket sketchbook + Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens + Lamy fountain pen w/ noodlers ink + a borrowed sharpie pen?)

I wished I had gotten to sketch this:

Maybe another day??? :)

Sketching Indoors on a Rainy Day

2011-03-06T18:49:00.000-08:00

The plan was to sketch around downtown, but it was cold AND rainy, so we went in the Blue Plate Cafe instead.

Lindsay working on a coffee cup.

Everything.

Mmmmm... blueberry waffles.

Sujata drawing a honey bear with watercolors.

Jordan drawing lemons.

This is where we were going to sketch - at Court Square.

This is where we went instead - they were very hospitable to our group!

If It Rains This Saturday...

2011-03-04T14:44:00.001-08:00

Bring an umbrella! And meet under the pavilion at Court Square.

Sketch Group This Saturday, March 5

2011-02-28T14:41:00.000-08:00

Next Sketch Group this Saturday, March 5, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Meet at Court Square, 45 N. Second Street, Downtown Memphis

We'll sketch our way up North Main - feel free to veer off towards the river or to sketch the Vito Acconci sculpture at Front and Poplar.

Meet up in front of Alcenia's, 317 N. Main at 1:00 PM to see everybody's sketches. Stay for Saturday brunch if you can.

Upcoming Sketch Groups:
April 2: Back to Elmwood Cemetary!
May 7: TBA - hopefully an event
June 4: Mud Island River Park
July 2: Peabody Hotel
August 6: TBA - probably indoors
September 3: Memphis Farmers Market

All skill levels are welcome, and participants are free to attend at their convenience. Let us know if you have any questions!

memphis Urban sketchers

2011-02-19T11:01:00.000-08:00

It was a great day and I visited the joyful Memphis farmer's market the first time that day thanks to Elizabeth. The atmosphere was jivy with music, fresh merchandise on sale, reminded me of fairs back home. Each of us chose our own spot and started to sketch. I was surprised that one of the artists actually sketched me in place of the market. That was quite flattering, since no one had ever sketched me before...

Here you see pictures of me with other artists present. I am the third from the left. I wish I had taken out the camera before the rest left, but I was busy sketching myself :(. You can see how I was sketched and what I sketched. I hope very soon I will post the finished work too here.. But since I never got back to it in months, I thought I can at least post what I did that day...

Sketching at Bojo's

2011-02-06T20:06:00.000-08:00

It was cold and still wet on Saturday, so what better indoor sketching venue to visit than Memphis's collective grandma's attic, Bojo's Antique Mall.

As the place covers nearly a city block and two floors, it was a bit overwhelming, so I tried concentrating on collections of things, such as the purses and boots below.

crazy lamp

more purses, and chairs

china place settings

Bojo's

We really appreciate Bojo's letting us spend a couple of hours with them on Saturday!

Blue Ink

2011-02-06T14:10:00.000-08:00

Yesterday's drawing session was overwhelming and wonderful. I couldn't help but think of one of Memphis's best painters, Beth Edwards, as I roamed Bojo's; so I decided to sketch a doll in an awesome fringed turquoise stroller as an homage. I used turquoise ink and a calligraphy pen. Pen and ink, while similar the watercolor brushwork that I often use, took a bit of adjustment for me. Luckily a little photoshop magic this afternoon helped me fix some of the values in the piece and clean up a few drips and drops.

2011-02-05T18:15:00.000-08:00

Fun times at Bojo's today! Here's my sketch of a crazy antique mug that was evidently part of some-sort of Norman Rockwell signature line. I couldn't get over the subtleties in the fleshtones. It was creepily life-like. So I got to brush up on my fleshtones and still life.

Since we were indoors this morning, I drew this on an iPad with a stylus using the SketchBook Pro app. Sketch on! -CF

Next Sketch Group at Bojo's!

2011-02-01T13:56:00.000-08:00

Saturday, February 5, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Bojo's Antique Mall

3400 Summer Avenue at National

Parking in the back

If you have not been to Bojo's you are in for a treat! We'll be sketching inside (it'll be cold Saturday) and there will be no shortage of things to draw: this antique store is a multi-level maze of stuff!

I got permission for us to sketch there, so just go on in and start sketching - there's really no place for us all to meet up. But if you see someone else with a sketchbook please say hi!

All skill levels are welcome, and participants are free to attend at their convenience. If you have any questions please leave a comment here.

Next Sketch Group February 5th

2011-01-30T09:59:00.000-08:00

Saturday, February 5, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Location to be announced. We'll be sketching indoors - it'll be cold again next weekend!

All skill levels are welcome, and participants are free to attend at their convenience.

If you have any questions please leave a comment here.

Memphis Public Library: January 8

2011-01-08T11:36:00.000-08:00

Security Guards at the Front Entrance to the Central Library, January 2011
Chandler Pritchett

Panorama of Donor Monument and Entry to Children's Section of the Central Library, January 2011
Chandler Pritchett

I almost forgot to post my own images!

Central Library Sketches

2011-01-08T11:32:00.000-08:00

As you can see by this fairly large pile of sketches, we had a great group of artists at today's meet-up at the Memphis Public Library. In perfect January fashion, we welcomed many new faces and were happy to see several old friends (E.A. you were missed). Since it was my first time to lead the group, I was thankful that the library staff was welcoming and the patrons were very supportive.

The library provided a wealth of different perspectives--we had some great sketches done through the windows on the fourth floor, wonderful character studies, and several people who represented the whimsical, colorful forest of sculptural trees at the entrance of the children's section.

As you can see from these images, it was a great day to draw!

Next Group Sketch - January 8

2011-01-02T15:27:00.000-08:00

Saturday, January 8, 11:00am
Central Library, 3030 Poplar

Hope everyone can join us! The library offers great public art to sketch, as well as views of the city.

(photo by MyShadesOfGray)

December Sketch

2010-12-08T11:12:00.000-08:00

We met at Bluff City Coffee for the December Urban Sketchers Memphis Group. It was a beautiful, warm day for December. I drew a few of the buildings on the 500 block of S. Main. I've always loved the Frank James Hotel sign, so I wanted to make sure I included it. The building next door had a cute Merry Christmas banner up. I love the trolley lines in the sketch. I had fun doing this one and I scaled down!!! Yay!

We walked a little bit down the street to draw The National Civil Rights Museum. I got my watercolors out to fill this one in. I love the colors; seafoam green is my favorite.

Group pic:

A few of us went to the Arcade for lunch. I got a strawberry shake + fries. The shake was AMAZING!!! Here's a quick sketch before I had to take a bite:

December Sketch Group: South Main

2010-12-06T18:06:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all of the new folks who joined us on Saturday!

There was a little bird hanging out with us.

500 Block of South Main

The National Civil Rights Museum

Lunch at the Arcade Restaurant

great day for coffee and a sketch

2010-12-04T12:23:00.001-08:00

I enjoyed seeing a lot of new faces in downtown Memphis today. The weather was great and it was fun dealing with the barricades that they put up for the marathon and tonight's parade. Special thanks to the guy who left his bike:)

Here's what I drew on South Main.

Next Sketch Group This Saturday

2010-11-30T16:43:00.000-08:00

Saturday, December 4, 10am
meet at Bluff City Coffee, 505 S. Main

The St. Jude Marathon is that day, so I suggest taking Southern to Lamar to avoid getting caught in marathon traffic. See the marathon route here, and see a map with the suggested detour below - click on it to make it larger.
We'll walk around South Main and sketch - bundle up! The second map below shows a few of the great sketchable landmarks. And anyone who is interested can stay for lunch at the Arcade.
Bonus! The Christmas parade is at 5pm on South Main from Central Station to the Orpheum - if you are interested, meet back up at the same spot around 4:30 for more sketching!

We're Famous!

2010-11-18T11:33:00.001-08:00

Check out the article about Memphis Urban Sketchers in this week's Memphis Flyer!

Giveth

2010-11-16T18:12:00.000-08:00

Elmwood Doodles

2010-11-16T18:04:00.000-08:00

Here's a contour line drawing of a headstone from Elmwood cemetery because I'm a contour line kind of gal. I chose this statue because of the name - Apperson - family name.

The Leatherman Vault at Elmwood Cemetery

2010-11-10T08:51:00.000-08:00

This is my sketch from the November Memphis Urban Sketchers Group. I used pencil to do a quick layout & then finished with a Lamy Safari fountain pen filled with Noodler's ink. It was my first time sketching with a fountain pen & I really enjoyed it! This sketch took about 45 minutes.

It was a nice surprise to find out I was sketching Mr. Davidson M. Leatherman's family tomb standing on the first lot purchased in the entire cemetery. He was the founder and first president of Elmwood Cemetery.

Time went by so fast. I look forward to sketching at Elmwood again.

2010-11-08T19:22:00.000-08:00

Sketching with Memphis Urban Sketchers at Elmwood Cemetery on Saturday

I took my colored pencils and watercolors, but I ended up just wanting to use my pencil.

We went early for the great morning light.

A few of us went to lunch at 3 Angels Diner on Broad

Bonus! Matthew sketched Melissa and James in my sketchbook at lunch.

November Sketch Group at Elmwood Cemetery

2010-11-07T18:35:00.000-08:00

James and Chandler drawing in the shadows at Elmwood Cemetery

Mel showing her colorful fall trees

Melissa's

Chandler's walnut ink drawing

Matthew showed us some paintings he did at Shelby Farms

Elmwood Cemetery

2010-11-06T12:28:00.000-07:00

Great weather today at Elmwood Cemetery--sunshine and cool weather. I used walnut ink over pencil to make this sketch of a family plot, focusing on the graves of three children. I'm on the fence about the funky way some of my perspective worked out on the double-plot, but really enjoyed working with a brush. I was really attracted to the little stone birds on the scroll, especially seeing how weathered they were. It wasn't until I was almost finished with the sketch that I realized that the barely legible inscription closest to the foreground was LP, my daughter's initials. That was a spooky momento mori moment. I spent about 45 minutes on this--I hope Urban Sketchers Memphis helps me pick up speed in my observational drawing.

September Sketch

2010-11-04T13:11:00.000-07:00

I admire people who carry their sketchbooks with them & sketch everywhere. I have also followed blogs like Trumpetvine, Danny Gregory, Wagonized & Andrea Joseph for years. I was so excited to hear Elizabeth was starting a Memphis Urban Sketchers group. This month (September) we went to the Memphis Farmers Market. I haven't drawn much from direct observation since I graduated from The University of Memphis (three years ago), so I was a little nervous. I started my first sketch, but I was being too technical & found it hard to scale down. I'm used to sketching an object but not the whole scene. It will probably take a little while to figure out which materials I like best. This is my second sketch & supplies:

I need to practice more & loosen up. I look forward to the next time. I enjoyed meeting new sketchers & seeing their results. Fun!

Memphis Farmer's Market

2010-11-02T08:18:00.000-07:00

I attended the first Memphis Urban Sketchers Group at the Farmer's Market on September 4th. Here's my sketch from the day (top). I was real rusty, and I know it doesn't look like much, but it served its purpose.

I was able to capture the composition and energy I needed to be motivated to keep pushing it into a somewhat finished color drawing (below).

All in all, it was a great experience. I got to meet some new art friends and push myself to finish out a drawing for the first time in a while.

November Group Sketch

2010-11-02T08:13:00.000-07:00

Saturday, November 6, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

At Elmwood Cemetery - meet at the entrance

824 S. Dudley
From Lamar/Crump go south on Dudley, which ends at the entrance to Elmwood. If you're taking the interstate to get to Lamar, take 240 West and exit at Lamar.

If you have any questions please leave a comment here.

Welcome to Memphis Urban Sketchers!

2010-11-02T08:10:00.000-07:00

Memphis Urban Sketchers is inspired by Urban Sketchers, an international group who share the interest of drawing on location and telling the story of their surroundings. All skill levels are welcome, and participants are free to attend at their convenience. We meet on the first Saturday of every month just to get together to sketch and have fun!

Here are some sketches from October's group sketch at the National Ornamental Metal Museum. Left to right: Elizabeth, Juliet, Martha and Matthew.

Welcome

2010-11-02T07:54:00.000-07:00

I'm very excited to see this new Urban Sketchers blog start up.

Thanks to Memphis-based artist Elizabeth Alley for rounding up an enthusiastic group of local sketchers to launch the blog.

Looking forward to all the posts!

gabi campanario
urban sketchers