With a sketchbook and a pencil in your pack, you’re always ready to capture the passing scene, whether you’re in a boat, cycling, or hiking along a trail. You don’t need to worry about dying batteries, failing light, or an almost‑full memory card spoiling your chances of getting that once‑in‑a‑lifetime shot. Plus, you won’t have to carry a bulky, heavy dry box to keep your equipment safe — a couple of ziplock bags will do the job. Don’t fret about not being a born artist, either. If you can sign a check, you can learn to sketch whatever catches your eye, and on any paddling trip you’re sure to find plenty of subjects. Birds and wildflowers, trees and landscapes, animals and their tracks, your boat and your buddies…whatever has had you reaching for your camera in the past can also be caught with a few quick strokes of a pencil. So why not give it a try?

All of which is old news to anyone who’s read the earlier articles in this series. In “First Strokes,” I made the case for adding field sketching to every paddler’s bag of tricks. Then, last month, in “Tools of the Trade,” I inventoried the equipment you’ll need. (Relax. The list is short.) So much for preliminaries. It’s time to do the deed. Don’t break out in a sweat. This isn’t hard. And it will help you burn all that you see deep in the “emulsion of memory,” now and forever — or as close to forever as any of us can hope for. Ready? Great! Let’s put pencil to paper… Read more…

 
Send a Comment