Wednesday 26 January 2011

Introducing Cathy Gatland

I'm lucky enough to live near beautiful botanical gardens in Johannesburg, and have been walking around here for the last 15 years, off and on. I've discovered that the more I walk, the better I feel in body, mind and spirit. Sometimes the spirit is willing, but the mind and body want to stay plonked in front of the computer, so Sketchercise has been a great motivator to get off my blogging chair and outside, later to share, encourage and discuss what we've been up to.


I've been sketching regularly since starting my blog over three years ago, before that only occasionally, perhaps on holiday or in my garden. I regarded drawing mostly as work, which it was for many years as a renderer and part-time illustrator, until I came across the wonderful world of art blogs and people who sketched for fun.



Though I do have a small portable sketching kit, when I am walking regularly, I like to have a good workout, so don't always break my rhythm to stop and sketch.

But it's a joy to take note of my surroundings, the birds, trees and changing seasons, and either stroll or drive back later with my sketching things, pick up something along the way to sketch at home, or cool down later in my studio and sketch the birds (and my ever present faithful old pooch) outside my window.

I am excited to be part of this postcard exchange, and to send and receive real live little artworks from my sketching buddies, who have become such an important part of my daily life, all over the world.

8 comments:

Desiree's Designs said...

Oh Cathy, I didn't know you were an illustrator, no wonder your sketch for the group is so amazing! I am in awe of your location and your talent! I can't wait to exchange postcards with everyone!

Albrecht Rissler said...

Hi Cathy, I'm looking forward to exchange our experiences working on illustration. I havn't done it for years. But I still do benefit from that special way (and need) to observe.. That podshaped object is a nice example of it.

Africantapestry and Myfrenchkitchen said...

Cathy, whether you do illustration or painting or sketching, I love them all. they all have such panache!
Ronelle

Bridget Hunter said...

I like your sketches very much and look froward to being in touch with someone from South Africa - amazing.

vivien said...

lovely - and your minimalist sketch makes mine look like everything-but-the-kitchen-sink .... it really is!

Looking forward to seeing everyone's work for real

Charlene Brown said...

I think we all think of Emmarentia as our park we've enjoyed your pictures of it so much -- and now we can perhaps look forward to receiving an original!

Making A Mark said...

That's a truly portable sketching toolkit - very neat. Great sketches as well.

Pat said...

I am so looking forward to recieving your postcard. A Cathy Gatland of my very own. I can say that I have known you for years now and still I learn from you everytime I see a new piece of your art or read a story you share of your daily life. Thank you.