I hope that all is well for you where ever you are. This week’s blog are some of the pages my sketchbook this week. These are from lunchbreak visits to the local Gardens.

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Eight little ducks went out one day
over the hills and far away
Mother Duck said quack quack quack quack
… and all of the eight little ducks came back.

That is the last verse of a childhood rhyme. You may have an equivalent version,
I have been reminded of it each time I visit the baby ducklings at Treasury Gardens in Melbourne. They first appeared in early August. Spring did not begin until 1 September, so it was still very icy for a few weeks. I am happy to say there are still eight.

These are Australian Wood Ducks. There are only two species of ducks in the gardens and I have not seen the others with ducklings.

This blog post has my sketches since August . This is the current sketch. The rest of the page I have them listed from early August to now.

12 September

Sometimes they are the highlight of my day in lockdown Melbourne. I go out to the gardens in my one hour allowed exercise. Looking for the ducklings is a goal. I can’t stop long to sketch so it was just been basic lines in watercolour pencil or ink pen, with a bit of colour.

2 August

6 August

16 August

25 August

10 September

From Monday we can go out for recreation for two hours, so I think that means I can stop and sketch. I am looking forward to one day, sitting under a tree, sketching and reading and enjoying the sunshine.

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

I drew this lemon as I listened to the latest update on lockdown in Melbourne and Victoria. Drawing always soothes me. I shall now take this enforced extended home time to continue with a few more art projects.

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The first photo is the colours I used. Cadmium Yellow Lemon was the star of the show. I am now sure if I have ever used it before. The second photo is some of the other yellows that I could have chosen from. Below is a colour chart