Meet the Correspondent: Jane Dillon Wingfield

Restaurant - NYC

Simply put, I love sketching. I've worked in a variety of mediums using many styles but was always a little frustrated not having enough time to complete major projects. In 2006, my son gave me a small sketchbook with the most scrumptious handmade Italian paper. When I had the unexpected opportunity to visit China in 2007, I took the sketchbook with me; it became my favorite souvenir. The sketches bring me right back to some wonderful memories. That experience rekindled my love of drawing.

I discovered Urban Sketchers in November 2009 and was immediately committed. My first outing was at Volunteer Park in Seattle and ever since I have been regularly making the 60-mile trek from my home in Olympia, Washington to join the Seattle sketchers.

Olympia skyline from Rotary Park, west Olympia

Joshua  Tree National Park

What I love about urban sketching is that it gets me out in the world. I can do art anywhere I am -- no need for a studio with an extensive collection of materials. Also sketching in public is much easier with a group. I used to be a surreptitious sketcher too shy to show but I've come out of the closet and now. When onlookers ask questions I can tell them about Urban Sketching and it takes the pressure off. I love sharing the experience of opening our eyes to see the world, one sketch at a time.

Blog: www.olysketcher.com
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