Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Roaming around Rosebank

Wow, this blog has hit 300 followers and I can't see any of them on this page or in my dashboard - I still haven't figured out why - but thank you! Sorry for another long break, I've been doing a bit of work, and dithering around with all sorts of projects, getting out to sketch now and then...
 Cranks restaurant in Rosebank, from under a lovely jacaranda tree that I squeezed onto the edges. The jacarandas are out all over Joburg now, not as prolifically flowering as usual, but still magnificent.



Then I had lunch in another sidewalk café, sketching people in the restaurant opposite
 A few days later - a booksale in a Rosebank courtyard - my friend Anni, and I tried sketching from another viewpoint and were chased away by a security guard, so we asked the book sales people if we could sit close to them - next to another security guard - if we promised not to raid the till, and escaped the 'loiterer police' long enough to get down some browsing figures


After which we were ready for a cup of tea- and we drew the Friday after-work crowd gathering around us in peace



And an attempt to sketch people walking briskly past - still loving the waterbrush filled with Ecoline for this!

15 comments:

dinahmow said...

I love my water brush! But I'm not as skilful as some!

Followers? I don't understand that either. Mind you, I don't care much about statistics- i just enjoy my commenters!

Robyn Sinclair said...

I'm not surprised you have 300 followers, Cathy. We are all dreaming of being able to sketch people as wonderfully as you do! :)

Sydney said...

congrats on hitting 300 followers! im one of them :D

sydsense.blogspot.com

RH Carpenter said...

Not at all surprised that you have 300 followers - your work just pulls people in. You show us a part of your world that is lively and fun and I always admire your sure lines and bits of color (the blue bookstore people is my favorite of the day and good for the second security person who supports the arts enough to let you sit and sketch!)

Felicity Grace said...

Wonderful sketches, Cathy! I love the drawing of people walking, the last woman looks like she might be on a catwalk - so well captured!

Marie Theron said...

Congratulations, Cathy! How nice to have so many followers. I love the way you sketch people....and wish I could join in sometimes!

I have entered SA BLOG AWARDS in the Travel division. Please vote on my blog if you have a moment. I write letters to get Art Blogging in South Africa recognized, (none of us can really compete against commercial travel sites) but they never answer my requests!

Cathy Gatland said...

Hi Dinah - statistics are one of many things that overwhelm me so I don't look at them either - but enjoy discovering new blogs via followers. I think I have to update my browser to see them again...

Thanks Robyn, Sydney, Rhonda (I think the security guard was so stunned at being sketched herself she forgot to object!) and Felicity - she does look quite fashionista, doesn't she!

Marie, I wish you could join us too - I did vote for you already!! - saw your post on Facebook - good luck with that!

A Brush with Color said...

Well, I just went browsing through a bunch of your posts I've missed being on the road, and as always, had a delightful time seeing all you do! These are all just marvelous. No one else quite manages to fit so much information into sketches/paintings as you do, I think.

Unknown said...

Hi Cathy ! Like the other 300 followers, i absolutely love everything you're sketching : children, streets, markets, buildings, everything ! Really gorgeous :)

Anonymous said...

Beautiful sketching Cathy...you're absolutely born to sketch...wonderful stories you're telling!
Ronelle

Cathy said...

I always love your sketches of people, but among all these sketches the last one is my favourite, so free, so energetic, stunning!

Liz Steel said...

I am a bit behind with my google reader...so finally catching up. Delightful sketches as always...always with a story to tell.
Our jacarandas as still out - have to try to sketch them tomorrow!!

Anonymous said...

Hi, I found one of your sketches and posted it with a new poem of mine. If you would rather I didn't I will certainly take it down; however, I am hoping it was fitting to the moment. Below you will find the link to my site.

I love your sketches!

Thom

http://thinkingoutloudagain.wordpress.com/2014/03/28/dont-let-me-die-in-a-sidewalk-cafe-inspired-by-an-elder-gent-sleeping-away/

Anonymous said...

hmm, I am only remarking upon the name ... just wondering if you ever happened to grow up in Michigan, USA?

Cathy Gatland said...

Hello Thom, thanks for letting me know you've used my sketch - you're welcome to in this case.
No, I've never been to Michigan :)