Meet the Sketchers: Susan Cornelis

Life mostly happens too fast to take it all in, except when I'm recording it, however quickly and simply with my pen and watercolor. Year ago I learned to pack up my book and materials and take them with me so that I could sketch anywhere, even while walking in a parade, watching a performance or sitting in a kayak. Drawing connects me with the sensory moment. I never forget those moments when with pen and watercolor I am focused on capturing the visual image, sounds, tidbits of conversation, weather, and random thoughts. Perched on my tiny portable stool with brow knit intently and pen and brush moving crazily, I become an actor in the play of the moment.

My art studio and home is in Sebastopol, the North Bay where I also teach art workshops. For years I taught watercoloring sketching before getting into experimental mixed media painting. Once again I am doing both now and loving the international culture of Urban Sketching where I have connected not just with Bay Area folks but sketchers worldwide. I have learned the thrill of sketching in even chaotic circumstances with moving subjects, weather discomfort and materials malfunctions. These lend a kind of spontaneity that appeals to my poetic soul!

My favorite subjects are people

and animals

                                                                 and places

and nature

I've been art-blogging for ten years now. I hope you'll visit my blog to see more sketches and website to find out about my upcoming sketch workshops. 

It's a pleasure to be a member of the SF Urban Sketchers where I have many friends already! Hope to be sketching with you soon!