Napping in the shade of the vines.

Here is the second batch of sketches of my trip to Stellenbosch, South Africa.

The first two sketches - pencil and watercolor on hotpressed Fabriano paper.

The last three - ink and wash on rough Canson paper, which I am quite happy with - it gives a feel of the roughness of the day and the job...grape picking isn't so romantic when the heat comes down on your shoulders at about 35 degrees C.

I did the sketching on the spot and the washes later that afternoon. I was mostly interested in catching their actions and gestures and since they were clothed in all the colors of the rainbow, I could only run through my whole color palette afterwards to depict that.

As for the light - it was in the middle of the day and far too white to be spectacular.

I really enjoyed this day of drawing. The Cape folk are so easy to get along with - they take life in their stride, aren't afraid to laugh, to joke, to talk, to differ and their wit has no equal! They were on lunch break and didn't mind at all that I sketched them while they were taking naps. In fact, they ganged up behind me, looking to see who the next one was to be sketched, making suggestions, made jokes, even gave advice. I shared in their lunches and drinks, but unfortunately couldn't share in the napping...would've liked to though!!

I had such fun.

I hope I did capture some romance in these napping in the shade of the vines....