Yesterday was the first truly spring type day of this year and it was just lovely. Liz and myself remarkably had a day off, so we decided to make the most of it and go out.

A lazy start and we were out by about ten, a short walk near Walton on Thames was the aim, which we did, then on to the weir and a pub which for the life of me I can not remember the name. A large lemon and lime with a picnic of tuna mayo sandwich's, a packet of cheesetts followed; lovely.

Then we just relaxed by the river, another drink, with Liz reading and myself sketching; the above drawing being the result.

The method is simple if challenging. No pencil, no rubber, just a pen on paper. The shapes are drawn using a very light method of ink application. This is repeated several times until the outline becomes stronger; then hatch, cross hatching and yet more cross hatching until the end result is reached. The trick is to be very light fingered with the pen in the early stages and towards the end not being afraid of getting really black.

Got home fiveish, had tea, a bath, before watching a dvd.

Great fun, super day.