Summer is moving on and now as we walk in the countryside or look around our gardens, we can see the autumnal browns and oranges appearing in the trees and shrubs. It is beautiful and this summer has been a marvelous summer (even if we could have done with a little more rain). Liz and myself have been outside enjoying the splendour of nature whenever possible.

We make simple picnics several times a week; a sandwich fits in nicely alongside my camera and pencil case, inside my shoulder bag. I also take an extremely lightweight A4 drawing board with me, which also fits neatly into my bag; in actual fact it lies rather comfortably against my back. Liz always carries the drinks, because liquid and cameras do not mix very well. The total weight is insignificant. 

Which brings me to the point of this blog, a quick sketch whilst you eat a picnic is good fun and helps us to see and become more aware of our surroundings. The above sketch was drawn whilst eating a picnic about two days ago. A very pleasant hour or so occurred; several walkers passed by, stopped to chat, cyclists even stopped. Art is such a universal communication tool, use it; as a result you will find that it is enjoyable meeting closely with nature, our surroundings and other people; most of whom are rather pleasant.