Drafts, I’ve got a few..
Of the 190 illustrations which make up the Bench Views Revisited series I’ve only finished about 40 I think, which means there’s well over 100 still to do and probably nearer 150 that are currently drafted in pencil. They still need the watercolour wash then the acrylic inks then the final permanent pen lines which finish them.
Sometimes I sit on a bench and wonder what people must think as they watch me sketching. It’s more obvious when I’m sat on a bench in front of this church but I get some strange looks when I’m sat in front of a building being developed for example and I’m looking at large wooden panels covering a building works. I never know what will pass or what I’ll see. This day was bank holiday August 2020 and motorcyclists were passing with deliveries. As I drafted it so long ago I have no idea how it will look when finished. That’s all part of the magic of creativity and what I love about the Bench Views.
My theme for A to Z Blogging Challenge is my Bench Views Revisited illustrations done from benches in and around Peterborough UK which I started in September 2019. I drew No. 88 in February 2020 then lockdown hit. I restarted the series in August 2020 which meant almost half the series were drawn pre-covid lockdown and the rest of the 190 illustrations were done post COVID-19 lockdown.
lynnelives 
I’ve not done much sketching recently, and it would be great to start doing my own bench views of my new area (I moved in, to a house in Hampshire, the day before the first lockdown.)
I also stopped exploring because there were so many people out and about, and then of course I got less used to walking, so walked less, and went out less…
So, thank you for the inspiration.
Oh Jemima that sounds like what happened to me re staying in and walking less. I got to a point when I was less able and needed a stick which I keep with me but thankfully don’t need as often now. I think there’s lots of us who are trying to get out and about more again. I have no idea how many benches there are in Hampshire.. If I’ve inspired you to get out and about and walk to some benches and draw then great but beware, it’s addictive.