Fifteen years ago, when I was living and working in Wales, I gave a workshop for the Brecnoc Arts Society, which entailed a day’s hike along the Brecon/Monmouthshire canal.
The plan was to walk for fifteen minutes and then sketch for fifteen minutes which was a pattern we repeated for several miles.
The idea of the exercise was to focus observational skills and to recognise that by standing in one spot for a short period of time, the vista before us could be seen from many different points of view.
The following two watercolours are from the Art School, in Olhao. They demonstrate that by shifting the eye slightly, the same subject is seen from a very different point of view. http://www.artinthealgarve.com
During art school in the early sixties, one of the tutors had us observe a crack in the ceiling of one of the studios for several sessions. We were asked to do a series of sketches based on the crack. At the time I thought he was nuts, but in hindsight, he focused our observational skills and showed that anything can be seen in a myriad of ways…even a crack in the ceiling.
Today’s magical hummingbird.
A bientôt.
My Life as an Artist (2) 
Fantastic suggestions and beautiful part of Wales too. Yes, a change of focus and point of view also can notably change writing… Beautiful sketches!
Yes that part of Wales is very beautiful. I was fortunate enough to live in Crickhowell (The Magical Town of Crickadoon) for 12 years and so have hiked the hills and canal on many an occasion. Thank you, Olga.x
It’s a lesson we can learn for everything in life. Observation is, of course, a vital skill for actors too.
Another interesting comment. Thank you, Sarah. It’s very interesting for me to consider observational skills being used in many different forms. You and Peter have both opened up new ideas for me……Wonderful:)
My work is done. 😀
an excellent exercise. Walking is a great way to wake up too.
Ah yes, we both love walking….and all the gifts it gives. Janet.x
Very true and well demonstrated. In writing the same kind of thing can be achieved by recording two people’s impressions of a single instance, and wondering how they can be so far apart
I love this comment.
From now on, when I am working with others, I will ask them to put into words what they are seeing in the instance they regard a subject. Having two people do this, could be very revealing.
You have given me an idea to extend observational skills. Thank you, Peter:)
Great exercise for observation and quick sketches Janet. Wonderful hummingbird as always, but staircase is gorgeous w/the choice colors for lighting and shadows.
All the whites, are dry white paper, and given that I never use black…my darks are a mix of burnt sienna and prussian blue. Thank you, Mary. Janet
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Yes, the more we look the more we see! I love the walking and observing! Beautiful pics, especially the wee hummer, magical as usual.xxx
Thank you:)xxx
Reblogged this on Spiritual challenges .
I really appreciate this:)
The pleasure is mine!With love maxima
Thank you so much for the re blog:)