The Unreasonable Pleasure of Sketching

Sora at Tinicum. Sumi Brush Pen Sketch by Ken Januski.

It has been around 80 degrees the last two days, unseasonably warm to say the least for Philadelphia in early March. But at the moment I'm not complaining. I need a reminder that spring is on the way, though I hope it doesn't arrive for a few weeks, and at 60 degrees not 80.

Due to workmen at the house I've had to stick close by most of the last two days, not taking the opportunity to get out and see what migrants have arrived. But given the bright sun I can sit in my studio sketching from old photos and feeling almost as though I'm back at Tinicum last August watching and sketching these handsome Sora.

At times like these sketching almost seems like singing, a gift to those who are able to enjoy it and do it. Sketching can often be tough, more like work than fun, more failure than success. But at other times it can seem the most enjoyable thing in the world. That was true of sketching these Sora today.

Sora at Tinicum. Sumi Brush Pen Sketch by Ken Januski.

Sora at Tinicum. Sumi Brush Pen Sketch by Ken Januski.

Northern Flicker. Sumi Brush Pen Sketch by Ken Januski.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet in Goldenrod. Sumi Brush Pen Sketch by Ken Januski.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet in Goldenrod. Sumi Brush Pen Sketch by Ken Januski.

Female Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Sumi Brush Pen Sketch by Ken Januski.

Female Orchard Orioles in Hercules' Club. Sumi Brush Pen Sketch by Ken Januski.