end-of-summer crunch

 
(5x7)
A quick (unfinished) sketch of some backyard trees is all I've been able to manage lately.
Every year the end of August is a mad dash to do everything I'd been planning to do all summer; and it's usually a busy time for me with work too.

Below is a little painting I donated to an auction to raise money for ALS research; the auction's on Labor Day: I hope it brings in some money!

tug

 
(7x11)
I painted this from a reference photo at Paint My Photo where this photo by James Swanson is posted. Paint My Photo, unlike some other "reference photo" sites, really has photos you want to paint!
I'd prefer to use my own photos, but I have to get out there and get some good ones!
In my haste to post this, I see I've forgotten to put in some little details--like the captain's belt!

Robyn asked me in her comment to name my favorite watercolor books. I have had so many, but the ones I look back to whenever need inspiration are Jeanne Dobie's Making Color Sing for color mixing; Janet Walsh, Watercolor Made Easy,  and Gail Speckmann, Wet-in-Wet Watercolor,  for technique; and any book by Charles Reid or Lucy Willis for something to aspire to.
And see the fabulous and erudite Katherine Thomas's post on art books at Making a Mark.