The change of seasons can give one a fresh start. Nothing is finer for me than the summer drifting into autumn days of cicadas and crickets and crows.

I am drawn to the out doors on these fine days and take great pleasure in winnowing down my drawing kit and heading to the hills or canyons or nearby corners of town. Even a small amount of time can yield grand results. I think of Leonardo with his notebook tucked in his cloak or Whistler striding the shore with his pocket sized panels.

The land teaches me to see and hone my observational skills. Gestural marks may catch the wind-topped trees, patches and patterns of color form the mountain shadows and a continuous contour line may best describe a street scene.

Ideas and imagination have space to roam when I am outside, unencumbered by the demands of the studio.

My collection of small sketchbooks is not only a souvenir of times passed, but often they seed fresh ideas or a new direction.

So enjoy these changing days. Take yourself out of doors and see where the out of doors may take you.