Creations By Dawn Gallop: January 4, 2026 Sketchbook Challenge

Sunday, January 4, 2026

January 4, 2026 Sketchbook Challenge

Hello and Happy Sunday. Yesterday was a great art day. I am in a few classes and this one is with Toni Burt I love creating with her. It’s not really my style but it is still very engaging and entertaining all the same. It teaches a sketchy type art and simple watercolors. She makes her own watercolors, which are so vibrant and beautiful. She is living in Australia. The original photo is from Melbourne in the 1960’s but the people and dog all inspired by L. S. Lowryare from the early 20th century. Inspired by L.S. Lowry an English painter. I have enjoyed immensely learning art history. I watched two of his documentaries this early morning. I only wish I could have went to college (which I have said since my teens).
I went to nursing school instead. I had a baby ( Jr.) and one on the way

(Alexis) at 18. I finished nursing school graduating on March 31, 1989 and Alexis was born on April 2. I started working when she was two weeks old, Jr. went to day care and Alexis stayed with my best friend Bridget. Whom passed away a few years later from AIDS. Rest in peace Bridget. I miss her so much. Honestly no words can express how much she helped me and the things she taught me. She was almost 10 years older than me. It truly was a blessing to be friends with her. We did so many things together. She once even lived in the same neighborhood and she was at my house all the time. Good times!

Day 3 of the Sketchbook Challenge a 30 day challenge by Susan Yeates. Everyone is given a prompt each day. This was day three “stationary” well I just started at it and then I watched the video that went with the prompt. That to was inspired by an artist whom I couldn’t quite find as I didn’t have the correct spelling or grammar. Someone graciously left me a message it is

Sir Michael Craig-Martin. That was not whom I searched for. Which my sketch has nothing or the sort inspired by his works of art. The prompt was to be colorful however I try to follow Susan’s advice about creating first and consuming later, and I did exactly that. As someone left a comment for me. Smiling here.

Thought you might like my view currently as I drink my coffee and absorb sunshine watching the beautiful creatures. That bird camera my daughter Alexis and Amanda sent me last year for my birthday. I have greatly had the pleasure to learn more about the birds and see them up close and personal. Wonderful! Thank you Alexis and Amanda.

Amelia sent me some pictures yesterday of the babies. Brooks on the snowmobile.

Briar is already changed so much and doing so well.

This was prompt #2 or day 2 a shell. Colorful however I had the idea to use a very small journal like shirt pocket size and I did two prompts in that journal and it just wasn’t for me. I don’t like that it’s not watercolor paper but we use what we have.

I made some bacon it takes a week but this time I used the brown sugar that is sugar free (which is very good) and the redmans salt. Bruce smoked it and then we fried it up. One of the pork belly I added pepper which was very good. We froze the rest already sliced for a breakfast one morning.

Baker they get in this window all the time. They love watching the birds.

These boys love apples. 🍎 he was telling me that daddy put up the blow up Christmas statues.

We went over to the Gladstone lighthouse while Kim and Jr. (kiddos) were here for the Thanksgiving holiday. We had a great day. It was cold and windy.

We took Sophia with us as she is a car rider she loves to go with us anywhere. However when it’s super cold she can’t go. She tries by stalking me the whole time I am trying to get ready to leave. Like mommy please take me. Kim took the picture.