I've enjoyed taking my watercolors along on various trips over the last couple of years. These urban sketches (or not so urban, depending) were all done on site.

French Broad River, North Carolina

The French Broad River runs through Asheville and Hot Springs over in the area of North Carolina I visit every so often. I did this pair of watercolors as studies for a print while I was sitting on the highway bridge with trucks rattling past me. Not the most relaxing painting spot, but a lovely view.

Vicksburg, Mississippi

Vicksburg is a neat town with lots of gorgeous antebellum buildings. Very fun to draw.

New River in West Virginia

I'd heard about the New River for ages (and played the song "New River Train" on my banjo), but I finally saw it in person. I loved the deep gorge and was especially struck by the graceful bridge arching over it.

Shaker village at Pleasant Hill, KY

Urban Sketching circa 1830. This village was built in the early 19th century and is now a museum/inn/restaurant and a lovely place to spend a couple of days. I went to college just a few miles from this spot, and it's one of my favorite places to visit and paint.

Country Workshops, North Carolina

Country Workshops has become one of my favorite places over the last few years. It's a small woodworking school on a beautiful farm, and I'm lucky enough to visit regularly. I've done oils, pastels, prints, and now watercolors of the place. Check out their website at www.countryworkshops.org to go and stay and take classes in woodworking, cooking, or basketry.

Ocracoke Island in the Outer Banks, North Carolina

All images © Martha Kelly -- All Rights Reserved