Our Memphis Urban Sketchers chapter met this weekend at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens. They open up the gardens early on Saturday morning (for free!), so I got there as soon as I could after my farmers market run that morning. They've got a lovely outdoor cafe set up as a special feature during the run of the Forain exhibit, and it was the perfect gathering place for our group. We came and went and drew what called us, but most of us ended up back there for lunch. I always love the chance to sit around and talk art with other artists.

I did two morning watercolors, had lunch with the group, and then went inside to see the exhibit properly. It's an amazing show, more so than I had expected. I love getting to see the whole arc of an artist's career, and he did beautiful work in a variety of media. I especially liked the watercolor/guache pieces and the etchings.

I also really enjoyed painting the structured gardens (I've always been a sucker for formal gardens and have loved this spot since I was a teenager). I think I'm going to have to go draw there again so these two sketches don't get lonely.