I first met Richard Sheppard when I ventured out to my first urban sketchers' meet-up experience a few years ago. Richard is a local artist and urban sketcher whose work I'd seen in my local newspaper, the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, and in Danny Gregory's book "An Illustrated Journey." Richard's talent and his unique way with color captivated me right away, and I've enjoyed getting to know him and his art as we've continued to sketch together with the North Bay Urban Sketchers.
I'm happy to announce that Richard has just produced a beautiful book called "Impressions of Wine Country," and he's given me a signed copy to give away to a reader here! So, leave a comment below between now and midnight on Sunday, December 20 if you want a chance to win it . On Dec. 21 I'll use a random number generator to pick the winner and the book will be on its way to you in time for you to enjoy it somewhere around Christmas. (No promises that you'll get it in time for Dec. 25. Just sayin'.)
The book isn't just a wonderful collection of Richard's sketches. (Which it is, of course. Just studying the way he uses color makes this book worthwhile.) But also, it's a great season-by-season tour through the wine country of Sonoma County. There are bits about the history of California wine-making, information about grape growing and varietals, stories from various local vineyards. So it's a book to read and savor -- with a glass of wine, perhaps.
It's a gorgeous book, whether you're an artist, wine lover, or California traveler. And if you don't win this copy, you can order the book from Amazon.com.
You can also see more of Richard's gorgeous work at his website, The Artist on the Road.
Hi Diane...I think that your work should also be a book!
ReplyDeleteDiane Brackett
his book looks lovely and I'd love to win a copy! Your blog is always interesting an I enjoy following you. Your journal books are especially lovely. Where do you find the time to do it all and still have time to read?
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Book! Can't wait till I get a chance to tour wine country...
ReplyDeleteDiane, it is such a lovely book! Don't enter me in the drawing, though, as I already have it and will also be doing a giveaway of it on my food blog, probably next month. I envy you getting to sketch with Richard! I'm going off to tweet a link to this post now.
ReplyDeleteHi Diane! Wishing you and yours a very Happy Holiday season! Always enjoy your delightful blog! Please enter me in the drawing for the beautiful book. Hugs! Sherri Coates
ReplyDeleteI would love to have this book. Gaaa! We miss N CA wine country so much.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful book! Thanks for the chance to win one.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful book. I would love to win a copy of the book. Thank you so much for this opportunity.
ReplyDeleteThank you Diane, and please thank Richard for the generous gift and chance to win his new book!
ReplyDeleteI first saw Richard's work in "Illustrated Journey" too and loved knowing you two sketched together! It's like the 6 degrees of Kevin Bacon.
But, what I really love is seeing your work... both your sketching and your fiber/quilting art. Now THAT would make a great book!
I often miss Sonoma County, but so much has changed in the 30 years I've been away. I agree with the first post: you should be publishing your own sketches, but I'd like an instructional format, a how-to for beginner sketchers. So admire this kind of art.
ReplyDeleteThis book looks amazing, I'd love to explore wine country through it. I always enjoy your blog.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful sketches! I love the wine country and would love to have this book. I also love seeing your sketches when you post them. They are wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI just took a sketch and watercolor class this fall! So much fun. I would love to win the book...
ReplyDeleteA beautiful book! Would love to win it!
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