Got back yesterday from a weekend of camping at Gold Basin Camground. Four families. Seven kids. Great campsite. I had a second while the rest of my family was napping in the tent to sketch this as I sat along the Stillaguamish River. Usually I get bored drawing outdoor scenes. This time I was thankful to have a few quiet moments to myself. Sketching quickly helps too — not being worried about getting every detail just right. Just trying to get the essence of the scene. Painted it back at the campsite with my Winsor & Newton travel watercolor set (surrounded by kiddos this time).

Check out last year's camping painting here.