10/05/2026
Artist Karen Lee has returned to Art & Lit’s gallery, bringing us a whole new delight with her latest show, “10 Minute Sketches.”
Showing at our tiny gallery out at the sidewalk October 3 – 23, 2026.
A note from Karen:
Welcome to my tiny exhibit of 10 Minute Sketches here at Art & Lit.
It’s a bit out of my comfort zone, as I don’t share many of them publicly. It’s like having you take a peek in my diary, only it’s my sketchbook.
Back in 2024 I found that I needed a creative outlet. I hadn’t drawn in probably 15 Years. I stopped because I was, and still am, a bit of a perfectionist. I had read an article about Urban Sketching stating that sketches don’t need to be architecturally correct to be satisfying. That spoke volumes to my artistic mind and fed the need I had for some creative time daily. So I bought a 4x4 sketchbook and Micron pens and began setting my phone timer for 10 minutes every day.
At first, it felt awkward, but I kept at it. I sketched simple subjects like my coffee cup, a sugar bowl, or the butter plate. By the time I had filled my first 80 page book, I was still setting the timer for 10 minutes for the basic sketch, but began allowing myself more time to add details and shadows. The best part is when you look back in you sketchbook and remember how you felt, where you were, the scent of the garden, the coolness of the morning, or who you were with.
But that’s not why I’m here. I’m here to encourage you to pick up that piece of paper and pen, set your timer for 10 minutes, and sketch. Let go of perfect lines, and just get on paper the shapes your eyes see. Embrace the wonkiness of your sketch and it’s perspective, but most of all, enjoy the process. It’s a peaceful and meditative way to begin or end your day.
Maybe you’ll be inspired to get a sketchbook and pens of your own.
Remember, no one else needs to see them, and soon you will begin to see improvement and your style developing on the page.
