Sketching in DC #2 - at the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Luce Foundation Center for American Art

Met up with NYC Sketcher and Facebook friend Julie Kessler for an afternoon workshop in the fourth floor gallery of the Luce Center at the SAAM. The assignment was to pick from the collections, examples of noses and mouths to draw. I was, as usual, more interested in the architecture and embellishments, so I sort of went with that, and added my study of a nose and mouth after. It worked.

SKETCHING IN DC #1 - With the DC Sketchers

I met up with the Christian Tribastone and other members of the DC Sketchers for the District portion of the World SketchCrawl #53, on October 22. We met up at the US Capitol Visitor Center, then shotgunned off to find our subjects for the day. I knew exactly what I wanted to sketch - the Olmsted Summer House, tucked into the Capitol's west grounds. But, as with all the best laid plans of mice and men, access to it was closed, because of preparations for the inaugural. The only way I could sketch was standing up, leaning against a tree for support, with my gear sort of propped on the top of some fencing. Not good. I put up with it, in the 30 mph winds that were blowing, for about an hour. Then I took photos, and quit. 
I moved on down the walk to a spot with a great wall upon which to sit, and bushes to act as desk and easel. Here I spent the rest of the day working on this view of the Capitol Building. 
All in all, it was a great way to spend a sketching day, with far away friends I enjoy. 

At home, in the evening, working from my photos, I finished the sketch of the Summer house I started on site. Much more comfortable a finish to the day!

Willapa Acres, Long Beach and Oysterville weekend with the Whidbey Island Sketchers

I traveled (for hours and hours!) down to Long Beach, WA, for a Sketching weekend with Pat Brookes, Phyllis Ray, Faye Castle, Paula Pugh, Jean Mason, Mary Cahoy and Claudia Fuller. It was absolutely fantastic!!! On the plus side - incredible setting in the woods overlooking the bay, cozy cabins with pretty darned good beds and tons of books, the ADORABLE Malinois dog, Nala, outdoor candlelit dining room, a hot Aikido black belt master practicing in the dojo, great food, much laughter, a trip to Oysterville and Long Beach and TWO terrific bakeries, and . . . . wine. On e negative side, no running water in our cabins, so composting honeypot potties on the porch, and what felt like non-stop rain. I had just one heck of a good time. And I did two sketches (even though I was pulled away to other fun things!

"OWL" cabin where I bunked in with roomie Mary Cahoy.

Just some of the eclectic room decor in the "Main Lodge", surrounding the blazing wood stove, and the comfy recliner chairs. And, of course, sleeping, snoring, Nala. 

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