2nd STREET HAIR BOUTIQUE

This was totally one of the more fun days we have had sketching! We all gathered at Bristol's 2nd Street Hair Boutique for an afternoon of haircuts 'n' stuff, and sketched while we did it! 

 Got a little hair dye here -- love it love it love it!!!!!!

And, of course, there was wine . . . . .!

Doing a WHOLE LOT of catching up on posting . . . . .

Here are two of the herd at Paradise Found. I think they are both Alpacas, but I really don't know. They are just both sweet and have big eyes with 
LONG lashes . . . 

. . . and here are two of the kitties from the WAIF Cat Adoption Center in Oak Harbor. 

Second Street Salon Soiree

What do you get when you put a bunch of WISkers into Second Street Salon with a bunch of hairdressers? A ton of fun, that's what. Hair was flying, driers were drying, color was applying, and everyone was beautified. We sketched while we waited our turn. We sketched while we were being coifed. I didn't see anyone sketch while they were being shampooed, but it could have happened. The wine was opened, the pizza was ordered, and the beat went on. Thanks to Bristol and her great crew for letting us invade her shop. It felt like we were in a movie or a novel. 

Hiatus over?

Donatell & Misty Mae

 It was nice to be back sketching with my friends and the alpacas and sunshine to boot.  Welcome Spring Break!  Anyone giving anatomy lessons for alpacas and llamas?

A day in Paradise

A beautiful sunny day for sketching at Paradise Found Fiber Farm, lots of giggles as the animals got close and cozy.  Such cute faces and funny teeth!

Next it was play time. Clearly the animals knew who grew up on a farm as Kim and Pat ventured out to play soccer (and the rest of us stayed lined up near the fence).  Hey, what are the rules? Isn't somebody supposed to do something? Let's gather around and look at the ball until those humans figure out the game.

Sketching with the Girls at Paradise Found Fiber Farm

Yesterday we were at Mary Donaty's pastoral Paradise Found Fiber Farm in Clinton. Sharing the sunny pasture with the girls (alpacas and llamas) as we sketch them is a special experience. Grazers seem to move every few seconds, so I didn't get much in the way of completed sketches done. This girl was, blessedly, the exception, sunbathing and staying put for a sketch.

Sunbather

Otherwise, I'm just posting all my bits and pieces of alpacas and llamas on the move.

Alpaca parts and pieces

Grazers

Eyes on the ball

Paradise Found Fiber Farm

The WISkers lucked out with a fabulous day for sketching llamas and alpacas at Paradise Found Fiber Farm. All are members of the Llama Family, we learned. We sat in the sun, lined up against the fence, and enticed the gentle beasts to come closer so we could get better views. At one point there were large rear ends in our faces that felt just a little too close. I took my chances and kept on sketching, though I can't say I was totally comfortable. I moved to the Fiber Shack, where Mary sells charming and beautiful fibers and fiber crafts in order to support her dedication to giving forever homes to these animals who have been abused or abandoned. When Happy Hour arrived we moved to Barb Barry's beautiful home where some sat in the sun and visited, while others continued sketching from the many colorful still life set ups Barb had throughout her home. What can I say? Another perfect afternoon with WISk. 

Oak Harbor Cat Adoption Center

Who knew it would be so peaceful and relaxing to just sit among cages of cats? I set my chair where I could see at least 8 cats from my seat. Of course they moved as soon as I thought I had their gesture, so I just sat quietly and got to know them and tried to memorize their last posture. I got to know their names, and a little about their history and personalities. I fell for a sweet girl named Mew Mew. Oddly I didn't sketch her. My 10 year old grand daughter, Sarah, was with us for Spring Break. I think she captured Charlie 1 quite well. Thanks to Oak Harbor Cat Adoption staff for keeping these sweet kitties so clean, odor free, well fed and clearly well loved. 

Glass Alley Cafe

This island keeps surprising me. I'm a bit behind. This very delightful cafe has been in Freeland for awhile. While enjoying the peaceful surroundings of The Glass Alley Cafe, visiting with WISkers, and sketching the environs, I managed to enjoy a caesar wrap that was not only delicious, but also very generous. I need to get out and about a bit more, I guess. I will most certainly return to The Glass Alley Cafe! One of the many benefits of WISk is that we really get to know the island.

Lovies Loft

Another catch up sketch. More about costumes. Brenda Lovie designs and creates wonderful gowns especially for people who are performing in one way or another. I sketched the beautiful gowns and added glitter to the bodices, and many lovely sketches of Lovie's gowns have been posted....so I'll post this little pin cushion sketch. These little guys are holding up the world! Such effort. This little pincushion evokes all kinds of early memories for me, but I can't quite put my finger on what. Did my Mom have one of these? Maybe.

WICA Costume Loft

Okay, I'm doing a little catch up here. Starting in January when we had the pleasure of going to the costume loft at WICA. Others have long ago posted sketches of costumes and hats....so my contribution is this little stack of wonderful shoes. They all evoke something about their time, their place, their character. It was like playing in grandmas attic with clothing of days gone by.

Oak Harbor Cat Adoption Center

We had a wonderful, relaxed afternoon sketching cats at WAIF's Oak Harbor Cat Adoption Center today. We were SO impressed with the friendly staff, volunteers and the quiet, uncrowded, odorless, relaxed environment. Most of the cats had a green cube in their kennel where they could hide from prying eyes if they wanted to be alone. Great idea for reducing the stress of shelter life. Kudos to WAIF. We love hanging out with animals and animal lovers.  Here are just a few of the furry friends we made today.

They each have their own kennel, but they like to hang out together. If you meow at Mew Mew, she answers.

Love the attitude. Seems pretty proud of those big white paws. Maybe he's saying "See? No claws."

Daffodil has been in the shelter a year - too long! Could a girl get a break?

Dartanian has amazing green eyes that are particularly stunning against his green cube. He gave me a good swat when I reached inside his kennel.  Could be why he's been there 2 years?? Jeez.

Richard Scholtz - Chicken Barn Concert Hall

I just love Clinton, WA, the Chicken Barn Concert Hall, and I adore sketching musicians!!!  Here's one from a concert last month that I just HAD to share with you-all.  Next time, I'll convince more sketchers to bring their pads!!!  Richard Scholtz is a musician from Bellingham, and is an amazing guy involved in music, education, promotion of the arts, quality of medical care...  Google him!

Glass Alley Cafe

Such a delightfully fun & artsy cafe with delicious food, generous pours, and fun staff...  Loved sitting with the birds' eye view of the kitchen.

China City

After a lovely lunch sketching at Glass Alley Cafe, we intrepid spirits sauntered over to China City.

The Buddha with the Bottles -

The Dudes with the Buddha....

Relaxing at Glass Alley

Delicious food and relaxing environment at the Glass Alley in Freeland. 

Maybe the background is a little too relaxed?

 

Love that Yupo. It is easy to make changes with Yupo. 

I could continue until there is nothing left of this sketch but 

I'm ready to start another experiment. 

Marimba Cafe .... continued....

Here's two more sketches ... and if Marimba Cafe wants the originals, let me know!