Sketching at Meerkerk Gardens

Our afternoon at Meerkerk Gardens was blissfully peaceful. The air was the perfect temperature, a whisper of a tiny breeze, bees buzzing, birds chirping, and beauty in every direction. My first sketch was a communion with Mavis Davis, an outrageous salmon/orange rhodie. It felt like we were having an intimate conversation as my eyes followed her contours and my hand attempted to follow. My second sketch was a broader scene, in which not only was I lost in the landscape, but I was also trying to practice not drawing every little leaf. These sketches help me recall the peaceful bliss of the day.

A Lilac Sketching Day

Today was a good day to sketch the backyard pond with lilac bush placed in the background.

The old orchard farm in Bayview area has two lilac bushes in bloom.

Sketching on the Alaska Ferry

I started sketching at the ferry terminal in Bellingham while we waited to board the Matanuska. Some window, eh?

After dark on the forward Observation Lounge.

Bead girl - She made jewelry and displayed her wares each day in the cafeteria.

This is Terry and his service dog in-training, Homer. Terry was a crusty old Alaska guy on his way down to San Francisco to retire and live with his daughter. He said he was going blind and that he and Homer would be attending service dog school in California so Homer could become his seeing-eye dog. Not sure if that was all true or just a story to get Homer on the upper decks. Either way, he sure loved that dog. I gave him one of my sketches of Homer sleeping. He said he would cherish it. Sweet.

Another great character traveling on the ferry.  He was always alone and never took off that hat and black trench coat - even at meals.  If he was trying to be incognito, it wasn't working. I never saw him talk to anyone, but he was the most conspicuous person on the boat.

Never did meet this guy, but I think he and his wife were on board with us for the whole trip. He had a very sketchable profile.

The boat moves slowly through the Wrangell Narrows. These two ladies were enjoying the view and catching a breeze.

This guy was fast asleep, sporting his motorcycle leathers, tattoos and head scarf. I'm glad he didn't wake up while I was sketching him. He was probably a pussycat, but had all the trappings of a tough guy.

A view of Vancouver Island out the cafeteria window.

The view of Wrangell from the port. Sadly, I had time to draw this only because our departure was delayed due to a passenger heart attack. The crew's response was outstanding. They saved the guy's life - got his heart going with a defibrillator before the paramedics arrived. They are very well trained.

A view of Peril Strait from the stern.

We had a generous amount of time in Ketchikan so I had time after lunch in town to sketch this view of the hillside.

The last sketch of the trip and the first sunset I've ever sketched! I wish the sky were softer, but still, I'm happy with it.

One of Our Own at Art in the Café

Art in the Café welcomes Whidbey Island Sketcher Diana Carter to the Island Angel Chocolates Shop in the month of May.  Diana and Island Angel Chocolates invite you to an artist’s reception on Saturday evening, May 1 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at 138 2nd Street, Langley. The Artist’s Reception is in conjunction with the monthly Langley Art Walk.

After retiring in 2008, Diana and moved to Whidbey Island to begin to live her dream. “How could one not paint with so much inspiration? Whidbey is truly a painter’s paradise. I have met many wonderful people during the last year and have been painting practically non-stop. I hope you enjoy the work I have chosen to show,” says Diana.

Pat's Plein Air Sketches

Pat Brookes has been inspired by all the great weather we've been having. She did all these lovely watercolor sketches of Whidbey Island and Pt. Townsend in the past week or so.

Coles Road Pond 3/9/10

Low Tide at Double Bluff 9:30am 3/15/10

Camping at Keystone Fort Casey 3/17/10

Keystone Ferry 3/17/10

Pt Townsend Warehouse from Sirens Restaurant Deck 3/17/10 (not finished)

Outgoing Tide - Sunlight Beach View 3/18/10

Whidbey sketcher's watercolors on display

We're so proud of Whidbey Island Sketcher, Faye Castle, whose work is part of a show, "From Here to There" at Brackenwood Gallery through March 1. 

Faye's plein air watercolor sketches in the show are from her journeys around Whidbey Island and San Miguel de Allende Mexico. 

Cheers to you, Faye, from all your Whidbey Island Sketchers buddies.  Congratulations and we can't wait to see the show!

Brackenwood Fine Arts Gallery is in downtown Langley, WA.  Winter hours are Thursday through Monday, 11 to 5.

Trip to Roslyn

Driving back home through beginning snow, ...what color IS snow?

Warming up at the Brick

Happy Hour at the Brick. What a great place, area for families

below, friends gathering and having fun. This group obviously

were long time friends, came in ont at a time, and stayed. Great

models! Their wives were all at another table.......Wish Whidbey

had a place like the Brick!

Happy Hour at Suncadia!

So comfortable and colorful inside...Lyle's great paintings!


View of back yard from friends' wonderful little house in Roslyn.


Soon up to the snow..


This is heading up Snoqualmie near Mt Si. Love my little sketchbox!

Garbage Cans at Useless Bay Coffee

garbage cans at Useless Bay Coffee
Originally uploaded by Sue Van Etten

My view out the window at Useless Bay Coffee. I did a second sketch because I wanted to see if I could create more of a focus - the garbage cans. Left to my own devices, I probably would have continued working on it until I ruined it. Luckily my instructor, Faye, told me she thought I was about done - so I stopped :)

Blog Crasher!

Must post something! Here's a picture of Whidbey looking from Camano. Appropriate.