MARKET, MARIMBA AND THE MERCANTILE

With the Sketchers today in Langley to sketch the street vendors and enjoy Kim Stokely's Marimba group performing at the Commons. I had no more than plunked myself down in my chair, under my umbrella, in the bright sunshine, behind the barricade in front of the vegetable stand, in the middle of the Second Street Market, than two kids sucking on big suckers crawled up into the Starboxx to have the obligatory in-the-Starboxx photo taken by their mother. The Starboxx is an art installation by John Alsip (or bus stop, or photo booth, or sculptural icon of Langley, whichever you choose) that sits in the parking lot, behind the newly remodeled rear entry of Prima Bistro, and the Star Store and Mercantile. As I already had the drawing done, it was a cinch to drop them into the sketch. I had only to reassure mom that their faces would not appear on the internet. Sorry Mom. I'm pretty sure no one will know it's them . . . !

Friday Dance at the Senior Center

Friday was marimba band day at the Senior Ctr and was the place rockin'! Lots of seniors out to kick up their heels with the rhythm of the music and a great scenario for sketching. I would have joined in the dance but was having more fun sketching the people with the beautiful music. Most of the people didn't even know I was there to sketch the action. One gal I was sitting next to let me sketch her and told me why her parents gave her her unique name. I discovered that these seniors want to have fun and are not out to meet a partner but to swing with the rhythm of the music and feel young again. Great idea!

One woman who was very charming in her black hat with colorful rose, sweater, skirt, tights and turquoise socks with Maryjane shoes was unique and would have been fun to meet.

The sketches were done with graphite on newsprint. I would like to use these as drafts to sketch/paint a series of the seniors at the senior center.