@ Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens in Greenbank

It was a "Three for One" day for me yesterday at Meerkerk Gardens in Greenbank on Whidbey Island.
#1 - sketching and laughing and enjoying shared company again with my Whidbey Island Sketcher Buddies on our weekly Friday sketch/meet (after two weeks "off" in DC), deep in the woods in spangled sunshine among fragrant rhodies and azaleas in all their blooming glory.
#2 - catching up on Every Day in May with #11, "Bucket" (a bucket of rhodies) and
#3 - EDiM #12, "Leaves"
Voilá!! A Bucket of Rhodies and Leaves, surrounded by Whidbey Island Sketchers!!

Mavis Davis at Meerkerk

The rhododendron "Mavis Davis" was in her full glory at Meerkerk Gardens a couple of weeks ago. Basking in the sunshine in shades of apricot, pink and gold, she seemed to be holding court as we gathered round and paid homage to her charms. This is my version.

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.