Hats! Hats! Hats!

 

What fun it was to gather at Pat's with all sort of hats, and to sketch each other in our outfits.  There was a bit of Halloween in the air, as well as residual energy from Phyllis' 80th birthday.  Looking at my sketch of Phyllis as a witch, it kinda looks like she grew a beard!  I guess witches will do that.  And Judi ... her flowery hat and flowery outfit looked like Monet to me... and Marilyn .. I love her Annie Hall glasses and her cool vest.  What artist does that remind me of?  Hmmmm....

2016 Djangofest

This year's Djangofest was for sure my most favorite so far. Somehow it felt I found the sweet spots, the magical music several times. The first time was indoors at The Commons. Being the comfort seeker that I am....I was looking for a warm and sheltered place to sketch. I guess the musicians did too, because there they were. The bass player, Libor Michalak, a biologist from Richmond BC liked my sketch so much he took pictures of it. The next day he was asking people if they knew how to contact me as he wanted to buy it. Emily Feffer texted me so I was able to find him and give it to him. It felt good to pay back for the wonderful music. Some of my favorite music was at Kalakala, where I just listened and schmoozed and didn't sketch. Outside at the Commons and UBCC drew me in with bouncy tunes and I was a happy sketcher. I was there all 3 days and simply had a wonderful time.I guess Happy Hour was just all over the place all of the time. And always a seat with a table. Lucky me.

The Wooden Boat Festival in Port Townsend

What a perfect day we had for the Wooden Boat Show!! For the first sketch I, once again, found a picnic bench with an empty seat and a terrific view. The scene was complicated as all get out, but I persevered and captured the feeling of the dock to some degree. The sun was shining, it was not too hot, sketchers and strangers stopped by from time to time for a look and a comment. All in all a very pleasant location. When I got tired of sun in my face I walked to the other side of the marina where I could look out at the open waters facing toward our sweet Whidbey and the sun on my neck. Again I found a handy bench with a place to sit and a place to put my gear. These two boats were coming and going taking folks for rides. If you look closely toward the middle of the deck of Lady Washington you will see Judi Nyerges getting sunburned. 

Comforts Winery

Okay, I'm home with a cold so it's catch up time for the WISk blog. This sketch depicts the view from the gracious big wrap around porch at Comforts Winery. Being a comfort seeker by nature, I found a place on the porch out of the wind with a chair and a table beside it. Then I looked around to see what to sketch.....and it was a no brainer. I love this grand view from the winery porch! And it was convenient to the tasting bar. Can't beat that!

Race Week and Captain Whidbey

Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay.......It couldn't have been more pleasant. I arrived a little late so did these sketches very fast. Also I'm learning new tools.....the water pen and the brush pen. New to me anyway. I  can see it will take some practice to use the brush pen with any finesse. Coupeville dock and then Cap'n Whidbey Inn on a sunny afternoon in the summer. A combo that can't be beat. 

Open Mike at Bloom's Winery

Once again that perfect pairing of Sketchers and wine. This time add music and it was a Wow of an evening! To put the cherry on top....our own Codie Pitcher was one of the stars. 

Whidbey Island Winery

Sketchers and wineries go together like peas and carrots. What better place to indulge in our favorite pastimes? Comfort is when the sun is shining, there are sketchers scattered about the landscape, and wine is near. Thanks to our hosts at Whidbey Island Winery. Another A+ day for WISk. 

Kang's Lavender Farm

I guess if there's an umbrella anywhere near it's going to get into my sketch. The Kang's gardens and lavender fields are a joy to visit. 

Horton's Country Garden

Chairs! I love to draw chairs. There was a guard goose and chickens and other moving subjects, but I couldn't move myself away from this sweet scene. Not only that but a princess granted my wish. I'm still waiting....but feel the manifestation is near. 

"Haly Rune"

We Sketchers get to go to the most wonderful places! Haly Rune was advertised as a rose garden, and the rose garden was spectacular. And there was so much more. I am always drawn to umbrellas for some reason, so could not resist this inviting scene. 

Kang's Lavender Farm

So it seems I repeat myself when I post after sketching. It was, yet again, another absolutely amazing and perfect afternoon. Who knew there was such a beautiful lavender farm just a short distance from Millman Rd? We were hosted with ice water, cookies, cold watermelon, and bundles of lavender. It brought back strong memories of my mother's last days. She loved lavender and there is a lavender farm near their home. I bought armloads of lavender and spread it all over the floor in her room. When we walked we released lavender fragrance. Thank you to the Kang's for a peaceful, sweet afternoon.

Stansberry Home

What can I say? It was an absolutely perfect afternoon at the Stansberry home. My pen was flying. I had a wonderful time. Thanks to the Stansberrys for allowing us to come and enjoy their home and gardens and magnificent views, and to Judith for the delightful gathering afterwards. 

Anne and Patrick Ferry-Brennan

Today it was as though we had travelled to the French countryside to an enchanted garden. Goddess' everywhere were splashing paint and scribbling away attempting to capture the magic.  Several little buildings were scattered about the landscape, each one a place for making art of some kind. Our hostess, Anne, quietly produced delicious handmade pizzas and chocolate cake from her oven and served it in the garden near the inviting fire. Meanwhile host Patrick engaged us with conversation of beings so amazing that no one could even believe in them! And the inevitability of it all, and how the past and future create our present moment. The day was rich and vibrant, and I consider the WISks to be a bunch of Lucky Ducks. We get to visit such amazing environments and people while we do the thing we love to do......sketch! Thank you Anne and Patrick!

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.

May Day at Judi's New Home

Even though Judi had sustained major injuries through no fault of her own, she still hosted us all beautifully in her spacious, delightful, warm and welcoming new home. The interior of her home is a sketcher's paradise with fabulous antiques and collections everywhere. Also it was a glorious, sunny day so I was torn between being indoors or out. Obviously I split my afternoon to enjoy both. The day was a threefer......a housewarming for Judi, a birthday party for Faye, and delicious sketching for every inclination. Thank you Judi.

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. 

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.