Jan's Colorful patio table

Sketching at a log home near Whidbey Shores and enjoying the most wonderful company and beautiful day.  My daughter joined us to get a taste of Mom's Friday afternoons with the Sketchers group.  Kathi pointed out the other view of the table reflected in Jan's studio window.  I'm all about seeing with different eyes, so had to try this challenge.

From the Deck (Jon deWit glass piece)

Reflection in the studio window.

A Day Above Smuggler's Cove

A lovely day of sketching at the home of Fletcher and Elizabeth. So peaceful to sit out on the deck and watch the tugs and barges, huge merchant ships and private boats cruising and sailing by down in the channel, under the overcast sky, in view of the brooding Olympic Mountains. And to see all the birds in the air and on the ground. Or, in the case of the herons, hearing them back in the woods. 

Bush Point Views

We were invited to enjoy a beautiful home that is for sale (Windermere) on Smugglers Cove Rd. yesterday.  About ten of us showed up and sketched the view of Bush point and the garden.  Thank you to Elizabeth and Fletcher for hosting.

Bush Point view

Just as we were getting ready to leave, the sun came out and shone on the white bench in the front yard.  I realized that it is a perfect sunning bench for any time of year, protected from the wind and weather.

The sunning bench

Views, views, views

Every side of this beautiful house had the most gorgeous view.  It was gray and chilly when we first arrived at Maria and Owens house, but as you can see from my somewhat similar view of Cultus Bay the sky lightened and the Birch trees glowed.  On the back side of the house the view was of Mulkilteo point where the Ferry comes in.  One of these images is on Yupo paper and almost translucent.
Pat

Mulkilteo in distance

Getting Sunny:  Cultus Bay

Mulkilteo point on the right.

Cultus Bay 

Azar-Harris

I've been so busy with classes this past month that I haven't posted recently.  Here are a couple of new sketches.

Azar Harris home on a beautiful sunny day.

Laci after breakfast, dreaming about her coming walk!

Kitchen in the Barn

This is Barbara Mearing's sketch of the cool stove in the kitchen of the Kane's barn building.

Garden Railroad

a beautiful house and grounds with a fantastic garden railroad which I just had to sketch.

Beautiful Beams

this was a beautiful renovated barn with a wonderful tall interior with old wooden beams.

Hearth, Home, Art and Whimsey

The sketchers were like kids in a candy store exploring all the art and fabulous sketching opportunities at JoAnn and Artie Kane's "Point of View" estate home.  I loved the warm colors and patterns in this still life of candles against the stone hearth in The Barn.

Enchanting Glass Garden

I found an old box of crayolas in the kids' art supply box and they seemed like fun tools to use for this enchanting glass garden (which I'm sure is inhabited by faeries). With its dinosaur topiary garden, train village, gazebo, and multiple points of view overlooking the water, the Kane's garden is a delightful place to spend an afternoon drawing.

SKULL and ARCHITECTURAL DETAILING

At the head of the stairs in this most spectacular of houses, a striking composition of bone and white against a brilliant blue rough plaster wall. 

Even the Little Pumphouse!

Even the little pumphouse at Chris and Jude's was absolutely charming!

As I sat on the front steps and began this little sketch the warm sun came out

onto this amazing view!

Something Special

I can't begin to describe the home of Chris and Jude. But this is what I wrote in my email to the other sketchers:

 "If you love drama, whimsy, craftsmanship, gargoyles, art glass and optical illusions, don't miss this one. Chris built the place himself and describes the style as ecclesiastical. The setting is also dramatic,  perched on a hill overlooking shipping lanes in the distance. You will know you are on the right track when you pass a Roman ruins on the property." There was something to surprise and delight at every turn. I chose the downstairs bath, but due to poor planning, only got a piece of it.

When the clock struck Happy Hour, the sketchers migrated to Ott & Murphy's in downtown Langley for refreshments. This is their lovely Wine Flight presentation, served outside on the sidewalk in the sunshine along with olive torte, cheeses, crackers, nuts,  etc. Every single wine in the flight was wonderful.

Barbara & Mary's Lyrical Garden

A huge thank you to Barbara and Mary Strom for the warm welcome and chance to gather and sketch in your delightful home and gardens.

I thought this drawing was going to be about the pot of flowers in the foreground, but I think it turned out to be about the cat sculpture. No one ever accused me of planning a composition. Phyllis called it lyrical and I like that. My drawings seem to unfold in ways I never expected. I thought this one captured the sense of fun, whimsy and vitality of the garden.

Sketch #2. Unfinished, but here it is.

Cynthia's Home

Blue is the color that Cynthia loves, the blue sky and water views outside to the beautiful blue accessories inside.  This was fun and blue brings peace.  Pat

Lovely blue glass

View

Art Everywhere

Sketching at Bill and Amy's home.  A peaceful, art-filled home filled with a meaningful art collection from a life well-lived.  Pat Brookes

Collection in the corner of the Living room 

Window sill in Breakfast room