Making wreaths with Paula and the Sketchers

My nose is still running from the cold, crispy air in the barn at Paula Pugh's house in Langley last Friday. Everyone had a great time and many lovely wreaths left the barn and headed to houses to brighten the scenery. I sketched, but even I got one, because dear Paula made one for me ( a candle!!) The only thing missing from the revelry was caroling, but believe me, you don't want me doing that! Sketching is much better. Happy Hour at Sherryl's was one of the best EVAH! Next week is Christmas Party! Let's see what we can do with that!

Deno's Playland

The teepee was a quiet healing retreat in the maze of Dean Petrich's Playland home.

Langley Woodman Cemetery

A peaceful cooling breeze swept through the cemetery on this very hot day. What a wonderful place to sketch. Next time I think I'll take some paper so I can do some headstone rubbings. 

This image started with the dappled shadow shapes falling on my paper. Just a playful experiment.

Kang's Lavender Farm

There was a slight breeze and dappled light under a tree at the pristine lavender and grape farm. That was enough to put me in a playful mood on that hot afternoon. I started playing with the fun shapes of shadow falling on my paper. The dog, Aggie, was also in a playful mood as she ran off with Mary's painting towel.

Victoria Buddy Art

A Buddy Art memento of our 2-day visit to Victoria.
 

Buddy art by Sherryl, Sue, Cathy, Missy

Relaxing at Glass Alley

Delicious food and relaxing environment at the Glass Alley in Freeland. 

Maybe the background is a little too relaxed?

 

Love that Yupo. It is easy to make changes with Yupo. 

I could continue until there is nothing left of this sketch but 

I'm ready to start another experiment. 

Christmas Mushrooms

There is magic in Cynthia's Christmas Mushrooms. 

The Day After

New Years Day with good friends in the new Kalakala Co. Mercantile

'tis the Season

Blow out the candles...it's time for a new season and a new light.

Over forty-five years of carving

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We went to the home of a sculptor who focused mainly on First Nation designs. The home, situated to take full advantage of our island's beautiful surroundings, was full of her work and her Mother's work from over 45 years of study and carving. Another gem on Whidbey Island. Thank you Diane for sharing your work and your Mother's work.

'tis the season at the Flower House Cafe

The Flower House Cafe is so cheery this time of year it would be impossible to not be in a joyful mood while there. Of course the delicious food they serve helps.

The down side of painting on Yupo is any drop of water can smudge the image. Of course that happened as I was walking out of the cafe and not willing to work any more on this piece.

Whidbey Art Gallery

Sitting outside the Whidbey Art Gallery my attention of course turned toward Sweet Mona's and Candy. I managed not to stuff myself with candy but had no control over my visions of lollipops and chocolate. So it was another sweet day of sketching.

Sweet Mona's

Sweet Mona's : - Brittle & Seafoam Bits & Bars Drinking Chocolate Creamy Fudge Nuts & Fruits Truffles of Distinction Buttery Caramel Truffles of Origin Seasonal ...

Adults and children continually streamed through Mona's colorful candy shop choosing their sweet treat for the afternoon. 

The sketchers did their part to keep the line full of shoppers.

Thank you Mona for the cheery afternoon.

One Spirit Garden

A fine place for deep breathing as the season changes. 

Thank you Glo for another afternoon of nourishment.

Happy Pig

The Pigs and other animals in this Sanctuary do not need to perform for their food but I was lucky to draw this guy while he was scooping up fresh carrots.

Sherryl's summer table

I just found this while cleaning out my art supplies.  The pretty table cloth and flowers that Sherryl had out for us one day.

Bright sunny day and happy tablecloth at Sherryl's!

Beautiful East Harbor Home

Meditating on Holmes Harbor was one way to stay cool on a warmer than average day.

With my back to the water I discovered frogs, frogs and more frogs. They know how to stay cool on the shady side of the house.

Smuggler's Cove

It seems no matter where you are on this Island there is an overwhelmingly beautiful view. Thank you Elizabeth and Fletcher for sharing your dreamy overlook. 

Curious Birds

Curious sketchers, curious birds make a colorful afternoon.

Birds at Bar

It feels as if the sea birds outside of Ivar's would be happy to join us inside for a french fry or two. Watching the sea life and bar life was a cozy way to celebrate Kris's birthday. Again good company and good food.

The top watercolor was inspired by Mike Todoroff. The bottom watercolor was a seagull hanging out on the rail.