BLUE HERON RUST SCULPTURE - on the reflection pond at Whidbey Pies, Greenbank Farm

It was another glorious summer day on Whidbey Island, the kind that reinforces the knowledge that we are blessed to live here. Whidbey Island Sketchers met outside Whidbey Pies at Greenbank Farm, in the sunshine, amid the wonders of nature. While I was serenaded by Redwing Blackbirds, Mourning Doves, Robins, Gulls, Crows, Mallard ducks, bullfrogs and peepers, I sat amongst a long ton of Canada goose poop at the edge of the pond, entranced by this view of the restaurant terrace. Finished a whole sketch on site, and came home with slices of fresh Rhubarb/Apple and Marionberry pie for feet-up/chair-time tonight. Any day that ends with pie is a day well spent.

Sketching at Greenbank Farm

When we first got there I thought it was a bit chilly to sketch outside, so I chose to sit inside the Whidbey Pies Cafe. Beside it was lunch time, and, well, you know. So, because I felt guilty for taking up a table during their rush hour, I ordered a fabulous lunch and enjoyed every bite. Oh, and got this sketch inked. The color came at home. I loved the outfit my waitress was wearing. She looked like a gypsy. 

Wednesday Sketching at Greenbank Farm

I hate drawing buildings. I hate all the tedious structural details you have to get just right or it won't fit together properly. I have 4 mistakes in this one. But I wanted to sit and chat with my buddies at the picnic table and it was either this view or the antique tractor, which looked even more complicated.

Sorry about the extra 15 years, Cathy. It's always a mistake to sit directly across from me. You're new. You'll learn. Apparently I won't, but I keep trying. I've been trying to get a flattering sketch of a fellow sketcher for almost a year!

A Really Big Shew!

I couldn't resist sketching a bit of our show on the walls of  Whidbey Pies Cafe this Wednesday. It looks great! We were excited to learn we had our first sale on Wednesday morning before we arrived! Congrats to Sherryl on the sale of  "Beach Cuddle."

The Greenbank Farm ducks seemed pretty excited, too!

The China City bar patrons, not so much.

On Wednesday we all got together at the Whidbey Pie Cafe. We had several interesting and enjoyable guests while drinking coffee and drooling over the pie! Here is the result of my afternoon.

Camano Sketcher Pays a Visit

After reading the news of our Whidbey Island Sketchers Group Show, Camano Island sketcher Lori Brown jumped the Saratoga Passage (well, of course given our crazy Island County geography, it actually took her an hour and 45 minutes to drive around) to see the show and sketch with us this week.

Three of us met Lori this summer at the 1st International Urban Sketching Symposium.  We were thrilled to meet another Island County sketcher.

Here's Lori's cool sketch of the cafe. 

After sketching with us, she was off to drive back home to Camano but not before saying:  "Congratulations to the Whidbey Island Sketchers for your exhibit at Whidbey Pies Cafe.  I just had to drive over from Camano Island to see it, and it was great to time my visit with your weekly sketch meetup.  I am a regular with Urban Sketchers Seattle, but it was fun to meet a whole new group of sketchers on Whidbey.  Thanks again for making me feel at home."

Thank YOU Lori and come on over anytime!!  Click here to see more of Lori's sketches on flickr.

Sketchers' Group Show Starts Today!

Our first show! Whidbey Island Sketchers are the featured artists during the month of October 2010 at Whidbey Pies Café at Greenbank Farm. A wide range of original sketches and prints will adorn the café walls and will be available for sale all month. We couldn't be more excited!

A huge THANK-YOU to Jeanne Rust and Jan Gunn for inviting us to show our sketches at the café and Sherryl Goldfinger who took on the daunting task of organizing and hanging the show.

Stop by for a look and a piece of pie. Café hours 10 - 5 daily.

Here are a few of our sketches featured in the show:

Whidbey Pies - Looking In and Looking Out

Pretty 1st day of September and I headed to Whidbey Pies Cafe at Greenbank Farm (to sketch and eat last peach pie à la mode of the season).  Here are two views of the cafe - from the outside looking in and the inside looking out.

Greenbank Farm Fun

Sherryl had some fun with the Whidbey Pie Cafe logo and the heron sculpture at Greenbank Farm.

Sketching a Sketcher

So much to sketch at Greenbank Farm and so little time.  Zeroed in on Whidbey Pies Cafe today as did Claire who you'll see in the foreground. 

More people, more fun at Whidbey Pies

Bob and Jean at work

And Sue and Lisbeth

Pie is Great

Here's Pierr Morgan's wonderful sketch she created at Whidbey Pies Cafe. She emailed me saying "I really enjoyed meeting all of you Sketchers Wednesday. That was sweet. So was the pie."  We really enjoyed meeting you too and are delighted you are on board, Pierr!

A Yummy Morning at Whidbey Pies Cafe

Thanks to Jeanne and the staff at Whidbey Pies Cafe.  We had a ball sketching (and eating pie) there today. 

Enjoyed watching the Master Gardeners at work across the pond...

... and the ducks just outside the café window...

... and spying on the cook in the back of the café.

Oh, and did I mention the yummy pie?  Yes I think I did.

Whidbey Pies Cafe

I'm learning how to control the water so I don't end up with these big unwanted dark puddles.

Drawing Funky and Eating Pie

Today was our scheduled drawing day. Unfortunately I arrived late to our destination, Betty Rayle's studio, (Greenbank Cellars Winery) with only 20 minutes left to draw Lisbeth, our model. She's our newest member. I brought my oil pastels, so thought I'd do a quick study.

These are pretty crude drawings. Today I felt like I didn't get in any warm ups. With that said, I've noticed my work is becoming more funky and less concerned about draftsmanship and accuracy. I used to like delicate lines but have come to enjoy strong, direct marks. It's just more fun.


Lisbeth


Sue and I then migrated to Whidbey Pies Cafe down the road to do some more sketching. And of course, pie.


Some people enjoying a late afternoon sandwich. They were discussing their passion for horses, I think.