Easy Street

Waiting outside Easy Street Records while they tally the value of another box of CDs I'm selling before my move.

Another view of the Montlake Bridge from one of the walkways that border the Montlake Cut as well as a view looking toward the University Bridge and I-5 from Montlake Park. As Gail has already mentioned, it was nice to see some new faces and some great work as well.

roslyn landscape

missing in action in seattle this weekend.

Montlake Bridge Tower

When you live in the land of strip malls, it is nice change to observe the creative architecture produced by designer Carl F. Gould in the early twenties. The bridge has been added to the National Register of Historical Landmarks. Pen and ink with watercolor wash.

An Amazing Day At West Montlake Park

The weather cooperated with us!  We had a great sketch crawl it was sunny and clear.  Many new sketchers joined us so it was a treat to see new sketchbooks.  Here is my sketch from the park looking west to University Bridge and I-5.

Montlake Sketch

What a gorgeous day!

On days like this I am especially glad to be an Urban Sketcher.

It was an excellent location and glorious weather. 

Here are just some of today's contented sketchers.

I appreciated these kayakers who were stalled in front of me.

Lori and I sketched this view together. Missing are the many boats passing by.

Montlake Bridge

Bridges from Montlake Park

Perfect weather for sketching today. Montlake Park was a great location that I would enjoy returning to in the future.

Greenwood Car Show 2011

I had a great day for Sketching at the Greenwood Car Show.  I sketched from 85th and Greenwood down to 75th and I think that must have been half of the total show.

Today's Sketchcrawl Sunday June 26th 10:00 AM

Sketchcrawl is today Sunday June 26th @ 10:00 am.  We have a great sunny day so we will meet at West Montlake Park west of the Montlake Bridge take a right on Hamlin if you are coming from the north, left on Hamlin coming from the south.   Attached is a map.  See Sketchcrawl Location pages for more images of the sites.  If you have trouble finding parking on the street.  You can park at MOHAI  and walk to the west .

Combine Demolition Derby

Sketches from the annual Combine Demolition Derby in Lind WA. I try and go every year. It's a great community event and there are giant "Mad Max'd" farm machines smashing into each other. What's not to love.

Buck'n Fitch, a custom built hot rod. Note the Whiskey bottle holding the anti-freeze.

The pits in between heats. Crew members of crowd favorite Jaws rapidly work to get their machine back into running condition after an earlier matchup.

On the #24 Downtown

Took the #24 downtown to pick up my bib and timing chip for the marathon on Saturday. I knew I'd have to work fast on the short and bumpy bus ride- no time to size anything.

fisher's boats

Backseat Drawing

Drove to Cle Elum with fellow teacher and her partner Brandon for a delicious BBQ and s'more roast with one of our Lawton Families and their awesome kids (our students).

center for wooden boats, seattle

Manette Bridge Near Bremerton

Looking at the new bridge from 11th Street in Manette
The steel truss frame of the existing bridge. I'm standing on the pedestrian walkway between the existing bridge and the new bridge that is being constructed on the right side.

Seattle Architecture Foundation Fundraiser Event

Last night was the Seattle Architecture Foundation's Fundraiser, Model exhibit and Napkin Sketch Auction.  Great food, great sketches and boards,  beautiful inspiring models and architecture.  It will be up through July 24th and is free.  Please go and bid on some napkins!  Proceeds go to Seattle Architecture Foundation and also Urban Sketchers.  Here are photos I took from that night and a sketch just outside the entrance.

Lower Queen Anne Blockbuster

What used to be a Blockbuster Video, drawn while sitting in front of what used to be the Uptown Theater in Lower Queen Anne.

Ivy Buildings and the Needle

Looking west from the parking lot of Half Price Books (Broadway) to the Needle.

Fremont's Lenin

The Fremont district of Seattle has a statue of Lenin brought back from the former Soviet Union years ago. It stirred up controversy originally, now it is just considered art in a quirky artistic neighborhood.

st. ignatious

Abraham Lincoln Memorial

Capitol Hill

Washington Memorial DC

Graduation

Last night was Garfield High School's Graduation Ceremony for the class of 2011.
It was held at Memorial Stadium.  Over 400 students graduated in the Purple and White.
Go Bull Dogs!

2011 Seattle University Commencement

I sat all day on Sunday at the Seattle U graduation at the Key Arena. This is my 18th commencement ceremony so thought I'd try something different. I've been inspired watching some of the Seattle Urban sketchers drawing fast moving objects -- Gail's sketch of the view of Seattle from the ferry, Gabi's Seattle Mariner's and little league games, Steve's Rat City Roller Derby sketch so thought I'd get some practice sketching moving objects while watching the grad ceremonies. I had a hard time with this and really wanted to draw one of the graduates walking across the stage but couldnt sketch that fast (tips are welcome!). One of the students said, as she was walking up to the stage, "Look she's coloring!" I really was paying attention (probably more attention than usual while doing the sketch). I always enjoy watching students graduate. Congrats 2011 SU Grads!

gasworks park, sunny day

Views of Lake Union

North Lake Union is a great working waterfront with wonderful views of the city and Lake Union. 
This sketch was drawn from the entrance of Dunn Lumber.

Ballard Locks

Tommy Kane Draws Seattle

Tommy created this cool video from his visit and has started posting his Seattle drawings on his blog. I love when other sketchers come to Seattle!

Freemont Waterfront, Just West of Gas Works and looking South, avec Sophie!

I wanted to get another sketch under my belt before I leave Seattle to commercially fish out of Ketchikan Alaska until the fall.  This drawing was done from the diving academy parking lot; the view had a perfect crane with all the lines cables of a bustling capital (alive industry vs. gas work's In Memoriam).  While the drawings I hope to do in the next few months my not be too Urban, they'll certainly be in a vain of the Northwest, to which Seattle is also a part.  Adios and thanks!

Helix Bridge, a few months late

At the last Urban Sketchers meeting near REI I was particularly struck by Will and Gail's drawings.  Seeing their combination of field and self-assured lines really got me excited and wanting to improve.  Taking those lessons I went to the Helix Bridge, a session I missed because of my newness and schedule, and drew.  With its depth and distinct lines, it was a perfect place for my eye/hand; the angles and bowed forms are like Euclid beaten from a war drum.