Sublime Color at the Quad

10/18/26 University of Washington Quad

Although the University of Washington Quad cherry trees take center stage every spring when they blossom, they are often overlooked in the fall. It’s still a joy to see their sublime beauty – and just as challenging to sketch it! Elsewhere on campus, more trees and even the ivy clinging to buildings were dressed for autumn. As if that weren’t enough, USk Seattle was once again treated to perfect October weather this afternoon: A bit chilly and breezy in the shade, but mostly clear skies with sunshine.

Unlike in the spring when it’s mobbed, sketchers had the Quad nearly to themselves. I started there and filled a couple of pages among the cherries (top and below).

Getting chilled from standing in the shade of the huge trees, I moved out to Red Square’s sunshine. The Broken Obelisk sculpture and even the statue of George Washington looked lovely in the mid-afternoon light.

UW Red Square

Uncertain about the weather, we had waited until only a couple of days before the outing to announce it. Despite that, USk Seattle made a strong turnout. We all know our days of great weather are numbered!