Insta-sketches

I've been trying out some different ways of sketching lately. Here are three: 

While driving to Richland - the desert colors and open sky hit me as lovely - pencil and watercolor - about 5 min max. 

Trying out my new pen, a Pilot parallel/pen with water soluble ink, wet on wet, color first, then line. Need to work with this process a bit I think. 

My favorite place to sketch in Olympia. 1 minute thumbnails - well maybe 3 minutes for some. Olympia Farmer's market.

Eastern Washington

We went to Richland to visit relatives last weekend. The drive home on I-90 was the most stunning in the 40 years I've been making that trek. Everytime I looked up from my computer, the scene had changed. First blue sky and snow dusted mountains of the eastern dessert, the bright blue Columbia, then white out near Ellensburg, blue fog over Alder lake, sun piercing the fog and backlighting the trees of the Cascades. I couldn't resist setting up my mobile studio and making very quick sketches. They don't do reality justice, but I had a lot of fun. 

                 

       

I also snagged the Richland Icon - circa American Grafiti

Richland and Santa Barbara

I've been on a search for sunshine lately. . . 

was in Richland this weekend for a 90th bd party. 

Took a break and went down to the river bank to catch 

a lovely warmish Sunday morning. 

In late March I visited my sister, Beth, in Santa Barbara: 

La Superica was a taqueria on Milipas -- Scruptious!

 Our Lady of Mount Carmel near downtown SB. Charming chapel with folk art decor and lovely garden and courtyard. 

Paradise cafe. We sat under a heat lamp and watched the rain form a river in the street. 

So much for the search for sun. 

Santa Barbara City Hall. Wish I'd taken the time to hike the stairs to the tower for the 360 degree view.

All in all a lovely visit and I'm eager to return to SoCa soon.