SAM And Starbucks

It was a large group of sketchers who met in the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) lobby today. We numbered at least 20.

Throw down and group photo:




I've sketched it twice before, but I settled on a different view of Middle Fork. It's by John Grade. The suspended tree was made from a plaster cast of a 140 y/o western hemlock found in the Middle Fork area of the Snoqualmie River (hence the name). The contour of the tree was reproduced using thousands of pieces of reclaimed, old growth, cedar. It was completed by hundreds of volunteers under the direction of the artist and his assistants. One volunteer was a member of USk Seattle and another was associated (husband of a sketcher). 



I noticed a new Starbucks Reserve store across the street. It's an even more upscale Starbucks and has an interesting interior. However, I chose to sit at the window with Pam.
I sketched the view of SAM across the street. It's a very loose sketch with little of my usual detail! I added the Reserve logo on the edge



A few more photos here.

David's 10x10

As usual, I took the light rail into downtown Seattle. I get on near the starting location for the route but by the time we got further along, the train filled up with marchers.I sketched two young people across from me on the train who were obviously on their way to the March.  He wore the march t shirt.  She had a Hogwarts lanyard!



The reason for the trip was David Chamness's USk Seattle 10x10 workshop, "Freedom from Worry: Immerse Yourself & Let The Sketch Flow".

Scenes from the workshop and throw down. We didn't take a group photo!





It worked for me in a big way (pun intended). I sketched larger (9 by 12 inches) and looser than usual. I didn't like the Benroya one at first but it has since grown on me. David's coaching was helpful! 



This camel sculpture is from China, Ming dynasty (1368-1644). "It is thought to be from the spirit path to the tomb of Zhu Gaosui (died 1436), third son of the Yongle emperor (reigned 1403-24). Marble"

The Military Guardian is also from China, Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). "From the spirit path of an unknown tomb of the 17th-18th century. Marble".




David encouraged the bold colors. 

SAM and Middle Fork

The outing was listed as Seattle Art Museum (SAM) and Pike Street Neighborhood.  I was happy to spend the entire time inside SAM.  First, it was chilly and raining much of the time.  Second, I had free admission for volunteer week with my volunteer badge from another local museum!  Third, I wanted to get my fill of sketching Middle Fork.

John Grade: Middle Fork  http://www.seattleartmuseum.org/exhibitions/middlefork

First thing, I settled down to sketch the unusual sculpture.  It was pieced together over many months.  Two of our group worked on it:  Ching (an Urban Sketcher who has since moved away) and John (husband of Urban Sketcher, Anne).   I sat on the floor at the base end.



Once finished, I went into the museum proper.  There is so much to sketch but I wanted to get this odd sculpture.  It's called Mann und Maus (Man and Mouse) but I think the head shape looks more like a rat. .  



There was still time, so I did another sketch of Middle Fork, this time from above.  



We met in the far lobby to share sketches and have our group photo.

Belated SAM Lobby and Gingerbread Houses

I missed the monthly sketch outing at the SAM Lobby but was able to catch up this past weekend. 

We kicked off the holidays by volunteering at the Gingerbread House display at the Sheraton. It's an annual fundraiser sponsored by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and a holiday tradition for thousands. After our volunteer time slot I sat and drew this sketch editing out about 300 more people that were in the frame. 

Sunday with SAM

Another huge turnout of sketchers - this group is growing quickly. 
I always enjoy getting immersed into drawing then meeting up to see all the sketchbooks.