Wintergrass fun

This was my first outing to Wintergrass at the Bellevue Hyatt, and it was a treat. Music everywhere -- be it scheduled concerts, or just groups of friends who pulled some chairs together and switched instruments (and musicians!) as they went along.

The first group I sketched had a bassist and a banjo player - amongst many others, but I don’t draw that quickly. Or color that quickly, as I left these as ink drawings. They were a lively bunch and drew quite a crowd.

Then I moved over to a group of three guys playing farther down the hallway. This time, I just drew one and spent a bit more time and added color. I was using my iPad, so this didn’t require any additional equipment - in fact, I didn’t even set up my stool the entire day! I think this is the first sketch outing where I’ve done the whole thing standing up.

I headed upstairs and saw tables set up with a huge number of guitars. I didn't have the time to draw all of them, but since I was drawing digitally, I didn't have to. ;)

I was in a hurry, because I wanted to catch the concert at the KBCS stage -- the radio station for Bellevue College.

After that, I headed back downstairs and caught up with some of the other sketchers, where we chatted about our morning, and also about using iPads for sketching.

Then we got together for the throw down, where we had nine artists! We roped in a friendly bystander to get a group photo.

It was a great day of sketching, and I'll be back next year! (And possibly tomorrow!)

Also, for those of you who were curious about the specifics of my iPad setup, here are some of the details:

• I’m using the previous model of the iPad Pro 10.5”, which you can still buy "refurbished" from Apple. Most newer models, and all of the "Pro" models, support the Apple Pencil which utilizes pressure and tilt sensitivity. (Most normal styluses don't.)
• The screen protector brand I’m using is "iCarez Anti-Glare Matte Screen Protector". You have to buy the correctly sized one for your model of iPad. I vastly prefer this brand to the “ClearView” brand protector which is much rougher and harder on pen nibs. However, both are tricky to install without getting dust or bubbles under it. (It can be done - it's just tricky.) 
• The holder is the “Max Smart Tablet iPad Hand Holder Grip Handle”. Note that there are different sizes for some model iPads. Check to make sure yours will fit the one you order.
• All of these items are available online and should show up under those search terms. 

Observing People & Ballet Dancers

On a recent trip to Texas, I took the opportunity to sketch/paint this woman above, I liked her little bird lips! And I experimented with colors on her face. Kind of reminded me of someone I know.
The second sketch was done last year at tea time in a Canadian hotel, but I recently decided to add color to it.
And this last I sketched while we were at a recent Pacific NW ballet performance, and again, added the colors later. I didn't like my 1st small figure and proceeded to sketch right over & around it...

Drawing People

I have been forcing myself to practice drawing people whenever I get the chance.  So here is my son watching TV.  He said to call it "the slouch"!

The Slouch

Vancouver

Went to Vancouver BC last weekend with my mom and two sisters, fellow urban sketchers (see Beth's Vancouver posting). 

Our focus was the Modern Woman Exhibition at the Vancouver Art Gallery (Museum). Rooms and rooms of impressionist drawings and pastels from mid-1800's to mid-1900's. A feast for us sketchers! I intended to sketch/copy some of the great masters, but I was so engaged in just examining them I totally forgot.

I did manage a sketch of the hotel across the street from our hotel...

but quick sketches of people is what I like to do most...

waiting in line at Zara

two women at museum