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.  

Cold, wet but oh, so green.

My husband Jeff and I are finishing up our first trip to Ireland. We're having a good trip in spite of being followed by a very large cloud. You can see I have bonded with pubs and Irish music!

The Antrim Coast in northen Ireland



Quiet Man Bridge, used in the movie of that name.



What to do on a rainy Irish night.

  

Players make the best models.



Apartment Building

I've lived in this building three different times over the last twelve years. Finally got a covered parking spot this time (that's my car peeking out of the carport). I didn't even have to sign a lease or put down a damage deposit since the manager knows me (that's his truck out front). Good thing, too, because when I leave for China in August I may just leave most of my stuff in the unit. It's just stuff. Need a desk? Couch? Dining table and chairs? Cat?

More Quick Sketches

Cafe Solstice

Gould Design Build Garden

Some quick sketches in the University area on Saturday.  I only had a few moments and was sketching on the run.  These two sketches were done within 20 -30 minutes each.