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.  

A Successful Sketchcrawl just Dodging raindrops

We did it! We were able to have a sketch crawl avoiding April Showers out doors, but just barely! It started to spit as we met to pass the sketchbooks around.  Below are sketches done on saturday.  A napkin sketch quickly done for the Seattle Architectural Foundation, a sketch of the bridge looking towards Elliott Bay, and finally a sketch of downtown Seattle and the train yards and grain elevators by the bridge.  A "must come back" location for the summer.

View through Elliott Bay Foot Bridge

Elliott Bay Footbridge

Napkin sketch

across the Helix Bridge

Here are 14 of 15 fearless sketchers who laughed at rain and were rewarded with sunshine -- however brief! we regrouped near the fishing pier to pass sketches and take this shot for Worldwide Sketchcrawl 31. Note the giant grain elevator at back left. What a pleasure to see/know/meet you all! And here is my sketch looking north off the Helix Bridge, watercolor/gouache/ink.

Elliott Bay Foot Bridge - 4/16/11

Kudos, as usual, to our organizer Gail for finding this great location with views in every direction; I think it's on everyone's "Gotta Go Back" list. I did this sketch on a photocopy of a 1912 map of Seattle that was featured in last Sunday's Seattle Times.

Reminder 31st WW Sketchcrawl Saturday April 16th

Saturday is the 31st WW Sketchcrawl.  We are planning on meeting at 10:00 AM at the Elliott Bay Foot bridge at the intersection of Elliott Bay Ave and W. Prospect right by Blackstocks.  There is inexpensive paid parking at a parking lot across the street.  Also there seems to be limited free parking at the park entrance along Alaskan Way but it is tricky getting to that lot.   Bus routes 15, 18, 19, 24,  and 33 run along Elliott Bay Avenue.
The Bridge is covered, if it is lightly drizzling  we should be okay.  If it seems like it is going to storm...look at the website on Friday for a possible alternative location.

Paid Parking lot across the street.  $2.50 for 0-4 hours on Saturdays.