In Magnolia

Kathleen, one of USk Seattle members, arranged access to Magnolia United Church of Christ for our sketch outing today. It was a bit chilly but I dressed in flannel and fleece as I hoped to sketch outside, which I did do.

There were several new people, mostly from Magnolia Art Experience. A couple sketchers left before our group photo.




The facade of the church was very interesting. I liked the tiny flying buttresses!





Note the crow looking over her domain from atop the cross. This was a popular subject for the sketches and some included the crow.

Kathleen had recommended the local Fire Department building. It was indeed an interesting subject. In looking for more information about it, I found this document recommending landmark status.  "Station No. 41 dates from 1934. It is unique among the subject fire stations as designed and built under the Civil Works Administration (CWA) a Depression-era federal relief program rather than by the city. This station is an example of Streamlined Moderne architecture. It is one of Seattle's three Art Deco /Moderne style fire stations."




 

Magnolia United Church of Christ

5/11/18 Magnolia United Church of Christ

It was cold and cloudy as Seattle USk members gathered on the front lawn of Magnolia United Church of Christ, but inside it was warm and welcoming. The friendly church staff opened the sanctuary for us to sketch the stained glass, vaulted ceilings and other details. Along with the majority of sketchers, though, I opted to stay chilled so I could tackle the church’s exterior. Described as reminiscent of a Cotswold cottage, it has the kind of rustic, irregular masonry that was fun to try to capture. On this overcast morning, though, it was tough finding shadows to punch it up.

5/11/18 Mack concrete pumper in Magnolia Village

Magnolia Village, the neighborhood’s retail center, is just a few blocks away, so I walked briskly into town to warm up. I considered sketching Fire Station 41 with its bright red doors and Art Deco architecture. . . but what I really wanted was a fire engine! I walked back and forth for a while, hoping one would appear (and, you know, just park outside – not rush to a fire). Instead, I spotted a bright red Mack concrete pumper truck. OK, so it’s not a fire engine, but it would have to do.

Many thanks to Barbara Bernard of Magnolia Art Exchange and Kathleen Keckler for organizing the outing with the church!