Lots of Lamps But Not Much Light

1/10/20 Broadway, Tacoma

Built in 1916 for the Fraternal Order of Elks, McMenamins’ newest hotel and pub venue in Tacoma would be challenging fun to sketch from the outside on a warm, sunny day. On a wet, cold Friday, however, we all stayed inside the Elks Temple, where it was cozy. The joint sketch outing between USk Seattle and USk Tacoma attracted a huge turnout, and many sketchers were attracted to the venue’s period-appropriate furnishings, especially the impressive collection of vintage lamps.

Ironically, despite all the lamps, I found most areas to be dimly lighted (authentic to the period, I suppose). After wandering around from floor to floor, admiring the décor, I found a stairwell window with a view of Broadway.

Later I found a seat on the main floor, where I noticed that all the fabulous chairs had clawed feet. I knew I didn’t have enough time for a whole chair, but I had time for one foot (well, three, actually).

1/10/20 One clawed foot and two booted ones.

Dark but full of gorgeous lamps

Lots of clawed feet

At the Elks Temple pub for possibly the
 largest USk lunch turnout ever!

Winter sketching

Oddly enough, and in spite of all my grumbling I've filled over two sketchbooks and then some since January 1. They aren't all beautiful or even finished sketches. Lots of exploration, trying out new materials. Just keeping the engine running basically.

This past week, however I've had two sketching sessions that made me think I either deserve a medal or a mental exam. Admittedly, I wasn't in the midst of the polar vortex, but still... it was pretty cold. Here's a couple of examples:

McMenamins Olympic Club, Centralia, WA

Century Theatres, Ruston Point, near Tacoma WA

 You can read more of my recent adventures here.