An invitation to draw the Amgen Helix Pedestrian Bridge with Seattle Urban
Sketchers was a perfect excuse to figure out how to get access to the
bridge. I’ve driven past the entryway on
Elliot Ave W many times. From the side of the road, I was always intrigued by
the unusual shape I could see. Sunday morning was a perfect day to finally stop
and look at a bridge designed after the double helix structure of DNA.
The
weather was beautiful, cool enough to sit in the sun and warm enough to sit in
the shade. From Elliot Ave W, the bridge
crosses over a network of railroad tracks to Myrtle Edwards Park, a mile long
bike and pedestrian pathway skimming the edge of Elliot Bay.
In the
time allotted, I completed two sketches of the bridge. Queen Anne Hill with its stacked apartment
complexes rises to the east of the bridge.
The railroad yard below is a thoroughfare of constant movement and
sound.
After
sharing sketches with the group, I moved on to the Myrtle Edwards Park side of
the bridge and continued to sketch. The
fresh sea air and water views were revitalizing.
NOAA
ships and a container ship line up on Elliot Bay near Pier 91 where cruise
ships dock before departing for Alaska.
A
public pier extends over the water. Excellent
views of blue islands and sea going vessels are even better when you’re
surrounded by water.
