The Aladdin Theater has gone through several big changes through the years, from a vaudeville house in the 20’s to specializing in family movies in the 50’s, then to X-rated movies in the 70’s and 80’s. In 1993 it was renovated and started a new life as a venue for live music, as it continues […]
Lovejoy Bakery
January 16, 2011 by · 13 Comments
The steady drizzle today couldn’t keep the Portland Urban Sketchers down. We met in a bakery in the Pearl district, then dispersed to sketch, gathering later at a pub for lunch. At least some of us dispersed…the bakery was warm and dry, with free refills on coffee, so why get wet? I spent a cozy […]
Hollywood Theater
November 12, 2010 by · 12 Comments
This historic theater seems like a very glamorous but faded movie star who has fallen on hard times. I remember going there for the first time to see the futuristic movie, 2001, A Space Odyssey, in 1968. The interior was every bit as ornate as the exterior and I felt transported into a different world […]
Esther Short Park
September 26, 2010 by · 9 Comments
Our sketch group met at a coffee shop, then spread out to sketch in and around this park in Vancouver, WA. The clock/bell tower chimes on the hour and makes quite an iconic statement at the entrance. I found the gazebo quite difficult to sketch because of the odd angles, but it is a pretty […]
White Eagle Saloon
September 5, 2010 by · 7 Comments
White Eagle Saloon, originally uploaded by jswalkky. This old tavern, built in 1905, is in the industrial part of town and has quite a checkered past. It is two blocks from a huge rail yard, and used to be frequented by very tough characters indeed but is now owned by McMenamins and has been beautifully […]
This blog is about my journey as a botanical artist--what I am learning, what inspires me and what I am currently drawing or painting. My desire is to continually hone my skills to better express my wonder and gratitude for the beauty of the creation around me in the Pacific Northwest (USA).