I joined my fellow sketchers for a sketchcrawl yesterday after a long hiatus. About a dozen of us met for coffee, then took the aerial tram up to OHSU to sketch the view. It was a bit chilly outside, but the university generously provides lots of seating in front of the many large windows for […]
Aladdin Theater
March 21, 2011 by · 6 Comments
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 […]
Union Station
February 25, 2011 by · 5 Comments
I got out my 135 year old sketchbook (it used to be an autograph book) for this one. My goal is to dedicate the book to sketches of historic places in Portland. The paper is slightly yellowed and not at all absorbent so sketches turn out very differently. I think it gives the sketches an […]
Lan Su Chinese Garden
January 30, 2011 by · 4 Comments
Portland’s Chinese Garden is one of the most authentic Chinese Gardens outside of China. A well-known Chinese garden designer was intimately involved in the planning, and a crew of Chinese craftsmen worked for many months to build it, along with local workers. I find the buildings very challenging to sketch because of the curved roofs, […]
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 […]
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).