Sketching Around the Central Library

Even though it was cold, I set out to find a spot in the sun...hoping for the side benefit of an good view.  I soon found that the canyon-like streets of downtown were mostly in the shade, including the spots with the most interesting vistas.  Finally I noticed this cupola sparkling in the sun behind the shaded buildings, and found an unobtrusive spot to set up my stool on the sidewalk where some rays were coming through.  My fingerless gloves served me well while I sketched...I didn't notice that my feet were almost numb until I tried to get up!

I used a cool grey to shade the cupola in the distance, and warmer shades of grey to bring the buildings closer.

This Elm tree in front of the Central Library was begging to be drawn...and I could do it from the comfort of a coffeeshop!

It's always enjoyable to meet up with my fellow sketchers, so thank you for the opportunity!

Multnomah Library sketches

Trying to keep the palette simple black, grey, and a little ochre for these sketches... and channeling Andrea (especially her recent sketches from Mt Scott).
I used Black and Kiowa Pecan Noodlers in my pens and then added Noodlers Lexington Grey that was loaded into a water brush for the shadows etc.

On this one I channeled Miguel Herranz' technique (via Vicky) by starting the sketch at a point that was most interesting to me and working from that outward. That little cornice detail on the large building on the right is where I started!

Thanks to Linda in organizing this fun outing!

Library Sketch Crawl

Eight people showed up for the sketch crawl with guest Laurie Wigwam from San Francisco. After coffee and chatting at Case Study, most of us headed inside the library. Here are my sketches...

and here's a photo of our sketchbooks...

 It was a pleasure meeting Laurie and it was a fun and inspirational to sketch with everyone.

Thanks for organizing it, Linda!

sketches made while waiting

I've missed the last few Sketchcrawls, but I've been carrying a little notebook with me to sketch whenever I find myself waiting (it really helps me be more patient). I miss sketching with all of you, and hopefully will be able to make it to the next gathering!

Sketchcrawl at Mt Scott Park

It was cold.  I found places in the sun to sit, but still gave up before noon.

I keep a blog just for my sketches, for the ones that didn't come out too badly, anyway, at: 

http://ali-corbin-sketches.blogspot.com/

Post Thanksgiving Sketch Crawl

I would like to invite you to join in a sketch crawl after Thankgiving on Saturday, Nov.28.

Avid sketcher, Laurie Wigham from SF will be visiting and asked to join some Portland sketchers over the weekend.

It is supposed to be cold so here is the plan.

We will meet at Case Study Coffee at 802 SW 10th Ave. around 10:00. I will arrive earlier and attempt to snag a table.

We will move on to the main library to sketch great architecture, people or shelves of books.

We will meet at 12:30 to share sketches at a spot in the library yet to be determined.

I have left lunch open.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope to see some of you on Saturday.

Linda Daily

Mt Scott Park Sketching big firs

Thanks to all you intrepid sketchers braving this cold but at least it was dry day.   I did both my sketches with gloves on.  Brush pen, water brush with grey ink, and grey Cocoiro pen (the fine tip pen on here.)

Brrrr! Adventures at Mount Scott Park

I was a little less social at the sketchcrawl today than normal; my friend Katy and I had established a rambunctious toddler kingdom in the corner with all the books and toys and had our hands full with steamed milk, cookies, and Fox in Socks. So my apologies for not chiming in on the formal introductions! The sketching I did manage to do in the cafe included the assistance of a very dedicated 2-year-old colorist.

When we moved outside to the park, it was crazy cold but also there were a lot of things for the littles to do in the playground, so some unassisted sketches managed to sneak onto the page. Nothing very fancy, but a nice reminder of how beautiful fall is, how decadent it can be to erase lines drawn in pencil, and how warm gloves are totally crucial part of the sketching kit this time of year.

A very happy Thanksgiving to you all! I am so thankful to be a part of this group, even when life gets nutty and I don't always attend.

Sunday, Nov. 22 Sketchcrawl at Mt. Scott Park

Let's gather at Mt. Scott Park to sketch those giant fir trees.  It's actually supposed to be sunny.  I'm changing the date to Sunday because I have a work event scheduled for Saturday.

You can use sketches for a holiday cards.  I've looked into Moo.  They do greeting cards for $1.60 each and you can use a variety of images.

Schedule:

10:00am - Meet at Arleta Bakery Cafe, 5513 SE 72nd Ave, for snacks, coffee, and introductions.
10:30am - Sketch the park.
12:00noon - OPTIONAL sketchbook sharing and lunch at Portland Mercado, 7238 SE Foster Road.



Tentative plans for next Sketch Event on Saturday, Dec. 12 - we will learn about sketching on an iPad.

In January we'll get back to our regular 3rd Saturday sketch crawls.

Autumn Color

I finished this view from our living room window over the weekend. We look east and if it wasn't for one pesky evergreen tree we could see Mt.Hood! 

The famous clock at Musee d'Orsay

I had to pinch myself that I was actually in this museum! I had two cafe cremes in order to finish this little sketch.

Luxembourg gardens

This was on our last day in Paris, a beautiful October day. I remember thinking I could have stayed forever.

Paris memories

Our hearts are heavy with the news of the horrific events that happened in Paris on Friday.

Feeling sad, I looked through my travel journal from my one and only visit to the City of Light.

I did not sketch as much then when traveling, more writing and collage. But these three sketches brought back pleasant memories of a happier time.

My new bathroom faucet

Which I installed myself.  Only took me five trips to the hardware store.  And a visit from a plumber to remove the old drain.