Virtual Sketchcrawl #12 - Winter - Empress Tree

I'd been thinking of sketching my own catalpa, because winter exposes its true nature, with branches chaotically strewing themselves every which way.  But from my windows on the first floor I can only really see its massive trunk, which doesn't change through the seasons.

So, when I realized that it wasn't going to be raining this morning, I decided to bundle up and walk to the MLC school grounds to do their empress tree instead.

Painted Gurls in the Alphabet District

We see these sweet homes on the way to our vet, and on walks.
They are no where near special enough to be saved when the bulldozers come,
which they will, and so very soon the
ugliest high rises in the world will be sitting here….
 

These are not grown up Painted Ladies,
they are teeny bungalows, so charming, a slice of history.
They probably started out identical to the center one,
with little trim applied and no fancy front porch.
Over time they were painted different colors,
one added a bigger porch, and two a LOT of trim…

But they kept the RED DOORS!  They’ve been repainted so the reds are

a bit different, ranging from orange-red to brick red, but they are all still red!

I am charmed, and would love to have one — I’d fight to save it when the bulldozers came, chain myself to the porch and make them drag me kicking and screaming into the street.  The stuff they are building here in NW Portland are not charming.

That one in the center will be our house,
with the clear red door and the prayer flags…

BTW, Thank you for comments in advance. 
FYI I read the blog and want to comment on other posts as well,
but there is a glitch and it won't allow me to comment.  It has been this way for months (probably because I don't have a blogger or gmail account),
and when I try to write you it won't take my email address either.
Doesn't ask me to verify and doesn't allow me to post though
I hit post when it refreshes, as if it is going to take my comment.

Trinity Episcopal Church Doors

Trinity Episcopal Church, at the corner of 19th and Everett,
across from where the NW Outdoor Market is often held has lovely red doors.  
The three doors around the side are amazing, shocking high-gloss bright red.
I can imagine these doors glow in the dark, if you are visiting the church at night, with their bright happy color illuminated by the overhead lanterns.

Colors used, above, mixed on the page:
Stone is Tigereye, Shungite, and Hematite;
Doors are undercoat with Quin Coral and overbushed with Perylene Red.
Undercoats done in field; overcoats in studio.

 

Near Lindy Ltd., Vaughn curves into 18th and there is a lovely set of older buildings. I've seen chickens in the street in this odd quiet part of the city.  Quick studies, not that happy with outcome -- trees are overworked -- I need to get more paint on my brush and less watery washes. Continuing on around the curve, Pomarius Nursery with two of the chickens out front pecking around, I-5 and The Castaway in the background. 

Strathmore Journal, Pentalic HB woodless pencil,
Platinum Carbon pen, Lamy Al-Star with De Atramentis Document black ink;
and Greenleaf & Blueberry, Daniel Smith, and QoR watercolors.

Pro Photo Supply, 18th and Marshall, NW Portland

Had little time to sketchcrawl last weekend, but found a great corner near us in NW.
Around the corner from the main Pro Photo shop on 19th is the new-old building, where they've taken a dull green-grey corner at 18th and Marshall and brightened it up.
I used deep colors, with layered dark colors on top and tried a deep shadow.
Not to bad, running colors (I like) and fine for the field.

This entry used to be unnoticeable; the colors all around it
have popped it and made the entire entry cheery and inviting.

 Strathmore Journal, Platinum Carbon pen, White Uniball Signo pen, and Greenleaf & Blueberry, Daniel Smith, and Holbein watercolors.

Native American Student Center PSU

Last week I had an hour to kill some time near PSU.  I am not fond of much of the modern architecture in Portland because it is boring, not adventurous, but this building is complicated and evokes the Native American traditions beautifully.  I knew what it was before I heard the name. 
It is both modest and strong, reflecting the tradition it houses.

Above, a quick sketch (with Diamine Ancient Copper ink in a Lamy Al-star) of
the Native American Student Center at the south end of the PSU campus, off the park. 
Watercolor wash moved the inks: three colors were used: Yavapei, Lapis, and Shungite, with a bit of leftover mixed green for the tree which was overshadowed by the Ancient Copper ink, which runs like crazy.... Below, pushing my comfort zones, using watercolor pencils, no inked lines (absolutely out of my comfort zone), and light watercolor washes on site.  Back in studio added to the washes a bit, and may have overworked it.  All a learning.  Watercolors are SO in the moment, unforgiving!

Slabtown New Seasons Opening!

We are so happy to have New Seasons blocks from our studio!
No more driving all around for groceries!  YAY!

We went opening day before we opened the studio.
Mostly they were setting up and greeting their new customers,
and everyone was in their best duds.

Later in the day music was played, and the band was setting up.
The neighborhood is in transition, and the old houses
(which we love) all brightly colored are sitting next to high rises.

The produce is heavenly.
We will still go to Farmer’s Market, especially during berry and peach season,
but so far (keep fingers crossed) New Seasons still is mostly organic.

Drawn onsite, some watercolors onsite.
I picked up the wrong pen, filled with Heart of Darkness Noodler's ink --
which is NOT waterproof.  I kind of liked the runny ink mixed with the watercolors.
Strathmore mixed media journal.
Finished in studio.  First time using my new chop! 

Schoolhouse Electric and Pyramid Juices

Schoolhouse Electric is on Nicolai St.
It’s been revitalized with a barista
and a great home furnishing and lighting store.

It was a hot day to sketch.

Pyramid Juices was once made in
Ashland Oregon before it was bought out —
now it is down the road from our studio.
The brewery next door, Pacifica (candles),
and the roasting company down the street
make the NW smell good, of food and fruit
and roasting coffee on any given day!

Our NW Industrial Neighborhood

I haven’t sketched outdoors much lately.  I wondered what I might make of our buildings.
Our studio is in an industrial area in NW Portland.
This is the approach from the freeway.
We share space in the building with Portland Opera’s stage crew and Action Video.

Our studio spaces are along the western side of the building.
That’s my finish room waaaaaaay down there on the top floor.

 

Across the street is Rejuvenation.  I’d love to own that beautiful Building!

We overlook Grimm’s studio and Calbag, a dirty metal recycling center that drops heavy metals all over.  I cringe whenever I see someone picking berries from their property — Have a little metal dust with those berries?  We watch Grimm’s carny come and go when they are on location.  A caravan of long trailers leave up 26th Ave early in the morning;
I am often in the studio by 5am. We don’t see them coming back unless we are at the studio very late.  I stood in front of their studio entrance to draw this view,
looking back at our upholstery studio.  Our studio is on the upper right of the building;
Mitchell and my computers sit and we can look out toward the Willamette River. 

 

 

Grimm’s studio entrance is unimpressive.
Only the guard shack betrays something that needs guarding!

Drawn in an Strathmore Mixed Media journal.

Glisan's Painted Ladies, NW Portland

I drive by these painted ladies several times a week, always thinking I should give them a go.  The complicated details and the colors were a challenge for me to do loosely and not too "architectural."   I wanted them to look like a watercolor, not a building drawing.

I stationed myself across the street.  I started with guidelines in pencil, and let go of a
two point perspective and let it be as if all the buildings were eye level as they go back.
If you enlarge the drawing you can see that I drew quite a few guidelines before
I began inking.  I was concerned primarily with giving a place for the details of the
houses to sit, and this lack of paying attention got me into a bit of trouble, below.  

I admit I assumed that all the houses were the same except in color.  A LESSON IN LOOKING.  They are of two flipped designs, which I saw clearly as I began drawing details but too late.  

Another surprise which I caught while drawing the details was the bannister posts.  Due to the sun and shadows at first they appeared to be turned posts, which I noted.  However, as I was drawing the first corners with the columns behind the angled bannister, I noticed that the posts may have been replaced, as they were not turned.  Then as I went a bit further I noticed they appeared board-flat on all the corners.  I walked over to look closely.  What appeared turned posts from afar were actually posts cut on one side only to give the illusion of turned posts, below -- a cost-saving measure, I am sure.

I mostly inked on site, then added watercolor in the studio.  I had to mix many colors.  I've been asked about adding watercolors to a good drawing and "ruining" it -- but this is my interest.  I can draw in several styles, and from any perspective: worm's eye, bird's eye, exploding axonometrics, you name it!  I was the go-to girl in the office for complicated inked drawings!  However, I am interested in learning watercolors, and so I do "ruin" the occasional drawing.  This one is a bit blotchy, and as I am finding styles and trying not to paint like a coloring book.  I choose when to let white paper show, and in both of these cases I was not always spot on.  I have learned not to try to go back in and correct -- I'll do this again sometime soon!  I am mostly happy with the outcome.

Drawn in an Strathmore Mixed Media journal with Pentalic HB woodless pencil, Platinum Carbon pens and Daniel Smith, Holbein and Sennelier watercolors.
 

St. Mary’s Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

I’ve approached these buildings at 17th and David , which are part of the St. Mary’s Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception complex, dozens of times.  Needing a break from our business bidding I stole away to sit in the car (easier to lay watercolors out) and do two sketches.  It was nice to be able to see the buildings without the tree leaves!

Next time I will take the time to tackle the brickwork texture; almost no time this round.

I admit to having never seen the church entrance, as I like the tower and the round shape of the building next to it.  A little bit of Italy in Oregon . . .

Drawn in an Strathmore Mixed Media journal with Pentalic HB pencil, various pens including the Platinum Carbon Pen + ink, and with De Artramentis Document ink (black), and Daniel Smith watercolors.

Sketching at the 'Fields' in NW Portland

Am trying to get out as much as possible to sketch and squash down those feelings of envy viewing the posts from Paraty (usk symposium in Brazil)....Vicky and I met at the Fields in the Pearl for a morning of sketchng.
It is a great spot with all of the construction going on and those ubiquitous cranes in the air...love it!

Watercolor and non waterproof ink

playing around with this split panoramic view- watercolor and non waterproof ink

 Not sure what Vicky meant about comparing the scenes since we all know that no two sketchers ever do the same scene alike! And that is the fun of it.


 The next day I was in Portland again. Checked out the setting up at the Art in the Pearl and did a couple of sketches around there.

watercolor and non waterproof ink

Non waterproof ink and waterbrush

There are a couple more sketches from these two days on my blog.
http://www.reason2draw.blogspot.com

A Return to Urban Sketching

The weather in Portland is warming up, the people are in the streets, and I'm there, sketchbook in hand observing the goings on around town. Well, the goings on inside coffee shops, bars, and on nice sunny hot dog eatery patios anyway. It's great to get out and although I haven't had a chance to join up with you, my Urban Sketching brethren, I've gone on solo missions to sketch the people and places of our colorful city. This past week's adventures have taken me to Zach's Shack, which I believe are the tastiest hot dogs in town; for some sweet treats and caffeine atDragonfly Coffee House, one of Portland's coziest coffee shops; and for some libations at Muu Muu's one of the chillest bars in the Northwest area of town. Hopefully as the summer goes on, I can get out and continue my little solo Urban Sketching adventures, and if anyone ever wants to join me for a mid-week romp around town, shoot me a line, perhaps we can romp together.
Once again the links to some of my sketch spots:
Dragonfly Coffee House and Bakery
Muu Muu's
Zach's Shack

Cozy seats and sweet treats at Dragonfly Coffee House

People doing their thing at Dragonfly Coffee House

People of Muu Muu's

The view of Por Que No from Zach's Shack

NW 24th and NW Thurman in Portland

After a wonderful interlude at Kiva Tea and Spa our large group of sketchers dispersed to various parts. I was intending to sketch a corner at NW25th and Upshur but didn't quite make it there. I got distracted by the Ideal Theater at 24th and Thurman (Alanna found out more details about this site by reading the sign posted on the building but I just noted its est date). I loved the half round front (especially with the equally rounded shape of the Smart car parked it front) and it's special brick details. So I went no further and happily sketched it until the rain got beyond a few sprinkles. I then moved across the street to set myself under a convenient awning to sketch the Dragonfly Coffee House. This drawing was unfinished when the sketchers again gathered at Kenny and Zukes for lunch. My intention was to complete it afterward but the heavy rain made it impossible so I came back on Sunday morning to finish it up.

NW Portland Sketching

On Saturday we met up at Kiva Tea Bar and Spa before dispersing throughout Northwest Portland to sketch and paint. There was about 15 or so sketchers enjoying some coffee and tea all the while, drawing each other. I managed to get a couple quick sketches in while I ate some delicious chocolate almond butter on toast. After leaving, I took the car up to a side street and parked it with a good view of the ridge that sits above Northwest. Managed to get down a pretty good sketch of this scenic vista before regrouping at Kenny and Zukes to look at everyone's sketches. It was great fun looking through everyone's books and meeting some new sketchers. I hope to see you all again soon.

Saturday's Sketchcrawl

Here are our photos from our sketchcrawl yesterday. I think there were 18 of us! I hope to see you all and sketch with you all again.

Thurman Street Bridge

This is my second sketch of this bridge. I like looking at it. It's a good spot to sketch. Macleay Park in NW. Come springtime, might be a good spot for an outdoor meet up. Just sayin'...
Hey, does that tree with no leaves in the background count towards the scavenger hunt tree with no leaves? 

 

 

Thurman Street Bridge

A Portland Afternoon

This past Tuesday, it being a relatively dry and mild fall Portland day, I decided to drag myself out of the apartment and into the world. I ended up heading out to Macleay Park on NW 29th and Upshur to do a a little sketching. It's got a great view of the Thurman St. Bridge and a fun hiking trail. I sat in the warm car with a friend and we tried our best to render the bridge and bright fall foliage. The longer I looked at the bridge, the more complex it seemed. There are so many little rivets, bolts, plates, connectors, notches, slots, and crossbars, that it boggles the mind. Of course, using watercolor, I just simplified all that into what you see below. A nice little outing on a nice Portland afternoon.

Macleay Park, view of the Thurman Street Bridge

Bridge sketching & William Temple House

Fremont Bridge from NW 12th and Overton

A beginning panoramic drawing...to be completed on another day

Last Wednesday I set out to do some sketches of bridges. I had some idea of doing the 405 overpass but that didn't pan out....there just didn't seem to be the right view that I was looking for. Another day perhaps? I ended up doing several views of the Fremont Bridge and this one was the best of the bunch.
I really liked the area around NW 15th and under the overpass so I started this panoramic drawing that I intend to continue on another day. Next week is looking pretty good....maybe?

With the rest of the group that gathered on Saturday I got this view of the William Temple house. It really is a very complex structure with lots of texture and detail. Another view from across NW Hoyt was started but had to be aborted because of the rain....I would like to return sometime to finish it though.

Passing The Time In Portland

On a drizzly Tuesday afternoon I cozied up in a coffee joint, with a friend, in SE Portland for some tea, pastries, and a little light sketching. I caught this girl lazily sipping her coffee (scavenger hunt item... score!) and paying me no mind, so it was easy to get a quick sketch of her. I've been really digging the light blue Pitt pen. I like how soft it looks and how it's a little moody.

Fountain pen, with Blue Pitt Pen in Moleskine Sketchbook

The next Saturday in stark contrast was a wonderfully warm morning and as usual, after my Saturday run (10 miles on this particular day) with Portland fit, my running buddy and I got our post run bagels and coffee on 23rd and Glisan. Just enjoying the sunshine and chilling. Fortunately we were posted up right next to this paint chipped old fire hydrant and I was able to check another scavenger hunt item off the list.

Fountain pen with assorted Pitt Pens in Moleskine Sketchbook