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! 

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

Sketching Here and There

It's hard to get out and join the group, but it doesn't mean I'm not out and about sketching this and that. From sitting in my car before work, sketching the shoppers coming and going from Nordstrom Rack, to Dr.Sketchy events, and the obligatory coffee shop sketches, I've been getting it done.  Nothing fancy, or colorful. Just your basic pen and pencil sketches.

Dr. Sketchy Crush Bar, Belmont Ave, Portland

Dr. Sketchy Crush Bar, Belmont Ave, Portland

Dr. Sketchy Crush Bar, Belmont Ave, Portland

Dr. Sketchy Crush Bar, Belmont Ave, Portland

Starbucks in Lake O

Watching the comers and goers of Nordstrom Rack  from afar, Beaverton