A sktechy weekend

Saturday was spent at OMSI with the Drink and Draw group. Our intention was to sketch in the Sherlock Holmes exhibit but when we met at 1:00 OMSI had posted a sign that they were not taking tickets at that time due to high demand. So, we decided to just hangout there and do some sketching in and around the open areas of the museum.
Initially I was attracted to the 'Sherlock Holmes' vehicle behind the ticket counter but decided to hold off and take advantage of the sunny outside (although there was a slight breeze too).

Ink and Large Pitt pen

I had been wanting to draw this bridge construction and there was a perfect view of it from the walkway outside of OMSI.
Later I went back inside to tackle the auto driven by Robert Downey Jr. in the movie Sherlock Holmes; A Game of Shadows (2011). Loved the soft curves and accoutrements on the vehicle....old cars are the best!

Ink...two colors because my brown ink ran out

It was fun and there was a variety to draw but eventually we gave up on getting into the exhibit and retired to a local pub to share and eat.

On Sunday despite the cold temps there was a good crowd of sketchers gathered at the Lan Su Garden....it was again sunny and that made it bearable to sketch sitting in the sun.

Ink and large Pitt pen

Ink and large Pitt pen

I wasn't motivated to get out any color though (and I regret that based on the other sketchers stuff) so these don't really reflect the beautiful scenes so abundant in the garden. Several of the Camillas were in bloom and there was some fragrance from the Wintersweet to enjoy too.

sketching at University of Portland

I got this 'from above' view of the Port of Portland from the bluffs at the university. It was quite challenging and after I'd started it I thought maybe I should have done a warm-up sketch or two. There is much that is not included in the sketch...it was so busy with buildings, ships, cranes and whatnot's that I became lost a couple of times. Besides ships that moved!
But I have to keep remembering that it is the essence that I am after not an exact representation.

View of Port of Portland from University of Portland bluffs on the Willamette- watercolor, ink, Pitt pens

Afterward I cooled my brain and did this more tranquil subject.

Sculpture at University of Portland- ink

 After lunch in the Commons we passed around our sketches and then Kalina gave her 'Pens 101' to an enraptured (and grateful) audience.........a good day!

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.