Sketching in the rain

It might have been prudent to cancel this morning's sketch outing at Hanwoori Korean Garden in Federal Way. But USk Tacoma had invited USk Seattle to attend. Rain was predicted, even thunderstorms. Also, it was time to celebrate USk Tacoma's 13th anniversary as our first sketch outing was June 7, 2013.

Several sketchers from Seattle came along with a few from the Tacoma group. We were a hardy bunch as it rained nearly the entire time. A few huddled together under the shelter of the roof of the garden gate. More were in the pagoda itself. And then a couple of us sketched from under umbrellas!

I was one of the sketchers sitting under an umbrella, painting a view of the gate. Sadly, the Federal Way city site doesn't have any information about this fairly new garden. I did find that Hanwoori means “we are one”. And that it was created in a partnership between the City of Federal Way and its sister city, Donghae, South Korea.

We ended early and a few people had already left. The Tacoma group posed with our anniversary poster.

Thursday, June 11: Skansie Brothers Park in Gig Harbor

Skansie Brothers Park 

3211 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor, WA  98335

Skansie Brothers Park

Skansie Brothers Park and Jerisich Public Dock

Meet at 10:00 near the Jerisich water fountain.  These parks offer scenic views of the harbor, historic Skansie Brothers Netshed, a covered pavilion and waterfront access.  The Jerisich Public Dock is located adjacent to the Skansie Brothers Park and offers public restrooms, a viewing platform, picnic tables and public dock.

The Gig Harbor Farmers Market will be setting up in the morning and opens at 1:00.  Street parking is available adjacent to the park.  Additional parking can be found a couple blocks up Pioneer Way, west on Judson Street near the Post Office.

We will be partnering with the Peninsula Art League Plein Aire Painters.

Fun sketching at East Side Big Toms

We had a fun sketch outing in Olympia at East Side Big Toms drive-thru burger restaurant.  There were plenty of dinosaurs posed in several jungle scenes, vintage characters, and numerous fun views.  Lunch was great, including milkshakes.  Thanks to Kate for organizing.

The throwdown

Thanks to Joe for taking the photo.  A few sketchers left early.

Sketching at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

We had a busy morning to study and sketch at the Zoo and Aquarium on a dry May morning.  Dozens of school buses delivered students on fieldtrip day.  There were plenty of animals, sea life, plants, structures and people to sketch.

The throwdown

Urban Sketchers visit the Zoo

Steam Roller

 We met at the Wayzgoose printers' fair yesterday. The weather was perfect for the partially out door event.

This was probably the smallest group of sketchers to attend a USk Tacoma outing. Jen and I plus Seth, a visitor from USk Nashville.

We all sketched the steam roller printing huge sheets of carved linoleum.

After my first sketch I went inside the Tacoma Main Library to peruse the vendors. I was pleased to see a friend is keeping Chandler O'Leary's art available. Disturbingly, that website has not been altered and is written in the present tense. Chandler died too young several years ago of a sudden illness.

I always like dragons so the library's resident was my next sketch. I went in straight with ink and mixed the watercolors on the paper.

Our little throw down and group photo.

Thursday, May 14: Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

5400 North Pearl Street, Tacoma, WA  98407

Due to traffic detour, use the Mildred Street Entrance.  Meet at 10:00 near the Zoo entrance.  Parking is free, but there is an admission fee.  Daytime tickets can be purchased online at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium website for a reduced admission fee.

For anyone interested, we're planning to stay a bit longer at the park for a picnic lunch after the throwdown.  Location to be chosen that morning.

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium Park Map

McMenamins on a rainy day

We met at the McMenamins Elks Temple, Tacomoa, which is celebrating 110 years now.

We changed the venue due to unexpected cost of the original and the prediction for significant rain. There was a smaller than usual group so I hope people didn't go to the other location!

I've sketched here many times before but found a couple views I've not drawn.

 

I used only ink for this...pen line and a waterbrush with diluted ink wash. I got the stamp from the hotel desk and also collaged a photo of the "6" that was painted on the elevator as well as a graphic of one of the logos.

I sat with Beverly in the restaurant to have some lunch. I sketched the view from our table.