Saturday, October 3, 2026

Chilly morning sketching

 We met at Titlow Park today, exactly one year since our first outing there. The weather was chilly, breezy, cloudy. It didn't clear until after we left, of course.

Last year I'd sketched the view of the narrows bridge so this year I wanted to paint the lodge. I found a view with two large trees. The Titlow Lodge was built by Aaron Titlow started in 1911 as the Hotel Hesperides. The architect was Frederick Heath. When Titlow died in 1923 it was purchased by Metro Parks Tacoma.

2026 1003 Titlow Lodge

I wandered some of the park and finally settled on a view of the foot bridge.

20206 1003 Titlow Park

It was quite chilly on the edge of the bay with the view of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.

The throw down at a picnic table near the lodge.

Mike came late so he took our group photo.

Saturday, September 19, 2026

 7 Seas Gig Harbor

2905 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor, WA  98335

Meet at 11:00 am Thursday, October 8 near the front entrance.  Since 7 Seas does not open until 11:00, we will meet an hour later than usual.  This venue offers plenty of parking, views of the harbor, a food truck and beverages.

Sketchers will have several choices of subjects, indoors and out.  The staff and patrons are welcoming to Urban Sketchers.

Please be respectful of customers.

2905 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Sketching the Puyallup

 We were a smaller than usual group  at the State Fair in Puyallup (WA) this morning. 

After obtaining our Fisher Fair scone fix, I headed out to sketch. 

 

Thursday, September 10, 2026

Sketching at Ancich Waterfront Park

We had perfect weather to sketch and paint at the Gig Harbor waterfront.  There was an abundance of subjects to choose from.  Today was our last day of the season to partner with the Peninsula Art League Plein Aire painters.  Thanks to Liz for the photo.  Welcome Paul.

Sketchers and Plein Aire painters at Ancich Waterfront Park



Sunday, September 6, 2026

TCC Japanese Garden

 Yesterday we met at the Tacoma Community College Japanese Friendship Garden. I'd never known of this before but Beverly suggested it for a sketch outing. Everyone liked it and we'll go again. We were happy to welcome a few first timers, as well.

It expresses friendship with Tacoma's sister city in Kitakyushu, Japan. It was created as a “karesansui” or dry garden. 

My sketch featured one of the stone lanterns and the bridge.

2026 0905 TCC Japanese Garden

Saturday, August 22, 2026

Thursday, September 10: Ancich Waterfront Park in Gig Harbor

 3589 Harborview Drive

Ancich Waterfront Park

3589 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor

Ancich Net Shed

Meet at 10:00 at the street level picnic area.  Street parking is available adjacent to the park.  This park offers a shaded lower level, public pier, restored net shed, views of the harbor, beach access and public restrooms.

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

Thursday, August 20, 2026

Hanwoori again

Urban Sketchers Seattle and Tacoma came together to sketch in the Hanwoori Korean Garden in Federal Way. The garden’s name means “we are one”.

The feature is a colorful pagoda, Donghaejeong, built in the sister city of Donghae and donated to the park. I still haven't sketched it.

I started with an ink drawing of the side of the gate.

2026 0819 Hanwoori Korean Garden 1

Then I painted the stone feature with the "Taegeuk:, which means "supreme ultimate" in Korean philosophy, representing universal balance and dual forces (um and yang).

2026 0819 Hanwoori Korean Garden 2

A few more photos here.