PAM INGALLS WORKSHOP

Pam Ingalls was teaching this past week at the Whidbey Island Fine Art Studios and I had the privilege and pleasure to proctor the class. She's of the Russian Impressionism tradition, having studied with Ron Lucas back in the day. She's also a lovely teacher, and I think we all had tons of fun while we struggled and learned. Here's my still life. It's a tough shift back to direct/impressionistic painting after studying layers with Suzanne Brooker at Gage these past two quarters. I'm enjoying the blog format for keeping my personal notebook!

Spoiled Dog Winery

The Whidbey Island Sketchers gather weekly at some compelling site.  It is a wonderful regular practice to sketch weekly (or more!).  I'm grateful for the opportunity & inspiration.  I joined them at the Spoiled Dog Winery and despite chilly breezes & episodes of drizzles, it was fabulous.  I learned that sketchers adapt; we pulled out umbrellas while the rain spritzed and continued on our mission wrapped in warm clothes, undaunted.  Horses, lamas, spoiled dogs, a charming main building, and excellent wine.  That's Mary and Sherryl sitting in beach chairs with their sketching paraphernalia scattered about.

Bayview Market

Throughout the Seattle area, they had farmer's markets, which I loved.  Here in Langley we have the Bayview Market.  The produce is local, organic, and magnificent.  I sketched this scene sitting next to a wonderful guitar/vocalist who's name I regret not getting.  The booths next to me were Bob Bowling Rustics, a fellow who creates super imaginative one-of-a-kind structures, Ferry View Farms, and a bonsai plant seller.  Today's sketch is called "Sale on Bonsai" honoring the bonsai seller.  She's the blonde in the red top.  There was so much going on ... note the fellow in the center, the author one could meet today.  I tried to capture the busyness of the place, as well as the sparkly lightness of this sunny day.

Trout Fishing on Lone Lake

I am very excited to be joining the Langley community, and the Whidbey Island Sketchers.   I just began posting on their blog, which inspired me to start my own blog to further what I do there.  I started posting all my new sketches on their site and became embarrassed because I was taking up so much blog space!  Well, I realized I needed my own blog.  Here it is.  Today, I was invited by Sketcher Faye to come to Lone Lake to sketch.  This watercolor took me no time at all ... it was an inspired painting of the men trout fishing on Lone Lake.  It is a beautiful spot, and I got to meet the fishermen.  They all have little rigs self-propelled with flippers.  No polution!  A beautiful new space on Whidbey Island.  I am grateful for all these new experiences.