Sketching Under the Swinomish Hats

Today we gathered in the shade of the "Swinomish hats" and painted the view of La Conner across the channel. 

In the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, cedar hats are deeply significant cultural symbols, woven from traditional red cedar. They serve as both functional regalia and in this case, architectural landmarks. Located just across from La Conner, the Swinomish Channel waterfront park features three massive and striking pavilions designed to resemble traditional woven Coast Salish cedar hats.  

It's always a pleasure to enjoy the pavilions and park while sketching in the Summer.

The view across the channel to La Conner.

Garden Glory at Happy Valley

One of our all-time favorite places to sketch is in the glorious, expansive, and whimsical garden at Happy Valley.  We've been going there for years and it's special every time. Today was no different!

A Little Drizzle Doesn't Stop Us

It takes more than some drizzle to keep our intrepid group of Pacific Northwest sketchers from our Monday gathering.  Today we headed to the top of Cap Sante which on a clear day provides stunning views of all of Anacortes one direction, neighboring San Juan Islands in another, and Mt. Baker beyond Fidalgo Bay in another.  

Today, well not so much for the views but we still had fun.  As you can see, we set up in our "mobile studios" - aka our cars - and managed to do some pretty darn good sketches.  

Also, we welcomed a new sketcher friend, Keith.  Hoping for sun next Monday but if not, well as you can see, it won't slow us down much. 

Early Summer at the WSU Extension Garden

Wow!  We could not have picked a better day to sketch at the WSU Extension Master Gardeners Discovery Garden!  It seemed like everything was in bloom as 16 of us spread out throughout the garden - from the koi pond to the Japanese Garden to the pollinator garden and beyond. Special thanks to the Skagit County Master Gardener volunteers who maintain this garden for all to enjoy.  

Sketching Bonsai

What an interesting place to sketch!  Thanks to Gregg and Linda who welcomed us to their amazing bonsai garden at their Anacortes home.  

We were amazed to learn that the garden contains only 25% of the plants they had when they lived in Eastern Washington.  Plus, each plant had to be unpotted for the move and then repotted once they arrived in their new home here!  Definitely a labor of love.

P.S.  Gregg's also a painter and you can see his acrylic paintings in his booth at the upcoming Anacortes Arts Festival.

Beautiful Day By the Water

Once we gathered, most of us sketched at the gazebo in Rotary Park.  What a splendid May day for sketching water views.  We also welcomed Dawn and Jamie.  Thanks for joining us!

Lilac Season in Carolyn's Garden

What a gorgeous afternoon of sketching and friendship!  Carolyn's beautiful garden with lilacs, camellias, and iris, along with lovely, quiet spots was quite a treat.  Plus, a big welcome to Peggy!  Thanks for joining us.