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.

Sketching Joe's Driftwood Animal Sculptures

What an amazing afternoon we had at Joe Treat's in Bow.  Joe and his wife were so welcoming and gave us a tour of Joe's workshop.  He started making driftwood animals/sculptures at age 62 and he says it's been life-changing. 

What fun sketching subjects and we can't wait to come back this Summer.

Sketching Views at Kalena's

 We're happily sketching outside now and Kalena's yard was a perfect spot on this April day.  Trees, mountains, water, and good friends!

A Menagerie to Sketch at the Farm on 41st

It was a chilly but great afternoon sketching at the Farm on 41st.  Such a delightful group of animals (we even got to see owner Jojo feed a sweet little lamb) plus incredible grounds with so many fun things to sketch all across the property.  Thanks for having us, Jojo!

Sketching at the Depot

April 6 marked the first day we've gotten to sketch outside in 2026!  Our historic depot proved to be a perfect spot with some last stands of daffodils, grape hyacinth, and even just a few cherry blossoms still hanging on.  A glorious afternoon in the sunshine with friends!

  

 

 

So Much to Sketch at the Nursery Today

There's always something to sketch at Christianson's Nursery.  So much is happening these days as plants arrive daily, containers are out and ready to be filled, and all sorts of Spring blooms tempt us to take them home.  It was a sunny though chilly day surrounded by so much to sketch!

Here are a couple of sketches to show you more details.  Pots were a big subject of interest today!

  

Pastries and Planes

Gathering in True North Bakery right next to the runway at Skagit Regional Airport, proved to be the perfect location to sketch cool planes (and have some of the yummiest fresh-baked pastries around).  

  

Anacortes Sketchers in Arizona

We really never stop sketching!  Lots of us love travel sketching when we're on the road, and this month there was a wonderful reunion of 3 Anacortes Sketchers one afternoon in Tucson's spectacular Sabino Canyon.

Mari was on vacation and joined Greg and Kate who both sketch with us in Summer months here in Anacortes.  Different palettes for this meet-up but a reunion of great Anacortes sketching friends.

Mari's sketchbook and well-used travel watercolor kit.

Greg sketching along the creek that flows down through the canyon.