Hands and Hearts at Lake Merritt

What a gorgeous day for a gathering of thousands around Lake Merritt in downtown Oakland, standing in solidarity against possible consequences of a Trump presidency.  I came down on a crowded BART car in a group with longtime Berkeley pals, book group members, neighbors and fellow urban sketchers then walked in the sunshine to the lake shore where we ran into other friends from all over the Bay Area.  Lots of families with signs like "Stronger Together" and "Love + Action--Not Hate" and one young woman holding high a banner saying "I Am Your Muslim Sister."  So renewing and heartwarming to see my community step up.

I sketched on an 8x39" accordian watercolor sheet, given to me by my Paris Sketcher friend, Helene Lemeunier.  It was difficult to scan as one piece, so here are the separate folds from left to right.

Hands Down the Best Circle Ever!

After experiencing such an awful week filled with anger and sadness, I was happy

to have the opportunity to take a major break from it today. It was so good for my spirit
 to sit here for a bit and capture it in my sketchbook. Onward! -- Vivian Aldridge