Serrahna, too

It's always a treat to sketch at Serrahna; thanks, Andrea.

Captivating as all the colorful clothing and textiles are, it was the statuary that captivated me on that night. Ceramic heads of a couple and a stone Ganesha -- God of wisdom, knowledge and new beginnings.

Lately, I've been avoiding the initial pencil/ink drawing and instead proceeding directly to the painting. This gives a certain immediacy to the outcome, although accuracy is often lost. No matter, it's fun to change the challenges.

Serrahna

A favorite holiday tradition is to visit Serrahna in the Rockridge area of Oakland. I stepped out of the cold dark night into a warm boutique displaying a brilliant array of textiles, accessories, and other handicrafts from India. Thank you Andrea for the work you do collaborating with communities to revitalize their art and for allowing us to sketch after hours.

Some More Serrahna Sketches

The Serrahna boutique, in Oakland's Rockridge District, showcases the unique clothes crafted from the stunning fabrics of Indian. The boutique was created in 2002 by Andrea Serrahna who also designs the clothes. Andrea works with artisans and tailors to bring them to life in her store. This collaboration helps sustain the crafts people and their textile arts and skills. We appreciate Andrea's invitation to sketch and enjoyed her warm hospitality.  Please see the cards and website listed below to learn about Serrahna. 

Serrahna in Oakland

We had a a good time sketching in Serrahna a colorful store on College Avenue in Oakland. It is full to bursting with clothing in beautiful colors. And a special addition was Isha the very well dressed store greeter!

Sketching at Serrahna

We stepped out of the cold grey dusk into Serrahna where we were welcomed by Andrea Serrahn to sketch. I was dazzled by the beautiful colors and textures  of the clothing and handicrafts in her boutique. It was hard to select what to sketch (and not browse)! 

a riot of colors at Serrahna Boutique

it's not easy to describe the tumult of colors and objects, the jumbles of scarves, arrays of jewelry, and piles and racks of various colorful clothing at Serrahna. Here's my try at showing one small corner of it.

a fanciful doorway, and bejeweled mannequin

Serrahna Boutique, Oakland

I used my complete palette to color the sketch from our night at Serrahna. The colors were overwhelming, a real delight and it was hard not to buy something beautiful!

Serrahna, ink, gouache, watercolor, 9x12in.