A Whole New Way to Sit at the Chabot Science Center

Even though I have been to the Chabot Science Center a number of times I always find something I have never seen before. This space toilet fascinated me because I was wondering what do astronauts do without gravity to "move things about." -- Vivian Aldridge

Lights for the soul: Sue Johnson's Lamps

Visited a cozy lamp shop owned and operated by Sue Johnson. I was delighted to meet Sue. As she talked about her craft I could tell how much she loved her work. She is a true artist. It is no wonder she has been there since 1972!

As I sat in the midst of her shop I noticed that the lamps came in all shapes and colors,  and I was surrounded by a wonderful golden glow that shone through lamp shades made of mica or parchment. I especially liked the animals, and figurines that some of lamps supported. The owls were my favorite and I learned they reflected Sue’s love of birds. She is quite active with the Audubon Society too. -- Vivian Aldridge

Sue

Emeryville Public Market - Post Hoildays

Quick 15 minute sketch. People were coming and going at a frantic pace even post holidays. — Vivian Aldridge

Slinging a Sketch at the Saloon

The Long Branch Saloon is a cozy  place for a chat or making a sketch with 12 of your closest amigas. — Vivian Aldridge

Rise Above the Madness

At Salesforce Park in Downtown San Francisco

I am very lucky to work across the street from a rooftop garden/park that is three blocks long. The mix of plants against the high rises is remarkable. And it is so serene. Nice to rise above the madness for awhile. (Pun intended :-) 
-- Vivian Aldridge 

Walking on the Wild Side

Spent a few hours sketching on a Thursday night at Old Kan Beer with my sister and friends. What a cozy place and great music too. Not too many people there. Great 70’s music and they play it at a level that is just right so patrons are not shouting at each other. This place is an undiscovered treasure just outside of Jack London Square. — Vivian Aldridge

Takes a Steady Aim

Artist Enrique Martinez uses a hammer and punch to create papel picado ("perforated paper".) You can find him at night next door to the Mexican restaurant called Picante located at 1328 6th street in Berkeley. His workshop is quite a sight when backlit by lights. 

-- Vivian Aldridge

Temescal

Met with our urban sketching group at Bierhaus. Across the street was an oddly shaped residence that I felt compelled to capture. -- Vivian Aldridge

Michelangelo works at Ocean View Brew Works

Thursday night we went to a tiny brewery in Albany. Such nice people there! Turned out the bartender was a bit of a female Michelangelo. She showed us her sketches of how the equipment goes together, and also had notes about what flavors to mix up. Now I wish I had added her to my sketch! -- Vivian Aldridge

Civil War Re-enactment at Angel Island

I enjoyed hanging out with the actors at the Civil War Re-enactment at Angel Island. As I sketched them I could listen to their banter. It was a great way to learn about the history of that era.

One solider told me how the Confederates learned that the gold miners kept tons of gold on the ships in San Francisco Bay. Their plan was to rob the ships  and bring it back to the south. Thus Camp Reynolds was built at Angel Island to prevent that from happening. -- Vivian Aldridge

One Leg Left Standing at the Oakland Ferry Landing

Enjoyed the warm weather last night at Jack London Square with our urban sketching group.
A one legged bird came to visit us and became the "derniere touche" to my sketch. -- Vivian Aldridge

Stamping Down at the Bierhaus

Enjoyed hanging out at Bierhaus located in Oakland’s Temescal district (foodie central.)
We arrived on a rainy Thursday evening so it was rather quiet and a good place to sketch or read a book. And they had rubber stamps! We had more fun with those than should be allowed ;-)  -- Vivian Aldridge

Museum of Craft and Design: It's Not Just About Seeing, It's About Making

When I go to a museum I typically get antsy but not if there are maker stations! The Museum of Craft and Design not only had maker stations but they even gave us stickers so I added them to my sketch just for fun. -- Vivian Aldridge

To be a Queen

On a cloudy Thursday evening I stood outside this shop fantasizing about what I might look like dressed as an Indian queen. I was courageous enough to step inside for only a moment and was treated to a feast of color. I am still considering an outfit. Do I dare? Hmmmm. --Vivian Aldridge

Picante - Where you can plant it

I do like the long bar at Picante Cocina Mexicana in Berkeley. Had fun watching the locals plant themselves on a stool for hours. Great for sketchers like us! -- Vivian Aldridge

Jack London Square -- the New Chicago?

Jack London Square: the New Chicago? Well maybe in my own mind. On a grey day I wandered around Jack London Square discovering some eclectic buildings. I am not sure if these are dwellings or offices. They were  a surprise to see in a warehouse district. Reminded me of downtown Chicago which is a very colorful place as well ---Vivian Aldridge

 

Petaluma Mill -- Full of Surprises

Very close to the middle of town stands the Petaluma Mill built in 1854 as a storage place for wild game. In 1853, the building was used to store grain, potatoes, and hops. In 1975 this place was slated for demolition but instead was rehabilitated into a single connected commercial center. These days it is home to a variety of small businesses including a wine tasting room and two restaurants.

Before I even read the history about this place I was visually attracted to the building and just had to paint it. Who knew it was a thriving commercial center. Next time I am going inside! --Vivian Aldridge

 

Is there Dignity in Housing Tomato Sauce?

Built in 1915 this building was a store but later it was converted as office space for tomato sauce (Heinz.) Now it is a French American school which I think is much more dignified for such a beautiful building. This building was designed by a noted local architect, John Hudson Thomas and is located at 1009 Heinz Street in Berkeley near Berkeley Bowl -- Vivian Aldridge

Transit Center Desert

One day before the transit center closed down due to a crack in a supporting beam I painted this desert garden in the park. If this transit center and park remains closed for a very long time perhaps I should add a tumbleweed to this scene.--Vivian Aldridge

Underneath it all at the New Transbay Terminal

Underneath the transbay terminal exists another world...not a world of trees and grass like the park on the top level but a world of massive beams and metal lattice. Feels like the year 2060. --Vivian Aldridge