Beautiful Blooming Bonsai

Many of the plants were in full bloom when we visited the enchanting Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt. Thank you to the gardeners, hosts and the City of Oakland for creating and sustaining this amazing place and encouraging our sketching!

Glasgow Summer Sketches

During my short visit to Glasgow, Scotland I would stroll (sketchbook in hand) everyday from my hotel on the edge of Kelvingrove Park to explore Glasgow. I became acquainted with the stunning historic architecture, the museums brimming with varied collections, the extensive green spaces, and inspiring art. And I appreciated the warm hospitably of the Glaswegians I met; as the local signs say, "People Make Glasgow".   

Yes, it is an Elvis statue at the Kelvingrove.

The statue of the Duke of Wellington often has an orange traffic cone on his head.

The Kibble Palace in the Glasgow Botanic Garden.

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. 

Sketching at West Hills Nursery, Occidental

I was reminded about a poem:

so much depends
upon
a red wheel
barrow
glazed with rain
water
beside the white
chickens
William Carlos Williams
(1883-1963)

No chickens, but at the curve of a path--a lily pond with hummingbirds and dragonflies!

Sketchcrawl July 12-14, 2013

Warming up at Picante's.

Ferry Building SF

Lake Merritt Draws!