Yesterday, the Bay Area Urban Sketchers group met in Albany for Sketchcrawl. The weather was sunny and warm for the month of January, perfect for drawing. I had never visited Albany nor had I ever meet my fellow sketchers from across the bay.
About twenty of us met up at the corner of Masonic and Solano and after some quick introductions, dispersed for drawing. A couple of blocks away, I found a coffee shop fabricated out of an old Streamline RV called Local 1 2 3. It was nestled in a garden store appropriately called Flowerland. A few other sketchers chose the same subject and we sat at bistro tables drinking coffee while immortalizing the unique shop in our books.
Later in the day, when a cold wind picked up, we moved indoors for a sketchbook sharing at the local library. We gathered around our open books, discovered new talents, techniques, and friends. Conversations over cookies and sparkling beverages lasted for over an hour. It was great to get to know other sketch artists in the Bay Area.
I had to look up Albany on the map. Of course, I’ve been to Berkeley but had no idea about Albany. That coffee shop is cute (but I realize the real thing might not look as sweet as your sketch!).
Thanks Jean and yes, the coffee shop was very cute and probably cuter than I drew it! When the weather is good, it’s a great place to hang out.
Another great sketch! Your sketches are an inspiration to me, I love how you capture the essence of a place. I’m looking forward to your new book……….
Thank you Cathy! I’m happy to hear you enjoy my sketches. I’m working hard on my new “Impressions of Wine Country” book and met with a woman who sells wine barrels this morning. I think it’s turning out great and am excited with its progress. Hoping for a September release.