BY NATALIE OLSEN
Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
August 10, 2016
This article was originally printed in Whidbey Life Magazine’s Spring/Summer 2015 print issue. As our actual summer appears to have taken a short hiatus this week, we thought we’d share some sketches from summer on Whidbey.
“Sketching here on Whidbey is awesome,” artist Faye Castle said. “Where is there more inspiration?” The piles of sketchbooks in her studio record her play with color and line and create wonderful records of memories. Check out her book, “Sketching Whidbey,” which includes work inspired from Deception Pass to the bottom of the island.
Like most sketchers, Castle generally finishes each sketch on site, but the Deception Pass Bridge one is an exception. She said, “I wanted this Whidbey icon more complete, so I surrendered to the wind and passing cars and finished it at home.”
Mary Lawson captured the scene below while sitting on a bench in front of the Inn at Langley with friends on a warm day.
When she sketched Possession Point, Sherryl Goldfinger said it started out warm, but—as the sun went down—she was freezing, sitting up on the point.
Jean Mason enjoyed sketching at the kite festival at Fort Casey last fall. “Exploring on a sunny afternoon, we came upon all this color in the sky. There was a perfect breeze to whip up the kites and show off their long bright tails. Vast open space, fresh air and an amazing view. All this room to run and fly made me feel like a child.”
“On one of the longest days of winter,” Jean Mason said, “we went to the dog beach while a sliver of sun was left. As if peeking under the covers, the golden sun reflected off the water giving the light a double dose of brightness.”
Kris Wiltse sketched the scene below while on Rosario Beach on a warm, early summer day. “There were some marine clouds and a little atmosphere, but it was generally clear and sunny. The sand felt warm and cozy. It was one of those ‘I hear the sand calling to nap in the sun’ kind of days. So I was feeling hazy and lazy, just putting the paint down to mingle on the paper rather than labor over it. I find the Deception Pass area riveting with all its exposed granite and gnarly trees, and the occasional otter running by. Lots of wildlife activity. A few people, too.”
Wiltse says it’s a good idea to carry her supplies with her at all times. “You just never know when a scene will appear. I just happened to be in Bayview and, on my way home, saw an incredible view at Sunlight Beach as I passed. Had to try to capture it so I painted this in the car parked on the side of the road.” Sunlight Shores is what it purports to be, she said—sun-filled. “I tried to capture the incredible light at low tide on this day. It was spectacular!”
To see more Whidbey Island Sketchers’ images from the island, check out their blog at whidbeyislandsketchers.blogspot.com.
Natalie Olsen is a fiber artist and writer who loves being part of the Whidbey Sketchers, especially at Happy Hour.
Editors Note: To order current or past issues of the print magazine click HERE.
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