Whistler a happy tune

Spending a few days in Whistler, Canada, a first-time destination. Left the girls at home with their loving sitters set to drop by. They didn't want to appear too anxious for us to leave, but secretly I know, like it was when I was 13 and got a few hours in charge, they could hardly wait for us to finish packing and get outta town.

I love Canada. I love Vancouver especially, but we've never ventured north of it, not being skiers. We've taken advantage of a groupony stay at a resort in Whistler, and, it was a luscious drive. As a bonus, the route takes us through the (shopping) heart of Vancouver and makes me yearn for time to linger. I shall drive  up again just for the day, soon. I also saw more restaurants in a square couple of miles than I may have ever seen anywhere, including NYC. Yikes.

 We stopped for lunch in the cutest dang cafe

where we had this view

but I digress. All of the views are magnificent up here. One better than the last. I took a slew of photos, but actually none of them do justice to the real thing. Take my word for it.

The art of urban sketching...

"Because we took the time to create it, instead of snapping a photo in an instant, the sketch has the power to bring back much sharper memories."

In today's Seattle Times, find this article about local artist Gabi Campanario, Mr. Urban Sketcher himself,  the Urban Sketchers worldwide community, and his book, The Art of Urban Sketching. As soon as I heard that these many of the fabulous sketches I've been admiring and following for so long are compiled into one big book, well, of course, I had to have one. If you love sketching or just like to admire what others do, I recommend finding a copy. It's a very large collection of real talent. As an added bonus, these artists freely give lots of tips, techniques, and advice, as well as share the materials they used to create the piece. And, of course, it's a Wannabe World Traveler's visual vicarious paradise

I do love sketching city life, but find it very challenging to do on the spot, and I rely on photos (except for sketching people at coffee shops!)  I would like to get better at the real thing. It's on my list.  It is oh so true that the memories are more vivid when one has drawn or painted. As I look back at drawings I've made on my travels, or even in a leisurely afternoon around my city, I recall so easily the experience and the moment. One of the reasons I love to pick up my journals and browse often.

Happy Easter

A Smilin' Bunny in our Neighborhood


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Faces in the news

These people made an appearance in NYTimes 4/6/12 edition. I drew from the newspaper photos.

I am having fun drawing faces. Made a little game of it today.