Sketching at the Sonshine Alpaca Farm

It felt so good to be out sketching with the WISkers again.  It's been a long time.  We met today at the Sonshine alpaca farm very near my house in Langley.  Very fun place tucked way back into the woods at the top of a hill.  Lots of alpacas, goats, chickens and BIG guard dogs to protect them all from the coyotes, eagles and owls. 

LOVE this guy snacking away IN his feeder.  I am sure the idea was for him to be on the ground with his head in the box, but whatever works!

 Totally great animals!  The black one is a big boy alpaca kept separate from his girl alpacas and not happy about it.  He never stopped mewing and bleating the whole time I was sitting doing my sketch!

This is a Karakachan, a Bulgarian Sheepdog.  His job is to protect the animals from eagles, coyotes and owls.  He is huge.  And exceedingly PEOPLE friendly.  He nearly knocked me over in his joy to greet and love me.  He was pretty sure that my camera case was his ball. 

This is SUCH a pretty place.  The sun was warm, it smelled like a farm and was filled with all sorts of animal sounds.  Such a completely enjoyable way to spent the day.

WISker's March Challenge - Sketch cloud formations over Whidbey!

 The challenge issued to the group by fellow Sketcher and artist Lois Mathews, was to capture the cloud formations in the skies around the Island.  The sky this time of year (when you can see it) is full of clouds that are just one step away from snow clouds - billowy, but full of moisture.  They run from bright white to nearly black and full of rain (or snow).  They were beautifully piled up on the day I tried to sketch them, but it was so cold outside I couldn't hold my pen.  So I photographed them and retreated to the warmth of my "studio" to finish up. 
The Doghouse Restaurant is, like Lazarus, coming back to life, thanks to new owners.  It is going to take at least a year, but even if it only takes that long it will not be a moment too soon for the residents of South Whidbey! The park bench overlooking the Marina and the water at the end of Second St. in Langley is surrounded by daffodils - they look pretty but don't make it any warmer for sketching!

WISkers @ the SOUTH WHIDBEY COMMONS COFFEEHOUSE

The WISkers met at the South Whidbey Commons for four hours of sketching in the warmth of the glorious spring sunshine . . . . . .

. . . . . .  among the new happy daffodils and the promise of clouds of heather.

South Whidbey Commons

WISkers @ STUDIO 106, Langley

During Langley's "Mystery Weekend" the Sketchers met at PHYLLIS RAY's wonderful studio, Studio 106, on Main Street in Langley (right next to this little shed) to sketch and chat with the Mystery Weekenders wandering through town.

Sketcher SHERRYL GOLDFINGER. wore her hat for the occasion and sat in repose for sketching.

MYSTERY WEEKEND cast members Benton Payne and Stella Payne also stopped in and sat for their portraits.

WISkers @ USELESS BAY COFFEE COMPANY

A perky young patron enjoys the friendly ambiance of the Useless Bay Coffee Company on 2nd Street in downtown Langley.

WISkers @ Callahan's Firehouse

Glass Garden outside Callahan's Firehouse, Langley, Wa.  Callahan McVey uses the old Langley Fire Station building to house his glass blowing studio and the gallery of fine art glass that he produces there.