Rain, rain, rain. That’s all we’ve seen in California so far this year. I’m not complaining though. I’d rather have too much than too little. Within reason, anyway.

Since the storm wasn’t supposed to let up for days, I chose not to let the moody weather keep me from sketching. Bundled up in a raincoat and hat, I stood without an umbrella across the street from the fair and pulled my sketch kit from a plastic bag. Small droplets of rain blurred, splashed, and dotted my sketch. But it wasn’t long before the rain picked up and I hid under the overhang of an empty building to allow the paint to dry.

Watercolors on Arches Hot Press paper.

Caran D’ache  Water Soluble pencils

 

Americana Night at the Cloverdale Arts Alliance where Rita Hosking performed, a country-folk singer who narrates working class subject matter in songs and stories that “span culture clash, dishes, forest fires, black holes, and hope.”

I missed the Cloverdale Antique Auto Show last year but I wasn’t about to miss sketching it this year! I chose an 1933 Packard, 1002 Club Sedan as my subject. Beautiful car. The day was topped off with all of us sketchers diving into an extra large pizza at Papa’s.

Last month, Papa’s Pizza of Cloverdale, CA moved to a new location on the corner of Cloverdale Blvd and First St. The new cafe is beautifully decorated with stone walls and wood paneling. Adding to the fun, they’ve tapped many new microbrews such as Knee Deep Brewing’s Breaking Bud, The Waldos’ Special Ale, and Mojo Chocolate Milk Stout.They also have a nice selection of wine by the glass. But best of all, the pizza still tastes great, just like it always has.

I don’t think there’s a better way to break in a brand new sketchbook than going out and listening to some Jazz. Once a month the Cloverdale Arts Alliance presents The Jazz Club. Tonight was Chris Amberger and Friends playing classic and chamber jazz with intricate solos and duets. Members of the group have played with Tom Dorsey, Richie Havens Show, Ella Fitzgerald, Mel Torme, Rosemary Clooney, Glen Miller Orchestra, Frank Sinatra, BB King, and Ray Charles. What a great evening of art and jazz.