Barnes & Noble, Santa Rosa, CA

Barnes and Noble_s

I’ve always loved the old Rosenberg’s Department Store building located at Fourth and D Streets in Santa Rosa. Built in 1936, the structure is the most significant example of the Streamline Moderne style and was the tallest building in the city. Santa Rosa’s government approved demolition of the store in 1994, but it was subsequently saved when bookstore chain Barnes & Noble leased the space. The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on December 29, 1994.

Today was a bit too cold and rainy for sketching but I stood under an awning to keep (mostly) dry.

Papa’s Pizza Café

Papa’s Pizza old Café old _sThis nondescript, rundown old building, has been the home of Papa’s Pizza Café since 1988. You’d never know they make terrific pizza. But tomorrow, March 21, they’re moving to a new location, about a block away in Downtown Cloverdale, CA. I sketched this yesterday before the sign was taken down.

Print show!

print sale

Most of you know me as a sketch artist, illustrator, and writer. But what you may not know is that I’m also a printmaker. If you live in the area, stop by my print show happening in Sebastopol on March 26. I’ll be showing my etchings, drypoint, and woodcut prints. There’ll also be several other printmakers showing their works. I’ll have signed copies of my new book, Impressions Of Wine Country available too!

Wine tasting at Chateau Montelena

Chateau Montelena WIne Tasting_sIn honor of Alan Rickman, here’s a sketch from my new book “Impressions of Wine Country.” Aside from his role in the popular Harry Potter series, Rickman starred in countless other films. One of my favorites is his turn as British wine merchant Steven Spurrier in “Bottle Shock.” The film captures a pivotal moment in California wine’s history, as it transitioned from a serviceable bulk product to its current status as a serious contender in today’s world of wine. It was Spurrier (played in the film by Rickman), who organized the blind tasting of 1976 that has come to be known as the “Judgment of Paris.” Though the screenplay is not historically accurate, the story is fun, and of course, Alan Rickman’s performance makes it all worth while.
 
I drew this sketch in the Sun Room at Chateau Montelena, while tasting their Chardonnay, Cabernets, and newly released Riesling. If you haven’t yet been to the winery, I highly recommend a visit, as its estate is as gorgeous as are its wines.

Chris Amberger and Friends

Chris Amberger and Friends_s

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.