The Final Palmer House

This is a quick sketch of Potter Palmer's final resting place.  The Palmer House Hotel in Chicago was originally built as a wedding gift for his wife, Berthe. She's buried here too. I did most of this onsite but had to finish it up at home. It seems the ground crew wasn't informed that our Monday group had received permission to sketch in the cemetery and told us to pack up and leave. I hate when that happens. Being a peaceful group we complied but not before registering our disappointment with the manager. 

All in all, though, it was a delightful time touring the cemetery and getting a little sketching in while enjoying a beautiful day.

Spring? Maybe!

Our Monday sketch group met in Old Town today. It's was pretty chilly but the sun was glorious! I finally exerted some discipline and made myself sketch something a little different for me - buildings (well, building). The name of this florist is Green and its window expresses my delight that spring is finally getting to Chicago. I'm still loving working in my Stillman & Birn Beta series sketchbook.

Puttin' on the Ritz…Um–Palmer House

Yesterday our Monday Sketch Group met at the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago. Many thanks to Ken Price in public relations who made sure we were cleared to sketch to our hearts content in the very busy lobby. 

The Palmer House was built in 1871 by Potter Palmer as a wedding gift for his wife Bertha. It burned  down during the Great Chicago fire, only two weeks after it was complete. Rebuilt right away, then renovated in the 1920's and again just recently, the hotel has always maintained it's aura of grandeur and glamour.

Although I've been to the Palmer House on many occasions I found I was overwhelmed by the idea of sketching there and had trouble focusing and simplifying. It was still a fun experience.  I had planned to add some of the rug pattern somewhere on the page but didn't get to it. Oh well, I'll just have to go back!

Lions of Michigan Ave. and Adams

Between Chicago's fascinating characters and glorious architecture sometimes it's hard for me to focus on what to sketch. 

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of my favorite places in the city. There's something for everyone! This week I was there several times for a variety of reasons. Each time I had the pleasure of crossing the street with the Streetwise vendor. I don't know his name. I should ask him the next time I'm there. This has been his regular corner for years so I'm familiar with his friendly banter, his tall tales of Chicago and his corner of the city. Each time I'm impressed by the pride and effort he puts into his job. Most of the time I end up crossing the street with a Streetwise under my arm but always with a smile on my face. When he's not on duty I miss him.

If you're in Chicago and at the Art Institute be sure to meet this other lion at Michigan Avenue and Adams! Oh, and buy a Streetwise!

I Think I Can, I Think I Can…

The Chicago El has warming stations on the platforms. They make me feel like a fast food French fry but when that winter wind blows I'm glad they're there! This is about a "three trains gone by" sketch. 

I've been using the large Moleskine watercolor book for Monday sketching. At about 8 x 11 it's a bit of a pain to lug around but since I'm trying to push out of my comfort zone and work bigger – you do what you gotta do!

First Read

I'm working on becoming less timid when I work and just diving in with ink. It's funny. I'm not sure what I think will happen if I mess up, but each time takes a new leap of faith without my pencil safety net. This is a sketch I made while watching my children at their first read through of a play they will be performing next month. Looking at the rehearsal schedule, I believe I will have plenty of opportunities to overcome my fears. :)

Color Is Where You Find It

… at least that's how it is in Chicago in the winter.

It's been a warm winter here. I don't think we've been below 0° once this season. Gray days are another story! Today five of us met at the Lincoln Park Conservatory to sketch. The Orchid Room captured me right away. Beautiful color and grace in the drab of winter. I tried not to use my pencil but when all was said and done I missed making marks and lines. I may do this again with more line work.