Are newest member, Susan Pope, took part in Woodland Park Zoo's sketching animals mobile tour.  She created an awesome illustration of an extinct Tasmanian tiger.  

You can see more illustrations from sketchers and how to join the sketching animals mobile tour here.  If you want to participate, a smart phone is required.  Sounds like a fun way to experience the zoo and share your art with others.  

Thanks Susan! 

René Eisenbart, a member of Oregon Botanical Artists based in Portland, is going to be leading a couple of tantalizing art excursions next year - one to Hawaii in early February and the other in Tuscany in May.  Her has invited GNSI NW to attend.  Her 2 brochures (PDF's) are here and here.

René was, for many years, the botanical illustrator for The Oregonian newspaper. She left there about 4 years ago and currently works in a freer, looser watercolor style, but I find that she typically teaches to her students' interests. These workshops are planned to leave room for touring and sight-seeing among the drawing and painting. I'm planning to join her for both, and to help with botanical drawing instruction. Artist Linda Nye will also be part of both workshops.

Presenter: Elieen F. Sorg

Enrollment is restricted to 13 students.  Fill out enrollment form to join the workshop. 
 
Enrollment Time Points:

• Sept 6th - Enrollment opens for GNSI Members 
  
• Oct 21th - Enrollment opens for Non-GNSI Members 
  
• Nov 11th - Enrollment closes 
  

Workshop Details:

• Date: Saturday Nov 16th, 2013 
  
• Time: 10:00-5:00
  
• Location:  Sheila and Pete Theodoratos, 1215 NE 168th St, Shoreline, 98155, WA.  206-362-6442, sheilatheo@me.com.  
  
• What to bring:  There are 3 supply lists.  Click each link to download (Basic, Colored Pencil, Watercolor).  The studio can be a little chilly in the fall so wear layers.  You can bring a lunch.  Snacks, tea and coffee will be provided.  
  
• Cost:  GNSI NW Members will pay $65.00 to enroll (Non-GNSI NW Members will pay $75 to enroll or $85 to enroll + become a member). This is payable to GNSI-NW, P.O. Box 95721, Seattle, WA 98145 or you can Syliva Portillo (206) 938-1668 to pay with a credit/debit card. Note: there will be a small fee (3.75% or  2.75%) if a card is used.  
  

Topic and Subject:  This workshop will teach you how to use pen, ink, watercolor and colored pencil together to create richly detailed pieces of art.  This mixed media approach allows for a quick build up of color and value while still leaving room for the beautiful detail and control of colored pencil.  Designed to help students at every skill level to master techniques, design and color, you will learn watercolor and colored pencil application tips and how to extract the best qualities of each medium in this fun and informative workshop.  The subject of the workshop will be the crow.  

About Eileen: Born in Seattle, Washington, Eileen Sorg still lives and works overlooking the bountiful Hood Canal. As with most Northwesterners, Eileen has a keen interest and respect for the natural landscape and its wild inhabitants. With her degree in Wildlife Science from the University of Washington and subsequent time spent studying birds and mammals as a biologist for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, she has now returned to art with a bit of the scientist still in tow.

Eileen enjoys exploring her subjects and seeking out the minutest details to express in her work. Her drawings have been likened to “photographs” but she is quick to point out that her pieces are less about detail and more about the subject’s essence and vitality. “With my current work I am seeking to capture the playful, sometimes mischievous side of my subjects, catching them in the act of behaving unexpectedly.”

Eileen’s primary medium is currently colored pencil, with ink, pastel, and watercolor applied for added depth. “Primarily, I am a draftsman rather than a painter. I am most comfortable with a pencil in my hand, languishing over all the tiny changes in tone and hue.” The pencil work is  essential for breathing life into her subjects and creating softness.

Eileen is a Signature member of the Colored Pencil Society of America, International Guild of Realism, Society of Animal Artists, and Women Painters of Washington. Her work has been featured in The Artist’s Magazine, American Artist, and her book, “Colored Pencil Made Easy” published by Walter Foster, was released in 2009. Her new book, “Colored Pencil Landscapes”, will be published in the fall of 2012.

Artist Statement: “I have chosen realism as the manner in which to express my interpretations of the world around me. Realism is not duplication; it is a process that involves intense study and understanding of a subject, a strong sense of value and color, and the mastery of a given medium. Within this realism, I experiment with color by making choices that might not be expected for use in rendering certain subjects. In this way I keep things fresh and interesting both for the viewer and myself.”  
www.twodogstudio.com  twodogstudio@msn.com

Questions can be sent to Sara J Cary at saraj@sarajcary.com.  

The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Association has invited our GNSI chapter to participate in their upcoming Sketch Crawl - would it be alright to either email the group (the email addresses you sent this to are our entire group, right?) or have you email the group with the following information and attached graphic?

SKETCHCRAWL!

• When: Sunday, October 13, 12-2 pm
  
• Where: Town Center at Lake Forest Park, 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park
• Cost: Free & Awesome!
  

Sponsored by the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council

Don’t miss this free community arting event! Bring your sketchbook and drawing materials and check in at noon at The Gallery at Town Center (located inside, downstairs at the foot of the escalator). The first 20 sketchers receive a free event t-shirt. Sketchcrawl badges will also be provided. Artists are invited to bring up to 10 sketches in protected sleeves to sell in the gallery. Artists set their own prices, and the Arts Council retains a 50% commission on those sales. 


Sketchers are welcome to draw upstairs in Third Place Commons, at Third Place Books, around The Gallery at Town Center or outside at the Farmer's Market. 


The Arts Council will also host an Experimentation Station upstairs in the Commons, featuring a variety of art media (copper point, felting, pastels, printmaking, etc.) for patrons to play with. Sketch artists are welcome to give mini lessons while others experiment. 


Sketching artists are invited to leave their work or bring it back for a special push-pin sketch show in The Gallery at Town Center opening in January, 2014. Details on that show will be available October 13th.