Quick Afternoon Sketch with an Edible Target

Posted: October 8, 2015 | Author: AJ Tauber | Filed under: USkO | Tags: Breadfruit, Ulu | Leave a comment

This afternoon seemed like a fine time to practice sketching, something I have been vowing to do between USkO events and never seem to commit to. Not a good way to make progress!

In any case, I chose to visit a nearby ‘ulu (breadfruit) tree … one that is being meticulously cared for and doted upon like an only child in a royal lineage. :) The specimen was acquired as part of a giveaway through the Breadfruit Institute and hopefully will bear fruit in several years. The momentous occasion of “first appearance of fruit” would certainly require a second sketch installment!

The first sketch was made with my typical process … a pen outline with watercolor pencil placed on top. The second sketch was a quick and lighthearted attempt to capture the essence of the tree. It was most successful (in my opinion) when the pen was running out of ink and easier for me to control.

Thursday Evening Event!

Posted: October 5, 2015 | Author: Sebastian | Filed under: USkO | Tags: event announcement | Leave a comment

We are launching our first midweek USkO event, part of our efforts to increase opportunities to sketch as a group each month!

: 10/15/2015

Art on and near the Zoo Fence

Posted: October 3, 2015 | Author: Sebastian | Filed under: USkO | Tags: Art on the Zoo Fence, event, Kapi‘olani Park | 4 Comments

Upon arrival at our meeting point, we found our view of the exhibiting artists setting up for “Art on the Zoo Fence” mostly obscured by three large fire trucks in front of the zoo. Unfortunately they managed to negotiate the sharp turn onto the zoo grounds before we could sketch them.

Some 15 sketchers came out this morning, both new and returning. It was impressive to hear what distances some of them had covered to attend the event. Noyita traveled by bus for almost three hours to join us. Now that is commitment to the cause!

As usual, we gathered for a show-and-tell at the end of the event to share our artwork, techniques, and thoughts on materials. Pen, pencil, watercolor, color pencil, and ink all made an appearance in the artwork on display. Our lively discussion covered a variety of topics ranging from where to buy supplies, through layering of media, to the mesmerizing effect of the zoo cacophony and the contemporaneous zumba performance at the Kapi‘olani Bandstand. Below are a few photos.

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We hope to see everyone at our next event, which will be announced at the start of next week.

October Event Announcement

Posted: September 15, 2015 | Author: Sebastian | Filed under: USkO | Tags: Art on the Zoo Fence, event announcement | Leave a comment

Make space on your calendars for the next event – less than 3 weeks away!

Windward, finally!

Posted: September 13, 2015 | Author: Sebastian | Filed under: USkO | Tags: event, WCC, Windward | 1 Comment

Although weather forecasts predicted heavy rain for the weekend, our event at Windward Community College only received a sprinkle. Nevertheless, it seems that the weather did deter some people, as we were a small group – small, but enthusiastic!

Apart from a team of students promoting higher education (they wore great t-shirts with the slogan, “Keep Calm and Go to College”!), the campus was largely empty. The vibrant colors of WCC (undergoing renovations and construction after receiving a federal grant) and the clouds sinking into the Ko‘olau Mountains created a great atmosphere for sketching.

We got together for our traditional show-and-tell toward the end of the event to share sketches ranging from a hen and her eleven chicks to views of the lush grounds and buildings. Below are a few photos of us.

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We hope to see everyone at our next event! We will be alternating between windward and Honolulu locations, as well as others, in an attempt to be in everybody’s neighborhood at some point.

It Was a Wet and Stormy Night and Day

Posted: September 4, 2015 | Author: Sebastian | Filed under: USkO | Tags: pen, storm, stream, watercolor, watercolor pencils, weather | Leave a comment

This past month has been a stormy one. Hurricanes and tropical storms seemed to be barely missing O‘ahu on a weekly basis. While we have escaped a direct hit so far (knock on wood), we still see torrential downpours after thunderstorms or very muggy, wind-still days, like today. Cycling home through one of these heavy rains last week, I noticed that the water level in the stream nearby was licking the underside of the bridge. As this clearly warranted sketching, AJ and I quickly headed out again with our sketch equipment and rain gear. However, by the time we arrived, almost an hour later, the water level had dropped by at least 4 feet, and the clouds had begun to part. In my sketch, I marked the water level where it was when I had seen it running up the banks, just a few feet from flooding the street.

September Event Announcement

Posted: August 14, 2015 | Author: Sebastian | Filed under: USkO | Tags: event announcement, Kaneohe, Windward Community College | Leave a comment

Windward artists (and all others) take note: We will be in Kaneohe next month!

A Morning on the Towne

Posted: August 9, 2015 | Author: Sebastian | Filed under: USkO | Tags: event, Hawaii Kai, Koko Crater, Koko Head, marina | Leave a comment

Yesterday morning, we gathered in the courtyard of Hawaii Kai Towne Center for two hours of leisurely sketching. The weather was perfect and the venue provided ample shade and seating under beach umbrellas. Attendance reached double digits, and we saw several new faces.

We assembled at 11:00 a.m. to share our accomplishments. Many of us sketched Koko Crater and the Hawaii Kai Marina Bridge (the most prominent views), as usual employing different approaches and techniques. We yet again found ourselves marveling at the artwork on display, but noticed too late that we should take better advantage of the group’s diversity to actively learn from each other. In our next meeting we would like to encourage participants to share their choices of scene, composition, media, etcetera to increase the educational aspect of our get-togethers. Next time!

So, mark your calendars, we’ll be out again on September 12. Location to be announced soon!

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Solar Impulse 2 at Kalaeloa Airport

Posted: July 26, 2015 | Author: Sebastian | Filed under: USkO | Tags: airport, crayon, pen, plane, Solar Impulse 2 | 1 Comment

On Friday, July 17, AJ, Harald, and I arranged to visit the Solar Impulse 2 (Si2), a giant plane aiming to complete the first-ever round-the-world flight solely powered by the sun. Victoire, a member of the Solar Impulse press team, was an excellent host and guide. She shared with us the technical and cultural challenges that the team encountered on their journey so far.

As we walked across the airfield, we saw forklifts loading Si2 parts and supplies onto an Ilyushin cargo plane. Entering the hangar, we got a firsthand impression of the solar plane’s size and unusual proportions. At a wingspan of 72 m (greater than a Boeing 747), the plane just barely fits into the hangar. The plane’s solar panels were covered in reflective foil, and the propellers were dismounted revealing the battery compartments. We were able to see the plane from all angles – even from a balcony above. Although it was a hot day, we greatly enjoyed our visit.

I found the Si2 challenging to sketch because of its size. I actually had to swivel my head from left to right to see the entire plane.

Due to repairs, Si2 missed its opening for the next leg of the flight and will overwinter at Kalaeloa Airport. While the plane stays here, the team will spend their winter in Europe. The round-the-world flight will continue in early April next year. We look forward to the team’s return and hope to coordinate a full-scale event to sketch the plane in March before it departs for Phoenix, Arizona.