Art Studio Tour

Once settled in Sequim, a big ‘to-do’ on my checklist was enrolling in an art class; hopefully, in watercolor.  This weekend the Sequim Arts organization offered a tour of approximately 20 different artists’ studios ranging from painting, sculpting and even, basket weaving.   The tour provided a great opportunity to talk with a few artists offering classes and a viewing of their work.   We limited our visits to three studios.

“I’m very happy to share my space. It’s very scenic,” said Carrie Rodlend, a painter and art teacher who makes her home near the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge.  Carrie’s place includes beautiful rolling green pastures for her horses which she frequently rides on the beach near her home.

Pat Gordon’s studio and watercolor style really struck a chord and I signed up for her class beginning in September.  Pat focuses on detailed subjects, rather than a broad landscape painting.  I like that.  Her studio is located near the perimeter of the Olympic National Forest in a pretty little meadow with trails leading out into the forest (photo at right).  Painting here will be an experience on its own.

Mike and I also stopped in at the Olympic Driftwood Sculpture display shown at the Carlsborg Conference Center this weekend.  There were demonstrations showing the process of stripping off rotting wood and bark, sanding, and then finishing the piece smooth with a deer antler.  Yeah, an antler, unusual technique.  Apparently, the antler’s composition does something to finish the wood.  There are even a few sculptures with crushed turquoise placed in the cracks of the wood.  Spectacular.  If he can find the time between golfing, fishing, hiking, building our kayaks, and settling into our new home, this is another hobby appealing to Mister Mike. 

Driftwood artists, from left, Barbara Ralph, Tony Ralph and Tuttie Peetz.--Photo by Jeff Chew/Peninsula Daily News