(Above sketch by Phil McDonel)
We have a special sketching event set up for August! It’s also necessary to move the date from our usual “second Saturday” to third Saturday (August 15 10am-1pm). I don’t like to move our sketch dates around but I know this one will be worth it!
Phil was kind enough to set this great day of sketching up. Here’s what he has to say:
First let me say that Gordon Martin owns Sonoma Millworks here in Healdsburg. He manufactures wooden structures of all kinds. Recently he has designed and built a “Pole Pavilion” in his back yard (see photos and a sketch I did). Gordon is also an art collector and amateur artist himself.
Gordon has kindly agreed to let our group sketch on his beautiful property out in West Windsor. He says he will also bring out his sketch book and join us there, I hope, as he is a bit shy about sketching in public, so all of us should encourage him.
The property is (and I’m guessing) about 5 acres nestled in and around vineyards. The home and grounds are surrounded by oak studded hills and vineyards. There are horses and corrals to sketch, A nice barn (not old, but great traditional design) He has a drift boat out in front of the barn. The barn itself has been turned into a woodworking shop of the most professional kind. His property melts into the surrounding vineyards and the views are to die for.
There are lots of structures to draw like houses, barns, horses, boats, etc., and then there are the amazing vistas and views of vineyards and hills of all manner of shades of green.
Please bring a picnic lunch, as I don’t want to intrude too much on Gordon’s good will. There are all sorts of places to have lunch, including the new Pavilion. Lots of shade and benches to sit on and sketch from… but bring a small chair or stool if you want to wander off. We aren’t that far from Windsor Town Green, if folks want to go there for lunch instead (but I would highly recommend the sack lunch).
DIRECTIONS:
The location is:
Gordon Martin’s property is at 1371 Woody Creek Lane, Windsor .
From 101 North or South:
Highway 101 to Windsor River Road (Central Windsor exit) West on Windsor River Rd. to Star Road turn left on Star Road about half a mile down turn onto a private drive called Woody Creek Lane (before the Burgundy Street stop sign) keep bearing to your right until you see the white fence with the signs that say 1371–> pointing to the right and then go up that road all the way to the end is 1371 turn left to Viewhill Ranch. The gate should be open that day. All along the way…WATCH OUT for the speed bumps… not always clearly marked…!
The reason that I’ve written these directions down this way, is because the GPS in not accurate.
Please car pool if possible. Parking will be limited!
Hope to see you all at this special event!
***Don’t forget the date is AUGUST 15 10am-1pm!!!
