Cathedral Park is one of my favorite spots in Portland. It’s pretty far off the beaten path, so I don’t know how many non-locals make it out that way, but it’s well worth the effort to get there. The park is named for the effect created by the gothic arches under the span. The long row of arches acts like a kind of barrel vault, while the diffuse Northwest light filters in at an angle—which feels a whole lot like you’re standing in the nave of the airiest cathedral you can imagine. The whole effect is as inspiring (for me) as visiting Notre Dame in Paris or St. Patrick’s in New York—only with a distinctly Northwestern spin on the experience.
Ghost domes 
Summer of Solitude 
Home and away 
I know it’s hard to get those arches and the bridge into a sketchbook and preserve their majesty, but you did it. This is very lovely and captures well a familiar site to some Portlanders. The Urban Sketchers of Portland have sketched here. You should join us sometime if you’re in the area on a sketch crawl day. http://urbansketchers-portland.blogspot.com/p/about-urban-sketchers-in-portland.html
Thanks, Vicky! I hope to make it one of these days. It’s not very often I get the chance to sketch with a group—I’ll keep an eye on the schedule for next time.
Your artwork is wonderfully detailed and has so much character. I am enjoying looking at the site and your many images. I love that you artistically document everywhere you go. As I develop my skills, I would love to do something like that. Have you ever considered doing any kind of blog tutorial or even video tutorials of your painting/sketching? I cannot afford schooling or workshops, but I love to try to learn what I can online, and would so enjoy watching you create and getting your tips. I am not too far from the above bridge, albeit I am in the process of moving to Washington, but now I am wanting to get a closer look of that beautiful bridge. The arches look amazing. Loving your work. Warmest regards, Kat
Thanks so much, Kat. At this time I have no plans to do any tutorials (it’s a time thing for me, mostly), but if you’re looking for advice, I’d highly recommend the urban sketching books by Gabriel Campanario. He shares a lot of really useful tips, as well as example sketches by artists all over the world, so you can see a huge variety of styles and possibilities. I also have heard a lot of good things about Sketchbook Skool, a series of online courses—I don’t have any connection or personal experience with them, but people have told me they’re affordable and very good. Most of all, though, I truly believe the best way to learn to draw is to get out there and practice. I know that may sound daunting, but it’s practice, time and experimentation that will build your skills the most. And besides, the practicing is the fun part! Wishing you all the best—happy sketching!