Metro-Sketch Day #2

Posted by admin on October 16th, 2009 filed in Uncategorized

So, last Wednesday, I had another whole day of sketching while riding the Metrorail. It’s cheap transportation and you don’t waste much time…driving, that is, or with traffic. Only downside may be that it’s a bit ghetto and you meet people of all backgrounds. Luckily, I have no problem with that. With that said, I had decided to go over to LA, toward East..and eventually toward Pasadena. My first stop was the Los Angeles City Hall. I’ve often seen this building in police badges and movies, like Dragnet, but never been inside. So, this time, I decided to check it out.

I really liked this shot.


Los Angeles City Hall





There was a metal detector inside, I think to make sure I’m not anyone suspicious. I was mostly there to learn a little something about the City Hall (as a tourist), not to get documents notorized, get married, or anything like that. Well, luckily, there was a big group of elementary kids going in there as a tour group, so I decided to join them (kind of like Ferris Bueller in the art museum). As I was sitting down at the Council Chambers as the tour guide was explaining how laws are passed to the kids, I sketched as I talked a bit to some of the young adults there. I found out that they were art teachers (at LACMA, I think) and they said, “Hey, you should come with us to the top floor–you can sketch the cityscape from there!” So, yes, I was able to get to the top of the building (where the pillars were). I got a grand view of LA. Funny how things all sort of work together.



This is where the laws and ordinances are passed.


L.A. !!!

My next stop of Olvera Street, which is right by the Grand Central Station, and is sort of a historical landmark and a famous Mexican marketplace. It is almost like a Farmers Market, but not really that much produce, but plenty of souvenirs and food. The taquitos I had there were excellent–I rarely get taquitos, but these were very tasty. I walked around the area until I decided I should ride deeper into Pasadena, to see how far I could go on the Metrorail.



Olvera Street… lots of good Taquitos here.


Many cool souvenirs of various colors.


Kiosko at El Pueblo De L.A. Historical Monument.



My final stop was Pasadena City Hall, which had a Roman church-style architecture. I mostly hung around the area, but I didn’t really explore the City Hall. I wanted to get back before dark, so I took off for home afterwards. Overall, another good Metro-Sketch Day!



The Pasadena City Hall






Metrorail Station…on the way back..


Non-related, but I was sketching while sitting outside Borders yesteday. I have this ball-point pen (with four colors) that I got from Disneyland, so I got bored and started sketching. Here’s what I got.

Halloween Fireworks at Disneyland

Recently, I was at Disneyland (I’m there often to make use of my Annual Pass), and was quite surprised at the new fireworks they’ve had lately. Pretty cool! Here’s a clip I recorded from the event.