Many thanks to everyone who submitted their photos, artwork and artpieces for our slide show! It is fabulous to see how our natural environment inspires us and what elements, in particular, draw our eye and mind to attention. We hope you enjoy this slide show presentation, in honor of Earth Day’s 50th Anniversary.
“Azalea Way (Early Spring),” oil on canvas, 36 X 50 inches, copyright ©1993 (painting by William E. Elston)
Lincoln Park shoreline (photo by Bengt Johnson)
Comfort station, designed by the Olmsted Brothers, at Volunteer Park (photo by Janice Sears)
This photo was excerpted from Sears’ article about her “top-ten” favorite Olmsted Parks. Of the original Olmsted plan she writes, “In the naturalist tradition, Olmsted’s plan maximized Seattle’s topography by taking advantage of native vegetation, waterfront property and expansive mountain, sound and lake views. His goal was to have a park or playground within one half of a mile of every home.”
The full article can be found here.
“Evening Stroll,” oil on canvas, 52 X 72 inches, copyright ©1998 (painting by William E. Elston)
West Seattle Golf Course (photo by Sue Nicol)
“It’s closed to golfing, but we walked through the open gate and had the entire place to ourselves. It reminded me of Olmsted’s greenswards, so incredibly uplifting at this awful time! I was enthralled to be in that beautiful green park!”
“Azalea Way,” oil on canvas, 12 x 16 inches, copyright ©1994 (painting by William E. Elston)
Water Tower at Volunteer Park (sketches by Andy Goulding)
Goulding recalls: “I remember, seventy years ago, climbing up the scary stairs of the Water Tower, being lifted by my father to look out the windows, before the trees that now obscure the view. Do you see in my sketch how two vertical bars are discontinuous? There was a semicircular metal view finder there, with pegs and landmarks identified Mountains, bodies of water, University of Washington. (Long before the Space Needle, my dears.)
“. . . These drawings were part of a coloring book, done in honor of the remaking of the Conservatory, several years ago. Wonderful how they took the building apart and put it back together, replacing the rotted wood members for aluminum, of exactly the same appearance.”
Stone lantern in Japanese Garden (watercolor by Jenifer Rees)
Item created at Seward Park Clay Studio (by Denise Minard)
Frink Park, Lake Washington Boulevard (watercolor and ink, by Andy Goulding)
“Lovely paths that were not there, fifty years ago, when I first saw this place. Giving thanks to Seattle Parks.”
Discovery Park (plein air watercolor and ink by Cecile Disenhouse)
“I have a website www.Disenhouse.org where you can check out my work.”
Rainier Vista, UW Campus (watercolor and ink by Lauren Iverson)
Heading south along Lake Washington Boulevard (photo by Jenifer Rees)
“I took what I call an ‘urban hike’ earlier this spring, wanting to walk a good, scenic chunk of the Olmsted park and boulevard system and curious about parks south of Seward that I’d never visited before. From the Mt. Baker lightrail station I headed out along Mt. Baker Boulevard and Mt. Baker Park, then south along Lake Washington Boulevard all the way to Seward Park. South of Seward, I followed Seward Park Ave S (with a detour to Martha Washington Park) all the way to Pritchard Island Beach and Be’er Sheva Parks. I finally ended up at the Rainier Beach lightrail to return to my starting point.
“I took several photos en route. This spot appealed to me for its broad lawn expanse and walk right along the water’s edge — it was surprisingly spacious and quite tranquil.”
Item created at Seward Park Clay Studio (by Denise Minard)
“Volunteer Park, Pink and Red”(photo by M. Lamery, 2018)
Bridge in Montlake (watercolor and ink by Andy Goulding)
Green Lake (plein air watercolor and ink by Cecile Disenhouse)
“I have a website www.Disenhouse.org where you can check out my work.”
“Summer Stroll” (oil painting by Corina Linden)
Corina writes: “I was thrilled to read about your innovative idea to celebrate Earth Day and Seattle Parks during this strange time. I am a Seattle landscape artist, and Seattle parks and shared spaces are absolutely my favorite subject. I am fascinated by these shared spaces where we find meaning, peace, joy, and, above all, community.”
She adds: “In addition, if someone purchases one of my paintings because they saw it in your celebration gallery, I will donate the proceeds to the Seattle Foundation Covid-19 Fund. I love the idea of our parks bringing us together and helping to heal our community, even now. Even alone in our various homes, we are in this together.”
Discovery Park (plein air watercolor and ink by Cecile Disenhouse)
“I have a website www.Disenhouse.org where you can check out my work.”
Interlaken Park (photo by Janice Sears)
This photo was excerpted from Sears’ article about her “top-ten” favorite Olmsted Parks. Of this park she writes, “Untamed and sometimes steep, Interlaken Park has trails that climb through 52 acres of dense woods on the north side of Capitol Hill. You’ll feel like you are miles away from the bustling city.”
The full article can be found here.
Chapel at Discovery Park (watercolor by Jeff Benesi)
Chapel at Discovery Park (watercolor by Virginia Newman)
The Rose Garden at Woodland Park (photo by Janice Sears)
This photo was excerpted from Sears’ article about her “top-ten” favorite Olmsted Parks. Of Woodland Park she writes, “One of my favorite features at the park, is the 1.9 acre rose garden, opened in 1924, near the entrance to the Zoo – it’s spectacular and fragrant May – August!”
The full article can be found here.
“Along Azalea Way” (watercolor by Jenifer Rees)
At the Center for Wooden Boats (pen and watercolor by Jeff Benesi)
Discovery Park (plein air watercolor and ink by Cecile Disenhouse)
“I have a website www.Disenhouse.org where you can check out my work.”
Discovery Park (plein air watercolor and ink by Cecile Disenhouse)
“I have a website www.Disenhouse.org where you can check out my work.”
Fremont Peak Park (photo courtesy of GGLO/Mark Sindell)
“Let Us Make the Treaty Tonight” (sketch by Andy Goulding)
“And I remember the Conservatory, pungent as my grandmother; steamy in winter. The Art Museum was so boring, claustrophobic, I’m eager to see the new building.
“The statue of William Seward, Lincoln’s Secretary of State, celebrating the Alaska Purchase, “Let us make the treaty tonight”, also reminds us of the Civil War, and of Seward’s support for emancipation of slaves.
“These drawings were part of a coloring book, done in honor of the remaking of the Conservatory, several years ago. Wonderful how they took the building apart and put it back together, replacing the rotted wood members for aluminum, of exactly the same appearance.”
Seward Park (watercolor sketch by Dick Ramsey)
“Here are a couple of watercolor sketches I did after Patricia and I took a walk at Seward Park about a month ago. . . .”
Officers’ Housing at Discovery Park (plein air watercolor by Jenifer Rees)
“These houses face onto an area of the park — the old parade grounds and open bluff — that has always held a special appeal to me for how very open, and scenic! it is. These quarters are situated so well along the top of this gentle ridge, able to take in the sweeping view fully.”
The Parade Grounds at Discovery Park (photo courtesy of GGLO/Mark Sindell)
Discovery Park/Fort Lawton (photo courtesy of GGLO/Mark Sindell)
Myrtle Edwards waterfront near the Sculpture Garden (watercolor by Dick Ramsey)
“Trees at Golden Gardens” (watercolor by Elliott Neyme)
“I love Seattle’s Olmstead Parks!”
Item created at Seward Park Clay Studio (by Denise Minard)
“Madrona Study at Magnolia Park” (watercolor by Jenifer Rees)
“I love Madrona trees for their brilliant colors and sculptural qualities. I tried to capture a little of that in this tree study, set against a brilliant blue sky.”
Fremont Peak Park (photo courtesy of GGLO/Mark Sindell)
Gasworks Park (plein air watercolor and ink by Cecile Disenhouse)
“I have a website www.Disenhouse.org where you can check out my work.”
Discovery Park (watercolor by Virginia Newman)
The Fauntleroy ferry as seen from Lincoln Park (photo by Janice Sears)
This photo was excerpted from Sears’ article about her “top-ten” favorite Olmsted Parks. Of this park she writes, “Lincoln Park, one of the largest in Seattle at 135 acres, boasts a beach which is wonderful for exploration at low tide – Beach Naturalists, like me, from the Seattle Aquarium, are on duty during low, low tides each summer.”
The full article can be found here.
“Azalea Way, Dusk,” oil on canvas. 18 X 36 inches, copyright ©2010 (painting by William E. Elston)
Lake Washington Boulevard (photo by Janice Sears)
This photo was excerpted from Sears’ article about her “top-ten” favorite Olmsted Parks. Of Lake Washington Boulevard she writes, “I can just picture early Seattleites out for a Sunday drive back in the 1920’s. Today, stately homes from the 20’s, 50’s and modern day are on the west side while mature cherry and maple trees, public lawn and walking path line the parkway on the water (Lake Washington) side. This is one of my favorite cycling routes, (closed to cars on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month in the summer) but it is also a lovely walk and scenic drive.”
The full article can be found here.
View of Mt. Rainier and Lake Washington from Seward Park (photo by Janice Sears)
This photo was excerpted from Sears’ article about her “top-ten” favorite Olmsted Parks. Of Seward Park she writes, “Screams of joy are usually heard from the delightful children’s playground and the wonderful swimming beach. The Seward Park Audubon Center, a haven for bird watching enthusiasts, is housed in the former historic inn while the original bathhouse is now the Seward Park Clay Studio.”
The full article can be found here.
Lincoln Park Shoreline Walk (plein air watercolor by Jenifer Rees)
Shoreline at Colman Park (photo by Janice Sears)
This photo was excerpted from Sears’ article about her “top-ten” favorite Olmsted Parks. Of this spot, she writes “It’s Olmsted idyllic – a large old willow tree hangs out over the water from the scenic, sweeping lawn. This is a perfect little park for a picnic and jumping in Lake Washington (no lifeguard) on a hot summer day!”
The full article can be found here.
Discovery Park/Fort Lawton (photo courtesy of GGLO/Mark Sindell)
Dakota Place Park (photo courtesy of GGLO/Mark Sindell)
Seward Park (watercolor sketch by Dick Ramsey)
“Here are a couple of watercolor sketches I did after Patricia and I took a walk at Seward Park about a month ago. . . .”
“Urban Jewel” (oil painting by Corina Linden)
Corina writes: “I was thrilled to read about your innovative idea to celebrate Earth Day and Seattle Parks during this strange time. I am a Seattle landscape artist, and Seattle parks and shared spaces are absolutely my favorite subject. I am fascinated by these shared spaces where we find meaning, peace, joy, and, above all, community.”
She adds: “In addition, if someone purchases one of my paintings because they saw it in your celebration gallery, I will donate the proceeds to the Seattle Foundation Covid-19 Fund. I love the idea of our parks bringing us together and helping to heal our community, even now. Even alone in our various homes, we are in this together.”
Washington Park Arboretum (photo by Tom Brown)
This photo was excerpted from an article by Janice Sears about her “top-ten” favorite Olmsted Parks. Of the arboretum, she writes “Azalea way, a 1.4 mile (one way) packed gravel path, running through the middle of the Arboretum, is a mass of color, azaleas and rhododendrons, in May. March is prime time for fluffy pink cherry blossoms. And, the many varieties of maple trees put on quite a show in the fall.”
The full article can be found here.
Notes on Lake Washington Boulevard (sketch and notes by Diane Solvang-Angell)
“A sketchbook entry from my morning walk along Lake Washington Boulevard and Madrona Bathhouse.”
Discovery Park/Fort Lawton (photo courtesy of GGLO/Mark Sindell)
Arboretum Bridge (watercolor and ink by Andy Goulding)
“The View Near Duck Island” (plein air oil pastel on paper by Elliott Neyme)
“I love Seattle’s Olmstead Parks!”
“The Journey II” (oil painting by Corina Linden)
Corina writes: “I was thrilled to read about your innovative idea to celebrate Earth Day and Seattle Parks during this strange time. I am a Seattle landscape artist, and Seattle parks and shared spaces are absolutely my favorite subject. I am fascinated by these shared spaces where we find meaning, peace, joy, and, above all, community.”
She adds: “In addition, if someone purchases one of my paintings because they saw it in your celebration gallery, I will donate the proceeds to the Seattle Foundation Covid-19 Fund. I love the idea of our parks bringing us together and helping to heal our community, even now. Even alone in our various homes, we are in this together.”
“A Place to Rest” (watercolor by Vern Cooley)
Green Lake (photo by Janice Sears)
This photo was excerpted from Sears’ article about her “top-ten” favorite Olmsted Parks. Of Green Lake Park she writes, “I lived in the Green Lake neighborhood for 12 years and must have walked [the loop trail] at least twice a week, so nearly 1,300 laps. This is not uncommon.”
The full article can be found here.
“Rain – Arboretum,” oil on canvas, 30 X 40 inches, copyright ©2001 (painting by William E. Elston)
Water tower at Volunteer Park (oil painting by Corina Linden)
Corina writes: “I was thrilled to read about your innovative idea to celebrate Earth Day and Seattle Parks during this strange time. I am a Seattle landscape artist, and Seattle parks and shared spaces are absolutely my favorite subject. I am fascinated by these shared spaces where we find meaning, peace, joy, and, above all, community.”
She adds: “In addition, if someone purchases one of my paintings because they saw it in your celebration gallery, I will donate the proceeds to the Seattle Foundation Covid-19 Fund. I love the idea of our parks bringing us together and helping to heal our community, even now. Even alone in our various homes, we are in this together.”
“Aster and Birch” (oil painting by Corina Linden)
Corina writes: “I was thrilled to read about your innovative idea to celebrate Earth Day and Seattle Parks during this strange time. I am a Seattle landscape artist, and Seattle parks and shared spaces are absolutely my favorite subject. I am fascinated by these shared spaces where we find meaning, peace, joy, and, above all, community.”
She adds: “In addition, if someone purchases one of my paintings because they saw it in your celebration gallery, I will donate the proceeds to the Seattle Foundation Covid-19 Fund. I love the idea of our parks bringing us together and helping to heal our community, even now. Even alone in our various homes, we are in this together.”
At the Arboretum (watercolor by Vern Cooley)
“Fall Sunshine” (watercolor by Vern Cooley)
Green Lake (plein air watercolor and ink by Cecile Disenhouse)
“I have a website www.Disenhouse.org where you can check out my work.”
“Black Sun” (oil painting by Corina Linden)
Corina writes: “I was thrilled to read about your innovative idea to celebrate Earth Day and Seattle Parks during this strange time. I am a Seattle landscape artist, and Seattle parks and shared spaces are absolutely my favorite subject. I am fascinated by these shared spaces where we find meaning, peace, joy, and, above all, community.”
She adds: “In addition, if someone purchases one of my paintings because they saw it in your celebration gallery, I will donate the proceeds to the Seattle Foundation Covid-19 Fund. I love the idea of our parks bringing us together and helping to heal our community, even now. Even alone in our various homes, we are in this together.”
Green Lake (photo by Bonnie Mizock)
At Volunteer Park (watercolor by Virginia Newman)
“I Wish It Would Rain,” oil on canvas, 24 X 36 inches, copyright ©2001 (painting by William E. Elston)
Volunteer Park, 11/5/19 (photo by Barb Manning)
Hiawatha Park (photo courtesy of GGLO/Mark Sindell)
“Quietude” (plein air watercolor with sepia ink by Jenifer Rees)
“This was done during a group plein air outing to Kubota Gardens. Although the park is quite spectacular with its diverse plantings and carefully cultivated settings (if you haven’t been, definitely plan a visit!), I was drawn to this quiet, shaded pool with a bamboo bridge arching across it. I was feeling a bit ‘earthy’ that day.”
“Volunteer Park Dahlias, 2018” (photo by Mary Lamery)
“Lily Pad Pond, Volunteer Park” (oil on canvas painting by M. Lamery)
Discovery Park (plein air watercolor and ink by Cecile Disenhouse)
“I have a website www.Disenhouse.org where you can check out my work.”
Lake Washington Boulevard Bridge, Frink Park (photo by Andy Goulding)
Gasworks Park (plein air watercolor and ink by Cecile Disenhouse)
“I have a website www.Disenhouse.org where you can check out my work.”
Martha Washington Park (photo by Jenifer Rees)
“I was quite surprised to stumble across this gem of a park, located along the Lake Washington shoreline off a quiet neighborhood street. This was taken in late winter (hence the longer shadows even in midday). This was part of my ‘urban hike’ aiming to weave together components of the Olmsted system of parks that were less fully realized.”
“Sunrise, Lake Washington” (oil painting by Corina Linden)
Corina writes: “I was thrilled to read about your innovative idea to celebrate Earth Day and Seattle Parks during this strange time. I am a Seattle landscape artist, and Seattle parks and shared spaces are absolutely my favorite subject. I am fascinated by these shared spaces where we find meaning, peace, joy, and, above all, community.”
She adds: “In addition, if someone purchases one of my paintings because they saw it in your celebration gallery, I will donate the proceeds to the Seattle Foundation Covid-19 Fund. I love the idea of our parks bringing us together and helping to heal our community, even now. Even alone in our various homes, we are in this together.”
Outdoor Classroom at Pritchard Island Beach Park (photo by Jenifer Rees)
“This is also from my ‘urban hike’ adventure. Pritchard Island Beach occupies the northern portion of an isthmus that used to be an island until Lake Washington was lowered in 1917. Part of the park is a swimming beach, but the land exposed with the lake lowering is now a wooded wetland area with trails, boardwalks and an outdoor classroom.”
Pritchard Island Beach (photo by Jenifer Rees)
“One more photo from my ‘urban hike.’ I was enchanted with this mossy corner and the play of shadows across it, coming from the south with the winter sun.”
“Black Sun” by Isamu Noguchi, at Volunteer Park (photo by Janice Sears)
This photo was excerpted from Sears’ article about her “top-ten” favorite Olmsted Parks. Of Volunteer Park she writes, “Across from the museum is an often-photographed view of sunset looking through the black sun sculpture over the reservoir out to downtown, the space needle and the Olympic Mountains.”
The full article can be found here.
Golden Gardens (plein air watercolor and ink by Cecile Disenhouse)
“I have a website www.Disenhouse.org where you can check out my work.”
“Bluebird Day” (oil painting by Corina Linden)
Corina writes: “I was thrilled to read about your innovative idea to celebrate Earth Day and Seattle Parks during this strange time. I am a Seattle landscape artist, and Seattle parks and shared spaces are absolutely my favorite subject. I am fascinated by these shared spaces where we find meaning, peace, joy, and, above all, community.”
She adds: “In addition, if someone purchases one of my paintings because they saw it in your celebration gallery, I will donate the proceeds to the Seattle Foundation Covid-19 Fund. I love the idea of our parks bringing us together and helping to heal our community, even now. Even alone in our various homes, we are in this together.”
“Volunteer Park, Reservoir” (photo by M. Lamery)
“Volunteer Park, Snow Scene” (photo by M. Lamery)
The Lighthouse at Discovery Park (photo by Janice Sears)
This photo was excerpted from Sears’ article about her “top-ten” favorite Olmsted Parks. Of Discovery Park she writes, “The 534 acres of parkland, the largest of any Seattle park, also encompasses a beautiful beach, at the bottom of the bluff (aka steep hike), and even a historic lighthouse.”
The full article can be found here.
“Snow Day II” (oil painting by Corina Linden)
Corina writes: “I was thrilled to read about your innovative idea to celebrate Earth Day and Seattle Parks during this strange time. I am a Seattle landscape artist, and Seattle parks and shared spaces are absolutely my favorite subject. I am fascinated by these shared spaces where we find meaning, peace, joy, and, above all, community.”
She adds: “In addition, if someone purchases one of my paintings because they saw it in your celebration gallery, I will donate the proceeds to the Seattle Foundation Covid-19 Fund. I love the idea of our parks bringing us together and helping to heal our community, even now. Even alone in our various homes, we are in this together.”
Frederick Law Olmsted, Sr. (charcoal sketch by Jeff Benesi)
We also encourage each of you to take part in “Voices Carry,” a project being created by Earth Day NW: https://earthdaynw2020.org/voicescarry/ You can add your own message and ideas for change in order to better protect our environment. In the words of Kristi England, executive director of Earth Day Northwest 2020: “In supporting this campaign, you will encourage thousands to get involved, and share their own unique visions of how they want to see the future unfold.”
We hope also that your thoughts and intentions this Earth Day include ways to continue preserving Seattle’s natural open spaces and parks, including our Olmsted system that first established this open space network.