Hey that's something on the way home!

I was scouting for afterwork sketch locations as usual when I noticed the nice shadows casted by the tree. Since the building in question is an apartment complex, I felt more confident about standing in front of it without drawing too much attention. So I turned right and parked my car at an inconspicuous dead end, walked back and took up my place in the shade. There were a few people walking by after work, and a few families heading out for a stroll, but there were very few foot traffic so I had the sidewalk to myself! There was also an interesting guy who, after confirming that I am Chinese, started telling me that he knows 2 Chinese who were studying biochemistry, and that one of them he knew since he was 5 and that he had perfect teeth even though he never went to the dentist. To which I could only reply...lol ehmmm, but sorry I don't think I know them...

Biking and Sketching @ Sunnyvale and Mountain View

One good thing about biking with sketching gear is that I could stop at any location when I find something interesting. Which is the case here when I just stopped dead in the bike lane on Miramonte Avenue when I came across this interesting building. Since there was no non-trespassing signs on the gate, I just walked straight in. The courtyard was quaint and quiet and nicely shaded, a direct contrast with the rushing traffic outside. I further googling, I found that this complex has been serving as a senior care community for over 50 years, funded by a Christian society. A staff came and said hi when I was sketching (didn't surprise her at all, I'm probably not the first one to sketch here) According to her, the buildings themselves are actually over 88 years old. Impressive for Mountain View!

Just time to catch the sun setting behind Washington Park when biking back through Sunnyvale!

Sunshine and palm tree in Sunnyvale, CA

Drawn to be sent as a postcard. I actually got lost on my way to my original sketching destination, but thought that this place looked pretty good already! (and the tall palm tree was perfect for the postcard) I can feel the heat that noon coming straight out of the drawing... almost got a heat stroke on my ride back lol

Bay trail - the unpopular section

Drawn at the Sunnyvale Baylands section of the SF Bay trail. I only ran into...one lady and her dog the entire time I drew this. Couldn't really blame the south bay-ers of ignoring this trail though...there is a water treatment plant right next to it...and most of the waters are stale because access to open sea is blocked off by salt and water treatment ponds... A much different view of the Bay...but man do I wish I'm back at the Berkeley marina

Trees of the Bay

Trees at UC Berkeley (North gate) When I was there... to return an overdue book ;A;

It took me 3 hrs on Bart / bus to get back to Cupertino

Trees in West Sunnyvale at sunset, right across from my office. Friday is always the best time to do some drawings while waiting for the shuttle~ I thought I lost my drawing kit after this, but it turns out I dumped my palette in an open suitcase after I got home, and then proceeded to put more clothes on top. After I found my drawing kit, I found out that my pen was missing. I was almost ready to give up and order a new one, when it just fell out of the blue when I unfolded a pair of pants while getting ready for work on Monday. Such drama :P