Copyright Notice
© Copyright 2023 Brenda Swenson retains copyrights to all images (artwork and reference photographs). All images on this site are property of Brenda Swenson and may not be used in any way for commercial, financial or personal use without written consent. Brenda Swenson retains all rights to republication (printed and digital) and anything but personal viewing of artworks. www.SWENSONsART.net
In 2001 a friend and I tested our luck to see if we could get into the largest Rose Parade Float building barn. Mind you this was 2001 and only a few months earlier was 9/11. The level of security was very high! We knew we would have a hard time getting access on the main floor but we came prepared with patience, smiles, good cheer, and a massive amount of pleading, flirting, and begging. Eventually we were given I.D. bracelets and a long verbal list of don’ts. Once we got inside the building I could feel the 
energy and excitement as the Rose Parade was only 2 days away. People were gluing flowers, seeds, and spices, cutting stems off strawflowers, sticking vial with water into the float frame to hold roses, moving scaffolding... People looked like little specks climbing all over the floats. The P.A system was constantly calling a “Float Chief” to an area. Judging was going on.
The energy in the building was magical! Immediately we tucked into any space we could find. If we were in the way they’d ask us to leave. It wasn’t easy!!! There is so much going…I had to constantly duck, lean, and dodge someone or something! Sometimes it is very hard to even see the float through the scaffolding and people working.
And I loved every minute!!!!
I have had many fun experiences over the last 9 years. I was interviewed and ended up on the 5:00 O’clock news, people beg me to sketch their float, and I’ve done the illustration design for my towns float (South Pasadena). It was used by the float builder and was published in the souvenir magazine that was sold in local stores and along the parade route.
I can’t wait till tomorrow when I sketch the floats, again!
Happy New Year and Happy Sketching!
Brenda
I was looking through my sketchbooks and realized I sketch food a lot. I was
trying to figure out why do I do this? A few things came to mind. 
Shape Variety:
Man made to organic shapes. I have lots to select from…dishes, serving utensils, fruit, veggies…
Colors:
Plates can be decorative, fruits and vegetables can be very colorful to plain.
Readily available:
I prefer to sketch from life. I can simply go the kitchen and grab something.
Waiting Time: Make use of time sitting at a restaurant 
table waiting. Draw your cup of coffee, salt and pepper shakers, basket of bread, menu…Delayed Gratification:
That’s right…don’t eat it, till you draw it. It will put a fire in your belly to hurry up.
The final thought that came to mind is this. As a child meal time was very strict and not much fun. Perhaps this is my way of playing with my food. So here and now I am giving you permission. Play with your food!
Happy Sketching! Brenda
In the early morning hours of December 1st we experienced what is called a “Windstorm”. It turned out to be the biggest windstorm to hit Southern California in 35 years. Only a few miles from my home was the epicenter. We had constant winds ranging from 40-60mph with gusts clocked at 97mph. All night long we saw burst of light fill the sky from transformers exploding and terrible sounds as my 107 year old house groaned and shook from the strain of the winds. The morning light revealed what looked like a tornado-trees on
houses and cars, broken windows, power lines down and debris everywhere.
High winds forced Pasadena officials to close public schools and declare a state of emergency. Most of the nearby communities are overwhelmed and can't remove all the debris from the streets. City workers cut up the trees just enough to push the debris to the side of the road. The private tree trimming companies can't keep up either, just not enough equipment. Almost every block has trees down and tons of broken branches, leaves, and houses and cars under massive trees. We had 4 crushed cars within a block of our house. We are very lucky to have power restored, as most people don't. 
Sunday morning we attended worship at 9:15. As I expected there wasn't power there either. The inside of the sanctuary was dimly lit with candles, and the air was cool and crisp (around 48 degrees). The air may have been cool but the atmosphere was warm and friendly. The feeling in the room was that of joy and gratitude. We had all been through the storm together.
We are among the lucky ones who sustained no damage. We have much to be grateful for.
Brenda
energy and excitement as the Rose Parade was only 2 days away. People were gluing flowers, seeds, and spices, cutting stems off strawflowers, sticking vial with water into the float frame to hold roses, moving scaffolding... People looked like little specks climbing all over the floats. The P.A system was constantly calling a “Float Chief” to an area. Judging was going on.
The energy in the building was magical! Immediately we tucked into any space we could find. If we were in the way they’d ask us to leave. It wasn’t easy!!! There is so much going…I had to constantly duck, lean, and dodge someone or something! Sometimes it is very hard to even see the float through the scaffolding and people working.
I have had many fun experiences over the last 9 years. I was interviewed and ended up on the 5:00 O’clock news, people beg me to sketch their float, and I’ve done the illustration design for my towns float (South Pasadena). It was used by the float builder and was published in the souvenir magazine that was sold in local stores and along the parade route.
