A few weeks ago I escaped to the San Juan Islands in Washington for my birthday, a little weekend getaway with my husband. There’s something magical about getting away from the mainland and immersing yourself by the water. From the moment I boarded the ferry, I knew this trip was going to be one to remember.
Riding the Ferry
We drove to Anacortes, a few hours away from Seattle, where our ferry would depart. From there we sat on the ferry for a little over an hour and ended up at Friday Harbor in San Juan Island. The weather was absolutely beautiful and we were lucky to have blue skies during our trip.
The ferry ride was also beautiful as I peered out my window and saw the glistening waters of the Puget Sound. I started documenting my ferry experience in my sketchbook, capturing the deep blues of the ocean, the white ferries in the distance, and the dark greens of the islands ahead.
Whale Watching: A Dream Come True
One of the highlights of the trip was going on a whale-watching tour. The San Juan Islands are famous for their resident orcas, and seeing them in person was something I’ve always dreamed of. Our tour captain was incredibly knowledgeable of the marine life and guided us to optimal places to see sea lions, seals, orcas, and porpoises. It was so awe-inspiring watching the killer whales surface and swim together in their pods. We learned lots of facts about these killer whales and how incredible these animals were.
Exploring the Island
After the excitement of the whale tour, I spent the rest of the weekend exploring the island by car. There’s so much to see—from the harbors and charming little towns to the lush forests and rocky shorelines. The San Juan Island Farmers Market was happening over the weekend so I got to explore stalls of local produce and artisan goods made on the island. I picked up some island chai tea from a local seller and a watercolor postcard. The next day we visited the iconic Lime Kline Lighthouse and watched boats passing by. Afterwards, we visited Roche Harbor and ate clam chowder, then walked along the beautiful autumn trees. These experiences became the sources of inspiration for my watercolor collage.
Capturing It All
For this trip, I created a collage that captures the essence of the San Juan Islands. Each section of the collage represents a different part of the journey, stitched together like a patchwork of memories. I love working in this style because it allows me to layer different perspectives and moments onto one page. The San Juan Islands are full of so much life and beauty, and I wanted my art to reflect the diversity and vibrancy of the place.
If you ever have the chance to visit the San Juan Islands, you should take it. The beauty of the region, both on land and at sea, is something you have to see to believe—and if you’re an artist like me, bring your sketchbook along. You’ll find inspiration around every corner.
Until next time, stay colorful.
Truc-Quan
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