PAL Art Tip

Gamble Garden as Muse

If you're searching for inspiration in Palo Alto, look no further than Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden—located at 1431 Waverley Street, Palo Alto. This historic garden is free and open to the public daily during daylight hours, offering artists a peaceful, ever-changing canvas. August is the perfect time to bring your sketchbook outside and let nature guide your hand. Whether you’re a seasoned plein air painter or a casual sketcher, Gamble Garden invites you to slow down and let your surroundings compose the scene.

Art Tip: Observe, Sketch, Simplify

Rather than starting with a blank page, begin by observing what’s already unfolding around you. Notice how a sunflower leans into the sun, how shadows settle beneath rose bushes, how petals scatter like confetti on the path. Gamble Garden is filled with natural compositions—just follow your eye and sketch what resonates.

To keep your focus on light, shadow, and spontaneity, bring a limited palette of greens and earth tones. This color range emphasizes value and mood while staying true to the earthy vibrancy of the garden. It also encourages you to simplify forms and work more expressively.

Quick Garden Sketching Tips

• Travel light: A small sketchbook and a basic set of colors go a long way.

• Capture fast: Light changes quickly—embrace imperfection and movement.

• Use your senses: Let fragrance, temperature, and sound influence your strokes.

• Take reference photos to refine your work later if needed.