"The world's favorite season is spring!" ~ Edwin Way Teale

Spokane is a charming, friendly city in Eastern Washington with a small-town feel. Lucky me ~ I grew up there! Excellent schools, beautiful city parks, great (affordable) golf courses and dozens of nearby lakes for summer fun are just some of its bonuses.

Living in the Seattle area (although we have plans to retire back to Spokane within a few years), I still miss Spokane's four distinct seasons. These and lots of other fond memories inspired the artwork here.

I've divided it into seven collections (in some cases there are sub-categories as well). Each highlights two or more paintings which periodically revolve ~ so you'll have lots to look at as the collection changes frequently with the seasons.

NEW ARTWORK ~ Artwork finished in 2009 and 2010 has a NEW! button. Beneath the paintings, you'll find a story and photo for each.

To see a larger views, just click on the painting. I've also shared the title, location and the date that I finished the artwork.

ENTIRE COLLECTION PDFS & ALPHABETICAL LIST

To learn more about beautiful Spokane, Washington, its highlights and history, visit the web site: www.tourtheinlandnw.com/EasternWACities/Spokane.html.

Enjoy your visit, and click on Ordering for information on purchasing!

 

 

DOWNTOWN SPOKANE

"Dallying at the Davenport" (PAINTED OCTOBER 2008 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

Set during the late 1940s, this is a portrait of the Louis B. Davenport’s legendary hotel in the heart of downtown Spokane. To the right is the Pennington Hotel and at the forefront, Davenport’s luxurious restaurant.

Designed by famed architect, Kirtland K. Cutter, the hotel opened in 1914 to become the shining jewel on Spokane’s skyline for decades. With Davenport’s death in 1951, the hotel gradually declined, closing in 1985.

After years of neglect and possible demolition, Walt and Karen Worthy purchased the hotel in 2000. After countless hours of renovation, restoration and careful attention to detail, they reopened the grand “lady” in 2002, giving Spokane and all of its visitors back this truly remarkable treasure. (Photo courtesy of the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture.)

For more information about this remarkable landmark building in downtown Spokane, visit them on the web at www.thedavenporthotel.com.

"Sunday Brunch at the Spokane Club" (PAINTED SEPTEMBER 2004 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

The Spokane Club is a jewel in Kirtland Cutter’s architectural crown. Facing north and perched on the cliff overlooking Spokane Falls, Cutter designed this handsome building in 1909 in the Georgian style, using red brick with terra cotta embellishments.

Although the entrance has a Baroque feel with its ornate facade and columns, a large medallion of a Native American warrior reminds members and guests that they are “out West.” The Spokane Club has an elegant interior, featuring a classic formal dining room, ballroom, luxurious street-front bar and newly remodeled rooms above ~ making the club a wonderful destination for its guests.

The newer addition of its sports facility is a magnet for members who want to stay “in shape” or gear up for Spokane’s winter ski season.

For more information, visit ww.spokaneathleticclub.org.

NEW! "The Crescent at Christmastime" (PAINTED JULY 2009 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

The Crescent Department Store was THE place to shop growing up in Spokane. It opened in 1889, the year of the big Spokane fire that virtually destroyed the downtown area. The store served faithfully until 1988 when it was sold to the F&N Acquisition Corporation.

Christmas was everything to our family, and each year we went to the Crescent for pictures with Santa. Their photos were the biggest and best and I still have all of them. I was six when this was taken and we were dressed in our red plaid taffetas sewn by my mother, Sally. Age 13 was the cut-off for mandatory family Santa pics.

After photos, we always stopped by the signature animated store window. This was full of lights, baubles and figures (mostly elves) that moved in time to holiday music.

In this photo, here I am (yes, I'm the "ham") with my sisters, Marilee and Peggy ~ and of course, St. Nick!

"Flying South Over Spokane Falls" (PAINTED SEPTEMBER 2004 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

Not only did famed architect, Kirtland K. Cutter, create dozens of beautiful homes and handsome landmark buildings in Spokane, he also leant his design flair to other projects.

This is a portrait of the majestic Monroe Street Bridge, which spans the river at the west end of downtown Spokane. In 1910, John Ralston, Spokane’s city engineer and designer of the grand span, invited Cutter to design its decorative handrails and lookout stations, which ultimately featured lifesize reliefs of bison skulls.

In the background is pictured another famous landmark, the Washington Water Power Post Street Substation. Cutter designed the massive brick and basaltic rock industrial building in 1909. An interesting note ~ Washington Water Power’s first president, F. Rockwood Moore, gave Cutter his first commission for a mansion.

Entire Downtown Collection pdf ~ Click here to see a pdf with all 4 paintings.

SPOKANE COUNTY PARKS

NEW! "Vista House View (Mount Spokane State Park)" ~ (PAINTED FEBRUARY 2010 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

This is a portrait of the historic Vista House on a gorgeous sunny day ~ picturing friends, family and a group of eager, young S.S.R.A. racers (Spokane Ski Racing Association).

Located at the summit of Mount Spokane near the top of the #1 chairlift, this unique granite stone cottage was the design of Spokane architect, Henry C. Bertelsen.

It was built during the Great Depression in 1933 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), who were headquartered at Riverside State Park. The Vista House was constructed to blend seamlessly with its stunning natural setting. Renovated in 2002 by Mount Spokane State Park, it is open to the public on Sundays and holidays, offering light fare and a huge, friendly fireplace.

For information about this unique historic setting, visit www.mountspokane.com.

"The Davenport Fountain at Duncan Garden (Manito Park)" ~ (PAINTED JUNE 1997 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

The Davenport Fountain was donated in 1956 by his family in the memory of Louis M. Davenport ~ longtime owner of the downtown Spokane landmark hotel that bears his name.

Located in the center of John W. Duncan Garden (named for the Manito Park superintendent), it is the “star” of the formal European Renaissance-style gardens that surround it.

This beloved setting has hosted dozens of weddings throughout the years. The fountain is filled with pennies tossed by “wishing” natives and visitors alike who are drawn to the colorful destination every summer.

For more information about this beautiful South Hill Park, visit www.thefriendsofmanito.org.

NEW! "Cavorting at Cannon Hill Pond (Cannon Hill Park)" ~ (PAINTED JULY 2009 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

Cannon Hill Park is just down the hill from St. Augustine’s Church and what is still the parish grade school, now known as Cataldo Catholic School.

When I was a student there in the early 1960s, there weren’t enough playgrounds to accommodate all the kids, so in the winter months, the 6th, 7th and 8th graders were allowed to go ice skating on the pond at lunchtime ~ quite a privilege at the time. The boys played hockey and the girls learned how to twirl and skate backwards (we all had aspirations to join the “Ice Capades”).

This painting is filled with Simpsons, neighbors and friends ~ including the Roberts, McCarthy and Shelledy kids. The Shelledys lived in the brick two-story shown overlooking the pond.

"Pavilion at Coeur d'Alene Park (Detail)" ~ (PAINTED APRIL 1997 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

The gazebo at Coeur d’Alene Park is located in the center of Spokane’s very first park.

The property was donated in 1891 by J.J. Browne (for whom the neighborhood was named) and A.M. Cannon (for whom the park pictured above on the South Hill was named).

Using ideas shared with the City Beautification Committee prepared by the world-famous landscape architects, the Olmsted Brothers of Brookline, Massachusetts, the committee worked to make the park lovely and inviting for the neighborhood’s residents.

Trees, shrubbery, small pools, flowering plants and lawn were installed, as well as a decorative, wood pavilion for band concerts. This onion-domed gazebo still stands in the center of the Coeur d'Alene Park today.

"The Golden Carousel (Riverfront Park)" ~ (PAINTED MARCH 1997 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

The carousel at Riverfront Park carries hundreds of riders in merry circles during Spokane’s warm-weather season.

I.D. Looff finished the carousel in 1909 which was elaborate in every detail with dozens of multi-sized mirror panels and 180 glittering lights. Too expensive for Natatorium Park at a price of $20,000, Looff struck a special deal. If the park would allow his son, Louis Vogel to run the carousel and other concessions on a percentage basis, Looff would ship the carousel to the park as a wedding gift for his daughter Emma.

When the park closed in 1968, its property developed into residential housing, the carousel was dismantled and stored.With the opening of Spokane’s World Fair, Expo 74 at 100-acre Riverfront Park, one of the most anticipated events was the re-opening of the carousel ~ not just for viewing, but for riding! Housed in a protective building, this merry-go-round is available to children of all ages.

NEW! "Riding the 'Jack Rabbit' at Nat (Nataroium Park)" ~ (PAINTED JUNE 2009 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

This ride was part of the old Natatorium Park along with the Looff carousel above.

Most folks would say that it was the most thrilling ride at the park ~ aptly named the “Jack Rabbit.”

Each trip around the dizzying tracks lasted about a minute and a half, with speeds and dips that were guaranteed to leave you breathless ~ and “lunch-less,” if you had eaten too many hot dogs and cotton candy.

It broke the heart of every Spokane kid when the park closed in 1968, but Nat had lost money for years with so many other things going on in the city.

To add insult to injury, when the park closed, the grand roller coaster was dismantled and burned to the ground on-site.

Entire Spokane Parks Collection pdf ~ Click here to see a pdf with all 8 paintings.

BROWNE'S ADDITION

NEW! "Browne's Addition Beauty (Page Ufford House)" ~ PAINTED FEBRUARY 2010 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8x10-INCH)

Built in 1896 of shingle and basaltic rock, this three-story Queen Anne sits on Browne’s Addition’s west bluff overlooking Latah Creek. Alba J. Page and his wife Flora lived here first, succeeded a short while later by William and Ethel Ufford ~ thus the name.

When I painted the Victorian, it had recently been purchased and carefully restored by Katherine Fritchie, who transformed it from a down-on-its-heels apartment house to the classic single family residence painted here. The process was fraught with unique challenges at every turn, but Kathy persevered. After years of neglect, the house shines with its original integrity, and was approved for the Spokane Register of Historic Places.

It’s spring, and I’ve pictured my nieces and me with a huge pot of blue hyacinths for Kathy and her pal, Fachi.

NEW! "Kittiewinks at the Campbell House" ~ (PAINTED JANUARY 2010 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

The Amasa and Grace Campbell House, part of the MAC (Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture) complex, overlooks the Spokane River.

Partnering with neighbor, John Finch, Campbell became wealthy enough to commission Kirtland A. Cutter to build this mansion in the late 1890s. I’ve always loved it ~ since my first visit in the ‘50s when it was the Cheney Cowles Museum to its remarkable journey of restoration.

You can glimpse the guest rooms and linens room (with its sewing machine) on the second floor; and the library, reception room and servant’s dining room on the main floor.

Our “kittiewinks” (bothered by some ladybugs) are about to tour the Campbell House with my husband Doug, me, and mother Sally. She introduced me to the mansion and supported my passion for it for over 50 years ~ this art is dedicated to her.

This mansion and many others in this picturesque neighborhood are listed on Spokane's historical register. For more information, please contact the MAC Museum (Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture) in Browne's Addition at 509.456.3931 or log on to www.northwestmuseum.org.

"Helen's Blue Bedroom" ~ PAINTED NOVEMBER 2006 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8x10-INCH)

This is another painting of the restored Amasa Campbell House mansion.

Located in the back of the house on the second floor overlooking the Spokane river (quite a marvelous view from the north windows), daughter Helen’s bedroom, was light and airy ~ a delicate blend of blues and golds.

The room was finished with floral wallpaper and carpeting, with crisp white curtains and decorative white furniture ~ single bed, chest of drawers, desk and chair.

Our kittiewinks, Andy and Sophie, are snuggled together for a cozy afternoon nap on the bed.

"Darling Dutch Colonial" ~ (PAINTED MAY 2003 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

At Christmastime in 2002, my mother Sally, husband Doug, and I made a “field trip” through Browne’s Addition with the mission of shooting photos of the many imposing mansions so prevalent in that part of Spokane.

However, my mother pointed out this pretty little gem nestled among its more ostentatious counterparts ~ and so this “Darling Dutch Colonial” painting came to be. I'm uncertain as to whether or not this is listed as a historic home, but regardelsss, it isa perfect example of classic Dutch Colonial styling.

Celebrating May Day, this piece pictures my mother and me, arms filled with potted posies, paying a friendly visit.

Entire Browne's Addition Collection pdf ~ Click here to see a 3-page pdf with all 14 paintings.

THE SOUTH HILL

"Happy Times at Hannah's Garden Inn" ~ (PAINTED AUGUST 2006 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

Designed and constructed in 1908 by the Cutter and Malmgren architectural team, the Corbet-Aspray house became Hannah’s Garden Inn & Delaney’s musicafe.

Original owner James M. Corbet and his family lived here until 1924 when he died. It was sold to the Conrad Gotzien family, where they lived through 1938. Sold to Dr. Melvin Aspray and his wife, Grace, their family enjoyed the home for 53 years.

After a brief tenure by a California couple, Shawn Nichols and Ann Marie Byrd bought the house in February 1999 and opened their inn that fall after a complete restoration and renovation.

The Inn and musicafe were named for the couple’s two daughters who are pictured in this piece with their parents on the front porch. My friend, Mary Doohan and I are in the foreground, bearing gifts of potted petunias. (Photo courtesy of Hannah’s Garden Inn.)

"Kids Camp on Overbluff" ~ (PAINTED OCTOBER 2007 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8x10-INCH)

David Meyer and Anni Ryan purchased the old 1935 Marie Hughes estate in March 1986, and moved into the three-story fixer-upper after their honeymoon. Yes, David did carry Anni over the threshold of this shining example of Cape Cod architecture.

Thus began their "project" ~ life, children, dogs, and a huge remodeling/addition project. They created an inviting friends and family-oriented home, filled with their children's artwork all over the walls.

Their door was always open, especially during December when it was the center for many happy holiday gatherings.

"Springtime Comes to Simpson Street (Detail) " (PAINTED MARCH 2007 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 16X20-INCH)

This is a detail of a large 16x20-inch painting of five homes that I've lived in and loved. Click on my Commission page to see it.

It is the second rendition of the first residence that my parents purchased after leaving the Poplar Arms Apartments in Browne’s Addition.

My sister, Marilee, and I are pictured in the foreground of this pretty little home on Lincoln Street playing while our grandparents, Charles an

d Jessie, keep a watchful eye. My folks, Sally and Joe, are relaxing in the newly created backyard space. They put up a new picket fence, planted lawn and carved out flower gardens for us. This home was remodeled in the 1950s, and looks nothing like the charming cottage pictured here.

"Marycliff in May" ~ (PAINTED APRIL 2003 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

Designed by famed architect Kirtland K. Cutter, this English-style home was built for F. Lewis Clark in 1898. The rear grounds of the walled estate also included a water tower ~ a glimpse of which is showing in this painting.

In 1909, the house on Seventh Avenue was sold to the Burgess Lee Gordons who donated “Undercliff” in 1929 to Bishop Charles D. White ~ and it opened as “Marycliff,” a private high school for girls.

May is a particularly pretty month in Spokane, and the school celebrated “Mother Mary Day,” a coronation festival held in the grotto on the school grounds. Marycliff High School closed in the early ‘70s, leaving its students and faculty with many fond memories. The beautifully preserved building still stands today as “Undercliff.”

Entire South Hill Collection pdf ~ Click here to see an 8-page pdf with all 34 paintings.

THE NORTH SIDE

NEW! "Historic Bleeker Home" ~ (PAINTED MARCH 2009 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

This is a portrait of the historic North Side home built for Harry and Katherine Bleeker in 1909. A Dutch descendent, Bleeker was once secretary/vice president of Spokane's Washington Water Power Company. Famed architect C. Ferris White designed the home in the Dutch Colonial Revival style, influenced by 1700-1800s farmhouses in New York's Hudson River Valley.

Architectural details include multi-paned windows, louvered shutters and rare flared-roof eaves. The current owners, who have done a remarkable job of bringing the residence back to its period beauty and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

"Springtime Celebration at Holy Names Academy" ~ (PAINTED MARCH 1998 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

My sisters, chums, teachers and I are pictured celebrating the spring festival at Holy Names Academy. This imposing red stone building functioned as a “normal school” (teachers’ college) before it became a private school for girls.

Located a few blocks from St. Aloysius Church, HNA closed its doors in 1975. The empty building sank into sad disrepair until 1987, when it was developed into “The Academy,” a non-denominational full-scale retirement community, by local developer, Harry A. Green.

An interesting fact ~ the academy building was featured for a a few minutes as the "asylum" in the movie starring, Johnny Depp, “Benny & Joon.”

Note: See the NEW portrait of Holy Names Academy in Seattle by clicking on the Puget Sound page.

Entire North Side Collection pdf ~ Click here to see the 3-page pdf with all 12 paintings.

"Springtime Comes to Simpson Street" (Detail) ~ (PAINTED MARCH 2007 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 16X20-INCH)

When Bernard Street on Spokane’s South Hill was widened into an arterial, my parents pack up us kids and headed to the suburbs of the Spokane Valley, due east of the city and at the foot of Tower Mountain.

Our new neighborhood was filled with playmates of all ages ~ I still keep in touch with many of the friends that I made then.

This piece shows my little brothers, Bob (with our dogs, Chum and Andy), Bill and John in the foreground. Sisters Marilee and Peggy have just returned from a bike ride. I’m pictured helping my folks, Sally and Joe, prepare dinner “al fresco” on the deck.

"The Barton Snow Fort" ~ (PAINTED DECEMBER 1992-1997) • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

This painting was an ongoing labor of love for me. My youngest sister, Peggy, married her husband, Jeff Barton, in the early 1970s, and then moved to the San Francisco area, and subsequently Honolulu, Oahu. After years apart, Jeff made the decision to return to Spokane to take over his family’s business. To our family’s delight, Peggy came "home." The couple selected an architect who designed and built a handsome contemporary three-story home with a panoramic view of the Spokane Valley.

Their family began growing. First their son Michael arrived, then their daughter, Kelly, then Mark and Brooklynn. When Peggy married Jeff, she brought her frisky black cockapoo, Andy, with her. During moves (see the other Spokane Valley artwork, "Springtime Comes to Simpson Street"), Andy landed with my parents. Later the Peg and Jeff added Rascal, another cockapoo. Years later, after Andy and Rascal returned to their “kennel-in-the-sky,” the Bartons brought two cocker spaniels home ~ Cocoa and Honeybee. Somewhere along the line, a very independent calico cat, Zoe, made the Barton house her home as well.

I did my best to keep up with this constantly changing household, altering the original painting three times (this is the final rendition), and giving my little sister updated prints along the way ~ one of which still hangs in their home during the holidays. For decades, Peg and Jeff hosted a huge feast for their extended family on Christmas Eve ~ inspiration for this warm and friendly holiday artwork.

Entire Spokane Valley Collection pdf ~ Click here to see the 2-page pdf of all 7 paintings.

"Cast & Blast" ~ (HAYDEN LAKE, IDAHO • PAINTED JULY 1999 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 11x14-INCH)

In the 1990s, this rustic log store located in the town of Hayden Lake was THE spot for bait, lures, rods, shells ~ and every possible gift item for the outdoor sports enthusiast.

I painted my sisters, Peggy, Marilee and myself in full fly-fishing gear
~ from vests to boots ~ in front of the “Cast & Blast.” We were ready to take on Lake Hayden!

Sadly for all its customers, a short time after I painted this piece, this picturesque shop closed for business. Its owners retired to enjoy all of the fun outdoor sports that their mercantile had supported for years. Rumor has it that they're fly-fishing as we speak at some pristine setting in North Idaho!

"Summertime at Sunset Beach" ~ (HAYDEN LAKE, IDAHO • PAINTED JUNE 1985 • ACRYLIC ON CANVAS • 8X10-INCH)

This is my second attempt at painting our family cabin. The first captured the natural feel ~ this one captures the FUN! To this day, none of us wear anything other than bathing suits when we visit, unless the weather is nasty (which rarely happens)! Usually it’s sunny and hot.

The cabin is a magnet for all of us Simpsons, including our eight nieces, nephews ~ and friends ~ who descend on the place with beach toys, sail boards, water skis, boogie boards and innertubes.

On July 4th, the dock looks like very much like a marina! With well-greased bodies covering the dock and the top of the boat-house, and “G & Ts” on ice, it's always the perfect vacation spot!

Entire Northern Washington/Idaho Collection pdf ~ Click here to see the 2-page pdf of all 8 paintings featuring lots of lakeside settings.

This "Spokane Washington Collection" page gives you just a brief sampling of the dozens of paintings I've finished celebrating this lovely city. For a complete listing of all of the current titles and a brief description of each piece of artwork, please click here for that library.

IF YOU'D LIKE TO REACH ME ~

TELPHONE: 425.868.9238

EMAIL: artist@pattisimpsonward.com

WEB SITE: www.pattisimpsonward.com