I managed two ink sketches which I finished during the week. An interesting example of in one case 'losing it' and the other enjoying a pretty reasonable attempt at a difficult - because of its famous Turner depiction - view.
My turn with my colleague Helen to plan and run the day. More fun meeting everyone but less productive. It rained too but USk's spirits were high so nothing daunted lots of great work. I managed two ink sketches which I finished during the week. An interesting example of in one case 'losing it' and the other enjoying a pretty reasonable attempt at a difficult - because of its famous Turner depiction - view. The View, Richmond Terrace - pen. The View plus watercolour. From Richmond Bridge - pen. ....and with watercolour.
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Their post boxes are blue and being on a steep hillside St Peter Port is full of alleys and steps as this one... ...and some larger 'civic' spaces full of cafés and charity stalls. Round the other side of the island is a pretty little ancient church on a steep mound which we have passed every time we've been to Guernsey, just asking to be sketched. Quite difficult as the sides of the tower angle inwards, the 'spire' is octagonal and the roof pitches vary. A deal of 'measuring' and time. I think it's close to accurate. Proof if any needed that one doesn't see a thing properly until you draw it.
The subtle blue, pink and grey stone Norman arches are a joy. It's been a while but I know how long site clearance and remediation takes but thought I'd better take a look. Not much fresh to sketch but lots of space now...and bright yellow, empty skips stacked up. Piles of detritus being scooped up and a high power water spray to minimise dust.
With Urban sketchers in Charterhouse Square just west of The Barbican. Clearly an attractive location as we had something above 60 together to enjoy high heat, bright sunshine and the run in of the Royal Fly past (Trooping The Colour day). I knew Florin Court would be testing as being so well known if not precise, although freehand it would scream 'wrong'. Careful counting and measuring...and Monsieur Poirot I sensed put in an appearance...
It was blowing so hard our flight from Land's end was delayed a day. Watercolour wins in the open air but not when its travelling at 40 mph so planned sketches/paintings of Penzance harbour were abandoned but we did get some sunshine on St Mary's - enough to grab 3 studies.
Curiously but not planned the two smaller ones from positions directly opposite each other. Marble Hill House with a few of the Dodgers. I've hoped they would return for some time so was glad the heavy rain held off and I could draw the view I wanted from the left of the front, close to which gives a striking perspective and gutsy roof line angles. Difficult to get accurately and initially I was off line. Even a small margin shows. I had to use a technique I learnt from a friend and go a bit sketchy and strengthen the watercolour colour and its application which resolved most of the errors.
I also have used some strong Prussian Blue and Permanent Rose highlights - a technique I saw in a couple of shows last year and have wanted to use. Colleagues thought it worked. London Urban Sketchers met today at Sloane Square - lots of sketchers and a fabulous location - too much for one day. To the east there are side streets with fine Georgian Houses, Bourne Street with views to Battersea Power Station - currently a major building site, the cranes and scaffolding a nice contrast. And planes on final approach to Heathrow too. In the afternoon the threatened rain took many of us to the top floor restaurant of Peter Jones with views over Kensington, Knightsbridge and round to the city tower blocks. And an astonishing quantity of tree tops too. An utterly absorbing day. Huge variety of styles and as ever I gathered a few more hints and tips.
Realising the Edwardo Paolozzi exhibition at The Whitechapel Gallery was ending I hurried up there and got the bonus of serendipity.
Having taken the wrong exit from Aldgate East I glanced Christ Church Spittlefields through the archwayed entry to Gunthorpe Street and felt the sketcher’s urge. Originally George Yard the street was one of many alleys along Whitechapel High Street itself a revealing mix of signs, symbols shops and solicitor's offices. Knowing nothing of its history I dug about to find in 1822 it was described as a "notorious rendezvous of thieves" and went on to be the scene of every conceivable crime including inevitably a bit of Jack the Ripper’s work. George Yard was renamed Gunthorpe Street in 1912 after John Gunthorpe who was rector of St Mary's Whitechapel in 1471. As rain was pending a hurried sketch on one knee to get the spire in, as otherwise I’d have had to stand in the middle of the thronged pavement. Our monthly sketching day.....again lots of people, one up from Southampton. Traffic was dire so I was late but pitched in with the front then after lunch the domes from the western terrace. Here's just some of the huge amount of product and my two.
It's getting on for a month and doubtless the site is becoming clearer. As a (retired) architect I am aware how long site clearance can take - especially with all the recycling and dust etc restrictions. I needed however to get up high as the previous viewpoint could not show this. The helpful receptionist and building facilities manager of the Sega Building on The Great West Road came to the rescue. The view over the south west London to Crystal Palace was typically blue and the viewpoint emphasised the bank of trees to the south of the site with the railway bridge just in view. The site itself covered with activity separating different spoil for removal. To the west an area of 'fines', soil or fine waste in huge piles for reuse.
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AuthorSketching thoughts and stories from John Webb. CategoriesArchives
February 2019
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