Views of Times Square and Around - November 23
I'm not going to repeat the story of how we ended up sketching New York roofs last Saturday, as several lively accounts of it are already written. So I am starting with our first indoor location (and my first location that day) at the 23rd floor of a Times Square office building, looking south.
An aerial view of New York was a challenge. That day I came with a determination of drawing without OCD, as Pat puts it, and wanted to try using watercolors without pen lines, as Mia does. Well, I did not win my first battle, as I found it difficult to "grab" this view even with a pen. Water towers and the light/shadow contrast formed patterns that most fascinated me and I tried to use them to pull the sketch together.
When we moved to the Times Square view, I still had the determination to try the "no line" approach. And so I did, trying several times. I am not sure if I won this battle either and I was hoping sketches would breathe more, but it felt really liberating to not worry about all the details. I decided to post one sketch, at least for the sake of evidence of my future progress.
I love both of your drawings. So different from each other and each wonderful. You captured the different moods of the city. It looks effortless.
ReplyDeleteI think you did a fantastic job on the first sketch done in pen. I like how you left areas of light to show the sunlit parts of the buildings. The one of Times Square has such richness and energy. I like the crowd of people in that one spot. Your eyes make you think there are more people in the scene. Thanks again for suggesting your building so we could stay warm!
ReplyDeleteLove the sky on the first one and the shadow Jersey skyline. Nicely done.
ReplyDeletethe colors and patterns on your no lines sketch are so beautiful and rich. Very inspiring, I want to try it !
ReplyDelete