Tuesday 27 May 2014

Plein aire sketching


For the first time in a long while I treated myself to a nice long walk. There is an interesting church in the next village. It is one of those buildings that catches my eye every time I drive past it, and each and every time I see it I tell myself that I must come back without the car to have a better look. So when I was thinking of where to walk, to the next village seemed like a good choice.

When I arrived at the church I spent a while sitting in the churchyard and strolling interestingly through the grave stones as I looked at the buildings architecture from every viewpoint. When I'd seen as much as I wanted to see I headed across the road and took up position leaning against a sandstone wall, which is typical for this area.

My previous attempts at painting en plein aire have not been good. I don't know whether it's the fear of being approached, or the lack of a comfortable chair and easel, but I always rush my paintings and splash paint around as if I've only got minutes to finish. So, on this occasion I decided to sketch the church with pen. Besides, I'm not painting at the moment and enjoying pen work, so I'd packed pens and aquabrushes into my backpack.

Unlike the 'panic' I feel when I'm painting, I felt quite comfortable leaning against the wall in the shade of an overgrowing tree. I soon became oblivious of the passing traffic, not that there's ever a great deal in the village, and carried on confidently sketching even when the occasional pedestrian ambled by. I found it awkward sketching while standing and wished I'd taken my small collapsible stool with me, but I managed okay and thoroughly enjoyed it.

It was a bright sunny day and I wanted to capture the shadows to give the church some solidity and dimension. In the first instance I tried hatching, but this is something I'm still not at ease with and I didn't like the effect. Thankfully my pen was of the non-permanent variety so I used my aquabrushes to add some tones. I have a couple of perspective issues but, all things considered, I'm not disappointed.

Oh ... yep ... the tower leans. I'm still working on those verticals. lol. ;-)


14 comments:

  1. Awesome John, so many small details, and you got the sunlight too ! The tower made me smile and think of another famous tower ( guess which :-)) ) , I suppose this is just your stile and a great style too !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL .... I know which tower you mean Jane. Thanks for the nice comment.

      Delete
  2. Nice work. I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed the experience; that's the most important thing after all. Pen and ink is definitely your style, and maybe line-and-wash. It's a perfectly good way of working and has suited other artists , like Rowland Batchelor and David Gentleman.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much Keith. Yes, I do like line and wash and will be doing some more of that soon. Just need to get back into things.

      Delete
  3. Your drawing shows you have confidence. And you should.!
    This is an excellent rendering John, and you'll certainly overcome the few small issues you have.
    I give you credit for doing this outside in public. Good for you !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you BJ. I'd like to think I could have done better sitting at my desk than standing on a street corner, but then the sketch wouldn't have had the same meaning for me. Looking forward to trying another.

      Delete
  4. Hi John.
    Nice drawing mate. I love Pen and Ink. But the other kind, which does not Bleed, Have you seen ROB ADAMS blog? He is fantastic. he has just become a member of rhe Wapping group. take a look and see how he uses Pen and Ink. Look up the Wapping groups website, you will see him being presented with his tie.All the best John.
    Vic.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I use permanent ink when I'm applying washes Vic, but there's something I enjoy more about the non-permanent inks, especially in this situation. I'll look up Rob Adams. Thanks very much.

      Delete
  5. Glad you are beginning to feel more comfortable drawing outside.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I'm getting there Sue. Though I'd be more comfortable if I took my stressless chair in a wheelbarrow. lol. Thanks for stopping by.

      Delete
  6. Super plain air work john ... And lovely style to all your recent works ...thanks for your e mail I will get back to you as soon as I can .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much Jane .... and there's no rush over the email. ;-)

      Delete
  7. I have missed a lot of your posts, John but I have caught up! Your work is amazing!! .. I especially loved your work with pen and ink...which doesn't look easy!! But you seem to have mastered it!!
    Congratulations on this pen and ink of the Church!! Love it!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much Hilda, and I really appreciate you stopping by.

      Delete

Your comments are very much appreciated and I value every one. Thank you