Monday 16 June 2014

Longnor Market Hall

When on holiday in the Peak District last year we stayed near the sleepy little village of Longnor. In the centre of the village is a cobbled square and amongst the buildings surrounding the square stands this fabulous Grade 2 Listed building which was once the Market Hall. These days the Hall is a Craft Centre and Coffee Shop and if you're ever in the area it is well worth dropping in.

The last time I drew buildings it was of Robin Hoods Bay and I drew every detail right to the edge of the paper, leaving no white space (apart from sky). Somehow I think that made it artistically unappealing, probably because it was hard to see a focal point. So this time I have isolated the Hall from it's surroundings. I also decided not to use a ruler or straight edge and although I'm not unhappy with the straightness of my lines, a building such as this has razor sharp edges and that doesn't come across in this drawing.

One problem I had was of parked cars. I took a photo of the Hall with the intention of drawing it one day, but I couldn't get a car-free shot from anywhere. My photo was a fine reference for everything above 5-foot from the ground, but below that it was close to useless. However, I resorted to using Google Streetview to give me alternative views from different angles and despite the fact that it too contained unwanted cars, I was able to piece things together reasonably well.

It seems as if it's been a very long while since I last used my pencils for a serious drawing, and I really enjoyed doing this one. I think I may tackle one or two other buildings in this way.


12 comments:

  1. The details you put into a drawing is incredible and so impressive, John. The sleepy little Village of Longnor looks like its definitely worth visiting! Wonderful work!!!

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  2. Hello John, I like the idea of leaving white space around the edges, it does seem to make a more appealing image. I think the hand-drawn lines are better, even if the subject was perfectly straight. Ruled lines tend to look lifeless, I think, and more like something from a drawing office.

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    1. Yes, I think the white space has worked very well with this one Keith. I normally agree about the ruled lines especially as most buildings are weather-worn, it's just that this building has such sharp, well-defined, clean-cut edges, my drawing almost makes it look 'sloppy' by comparison. lol.

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  3. Hi John.
    Fantastic drawing mate. full marks. All the best John.
    Vic.
    P.S. I agree with Keith above, hand drawn lines, no Ruler.
    .

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  4. Great idea to isolate the building in this drawing, and also to filter out unwanted cars using Google streetview. The lines look perfect to mee, great work!

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    1. Thank you very much Judy. How did we ever manage without Google? lol.

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  5. looks like you enjoyed this one john ...very challenging subject , perspective ,details

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    1. Yes, I did enjoy it Jane, Thank you. Regrettably, most of the things I enjoy aren't very 'artey' but if it's what I enjoy doing then so be it. lol.

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  6. Oh gosh John. I wish I could draw so exquisitely as you do. I know I haven't got the patience. As to straight edges and rulers I am not the one to give any technical advice on drawing, as you know my field is loose watercolour. So all I can say is when a drawing is so technically straight and perfect I feel it becomes uncomfortable for me to view it. I hasten to add I don't get that feeling with this one. Perhaps it is my taste for a looser approach even with a drawing. I suppose I want to see the warmth and accessible imperfections and character of the artist rather than perfect distant coldness from them. Does that make sense? We are all different with our taste of course. Keep enjoying your drawings.

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    1. Yes Laura, that makes perfect sense, and thank you very much for your very generous comment.

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