Saturday 4 August 2012

Robin Hoods Bay


Last year, when on holiday in Yorkshire, we were based just a couple of miles from Robin Hoods Bay, which is a quaint little fishing village built into the side of the cliffs. The first record of the village was in the 16th century and there is no evidence whatsoever to link the village with Robin Hood of Sherwood Forest. In the 18th century it was reportedly the busiest smuggling village on the coast of Yorkshire due to it's natural isolation. Wandering through the narrow alleys between the cottages conjured up a great sense of smugglers and hidden contraband. By the middle of the 19th century a thriving fishing industry existed.

King Street, Robin Hood's Bay - Graphite
We had to leave the car at the top of the cliffs and walk down the steep hill into the village.  I wandered through the narrow alleyways between the buildings, firing my camera almost continuously ... every turn revealed a new photo opportunity. One such alleyway brought me out at the top of King Street, just up from "Ye Dolphin" Inn. I couldn't figure out why the Inn sign had a painting of a galleon on it, rather than a Dolphin and I guess that will remain one of life's mysteries.

I chose Winsor & Newton Medium Surface Cartridge paper (130 gsm) because it has a strong grain when used with graphite and I thought that would help with the textures of the old buildings. It made it harder to get clean, sharp lines, but the tooth in the paper made the darks easier to achieve. I'm quite pleased with the effect as I think it really adds to the Olde Worlde scene.

Obviously I used artistic licence to omit various 21st century eye-sores such as Wheelie Bins, Television Aerials, roof lights and telephone cables. But one way in which 21st century did help was with one of the buildings which was badly obscured on my reference photo by a large "For Sale" sign. I was delighted to be able to use Google Street View to see what was there. lol.



30 comments:

  1. This is such a lovely drawing John, with so much detail in it, makes me want to visit too.

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    1. Thank you Ann. If you're ever over that way, it's well worth visiting.

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  2. This is spectacular, John. I made a quick trip there with the little yellow man from Google maps and saved a view of The Bay Inn with boats on the water. I may have to try to sketch it later.

    xoxo

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    1. LOL ... great move Vicki. It's all very picturesque and I have scores of photo's so I'll be doing more to. Happy sketching.

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  3. An incredible drawing, John!!! The detailing is so impressive.! I Love the texture on the buildings...

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    1. Thank you Hilda. Yes, I'm happy that the grainy paper has helped the drawing a lot.

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  4. Fabulous drawing John and you've definitely captured the character of the place. A wonderful part of the world with lots of material for artists. Shame I wasn't into painting when I visited. Your drawings are just superb.

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    1. Laura, I hope you get back there now you are painting. You'll see it through fresh eyes I'm sure. Thank you very much.

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  5. This really is a wonderful drawing! I feel as though I am there - though if I was, truth be told I'd probably be viewing it from inside the pub window, lol! Tricky perspective too - but you have it perfectly :0)

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    1. Inside the Pub? Trust you!! lol. Thank you Sandra. ;-)

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  6. Lovely as allways John! It´s so interesting to read your stories about your pictures. Thank you! And how lucky you were to be able to use new technique to find out what was behind the sign. Take care!

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    1. Thank you Catharina. I'd originally decided to rely on 'artistic licence' to draw the concealed area but Google Street View was a much better choice. All the best. ;-)

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  7. Lovely piece, John. Great composition and perfect perspective and so beautifully drawn. I love to visit places like this too, both here and abroad.

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    1. Thank you Michael, I really appreciate that.

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  8. An excellent drawing John. It does a good job of conveying the character of the village.

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  9. WOW! A great sketch. Perspective in this type of drawing is really difficult to do. You have mastered it. Do you have architectural training? You have also captured the atmosphere of the village.
    Jean

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    1. Thank you very much Jean. No, I have no architectural training ... or any other sort of training come to that. Take care.

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  10. Oh John, what a superb drawing. I admire your drawing skill so much, absolutely wonderful.

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    1. What a lovely thing to say Joan, thank you very much. ;-)

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  11. Hi there John!...This is my all time favourite John! It captures that mediaeval feel... that air of mystery and swashbuckling skulduggery of Treasure Island and Kidnapped which riveted me as a young buoy... pun intended... afloat in my own world of imagination and adventure!

    Thank you for sharing! Your rendering is nothing short of magical... by any standard! Well done!

    Good Painting and Drawing!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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    1. Bruce, this little village is the very essence of Treasure Island and Kidnapped. The past spirits of smugglers lurks round every corner. You'd love it there. Thanks for the generous comments Bruce.
      Warmest regards.

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  12. You draw so well! Very nice drawing and blog. I just discovered it today and look forward to visiting again soon. Great work!

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    1. Thank you Heather and thank you for becoming a follower. I've just looked at your work and I'm very impressed. Looking forward to seeing more. ;)

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  13. It's lovely around that area, John, and your drawing does it justice!

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    1. Thank you very much John. Yes, it's a great place and I came home with my camera bulging with reference photo's. God bless digital camera's. ;)

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  14. Excellent drawing John and you have captured the charm of the village. It's a wonderful trip back in time!

    Sie

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  15. Having been there myself I particularly like this King Street drawing - and the way you have emphasised the cosy, slightly enclosed feel of the place. So charming!

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    1. Thank you very much Jerry, and thank you for following my blog.

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