Thursday 17 January 2013

Cupola's

Wandering around with my camera, I often find myself pointing it at something I think is attractive without necessarily knowing what it is that I'm looking at. Such is the case with Cupola's. In fact, I didn't even know what they were called until I decided to do some research.

Cupola's are small dome-like structures on top of buildings. It would seem that they serve many purposes, some to provide light or ventilation and some to be used as lookouts. Some Cupola's have been built as small buildings in their own right, but those I've recently seen are fairly small sitting atop a modest, but old, building. 

Today I was suddenly taken by the urge to throw out a quick sketch or two. Nothing that needed too much preparation, thought or concentration, if you know what I mean. Opening my photo folders for inspiration I  came across a Cupola I photographed only a week or two ago, and it didn't take long to find a couple more. Square, round, enclosed, open, glazed, slatted ... all different, each serving it's own purpose but all attractive in their own right.







One other piece of news is that I have just launched a new "Artist Showcase" on my web site. This is something I do in connection with my art forum and consequently I don't always mention it here. However, this time I have succeeded in roping in one of my favourite artists, Sandra Busby, and since many of you are familiar with her work I thought you might enjoy looking at the Showcase on this occasion.

Though the prime objective of my forum is to provide a non-intimidating environment for beginners to show and discuss their work, through the blogs I follow I have come to appreciate that there is also much to learn in looking at the work of more accomplished artists. The "Showcase" is a way I can introduce them to the work of other artists. To this end, if any of my followers would like to be featured in a Showcase, please let me know. 


20 comments:

  1. As a longtime follower of Sandras work I'm pleased to see her on the Showcase.
    A fantastic artist with her adorable teddy bears, they are the best.!
    BJ

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, they are BJ, and I am very pleased about Sandra's Showcase.

      Delete
  2. Love your cupolas. Not easy to draw and get the angles right, but you did a great job!

    Congrats to Sandra on being showcased! xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Pat. They were only quick sketches and some of the shapes aren't good, but they were good fun. I may do some more, taking a bit more time with them.

      Delete
  3. Hi John.
    Wonderful Pencil drawings mate. As Pat says above, not easy to get the angles right. well done John and all the best.
    Vic.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They're pen & wash Vic, but thank you very much for the nice comment.

      Delete
  4. Wow, I am truly impressed with your forum! And I thought drawing was your strongest trait. I will definitely take more time to explore your forum...good work!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad you like the forum Trudy. Regrettably it lacks any significant numbers and I think that's because it's aimed at beginners. I often think about changing the emphasis to make it more attractive to accomplished artists but I think the likes of Facebook are killing forums. People don't seem interested any more.

      Delete
  5. John, your cupola drawings are very well done and such an interesting subject. That bit of color really sets them off. Good 'stuff'
    BJ

    ReplyDelete
  6. Firstly, the drawings are gorgeous!
    These must have been tricky subjects to draw!
    Secondly, thank you so much for what you said of my work - I am really honored to be featured and I really appreciate everybody's lovely comments too. I think I am probably more 'persistent' than 'accomplished' lol! :0)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad you like the drawings Sandra, thank you. And it is me that should thank you for allowing me to Showcase your work. Everyone in the forum is very impressed with your work and the page has had many hits.

      Delete
  7. Hello John! I just now had a look at a post I had not seen before. I saw what you made of your miniature pencil drawing. That was a great idea you had. To find such a good use for it. :) And the snowdrop photo; I love snowdrops, they are so pretty. Congratulations!
    Nice drawings you´ve made here too by the way ;) as allways.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much Catharina. I'm glad you like my coaster and the Snowdrop photo. My garden ought to be a blanket of Snowdrops right now but they're covered by 10cm of snow. I can't wait for it to melt away so I can see the flowers.

      Delete
  8. Hi John These cupola's are just lovely. A gorgeous idea for painting projects. Good luck with the Artist Showcase. I love Sandra's work too. I also have learnt so much just by looking at other people's work and I'm sure this new section will be a success for you and your members. Take care. xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad you like the Cupola's Laura. They were fun to do. The Showcase is a great way of showing my members the work of other artists. Thank you very much.

      Delete
  9. You have a very good hand at drawing, you sketched the cupolas beautifully..tough job !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much Jane. As I said to Pat, I may do these again taking more care ... I think they would make a nice series.

      Delete
  10. what a great idea! i love your cupola's! your sketches are so light and beautifully done. and sandra is incredibly gifted, i'm so glad you featured her. and she's a wonderful person, kind, warm and giving. her glass work is outstanding and i love her bear series! thanks so much for this great feature.

    and thank you too john for your very kind words on my blog and not thinking me silly about the new studio and no tim. i keep telling myself he's right next to me and i know he is.

    happy creating my friend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Suzanne, I agree with you totally about Sandra and her work has made a great Showcase. And thank you for your kind words about my Cupola sketches.

      I hope you're enjoying your new studio. ;-)

      Delete

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