When you don't have the time or energy to sketch a complex scene...

March 27, 2023 | 8 Comments


… have fun alternating between line and shape for the individual parts. And then focus on the overall composition in a more abstract way.

Typically when I don’t have a lot of time I do an open-ended continuous line drawing (see more about continuous line sketching here.) But for the last month or so I’ve been thinking about ways to combine some kind of colour with the line drawing.

This sketch of Westfield Level 5 Food Court in the City, experimenting with some ideas in my head, was very enjoyable and satisfying. I wasn’t worried about perspective or the big picture (initially) but instead was just observing each edge and shape in relation to its surroundings. So it was a very good way to test my observational skills.

It also demonstrated why I love markers as a sketching tool – especially when I don’t feel like getting my paints out and/or I don’t want to have to wait for my washes to dry.

And BTW this sketch was done late in the day just before this part of the Food Court was closed for cleaning. Hence the lack of occupants!


And then on Friday night, I did another of these line-and-shape sketches while waiting for dinner (Chat Thai at Gateway Circular Quay) this time with coloured pencils.

Stay tuned for more as I explore this idea further in the coming months.

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