Figures & Narrative

Urban sketching has been so enjoyable so far and I have found it to be more than just architecture and manmade structures. The buildings and structures we see and draw were all created for a purpose and the people who use them all have purpose as well. When sitting in a cafe or watching students traverse a busy campus I have enjoyed thinking about how each person has their own story. They all have goals, dreams, family, history, and a perspective unique to them. Seeing the spaces that people inhabit gives us a glimpse into their story. It has been a fun intention this week to focus on the figures & narrative while urban sketching!

This week in class we all gathered our supplies and took to the main campus area to sketch the various buildings. There were students walking all around the busy campus as we took our part in capturing the spaces they currently call home. I decided to take a seat and sketch the student union.

It was a lot of fun to keep working on drawing in perspective. I took my time with this drawing and tried to make my lines accurate, clean, and clear. A helpful tip I was given was about when things start to get far away from the vanishing point the lines leading back to it get very flat. It was a good reminder because I found myself wanting to create a more obvious angle to show the structure but it would not fit with the perspective that was already in place. 

Urban Sketching Session 1

On to my personal work I decided to sit up by the medical building and draw the entrance with the lovely spring trees lining the path. I don’t have classes by the medical building but I love visiting it because it has a beautiful view of the campus and of the mountains in the distance. 

Placing my vanishing point right in the middle of the front doors I then used 1-point perspective guidelines to start my drawing. When considering how to convey a narrative I thought it would be a great perspective to have the doors in the center where our eyes are directed, seeing as how this is the point of entrance for each student pursuing medical science. I also love that the composition has lines of trees leading to that point, adding even more splashes of life! After getting the structural drawing laid out I again went in and added the students and watercolors.

Urban Sketching Session 2

For my next adventure in urban sketching I was initially considering going to a cafe but inspiration struck on campus again. I wasn’t in any place interesting or particularly scenic, but that is what I think actually inspired me! I found a table in an overlook to work on some other homework but as I gazed around at all the passing students I couldn’t help but notice all the different stories passing me by in the most mundane place. I looked out over this bridge and saw students, some looking cheerful, some stressed, some with friends, some alone, one girl had a camera with her and was taking pictures off the bridge, maybe she is taking a photography class! There were students on longboards zooming by and couples walking hand-in-hand, while others were having conversations over their phones. I loved seeing all the life that walked over this bridge and I truly felt like it was a great representation of how life happens everywhere, even in the areas that aren’t the most interesting or exciting. Just a simple bridge from one part of campus to the next, where who knows how many careers just passed each other.

I believe this wraps up the urban sketching for my class, though I will still make an effort to continue in my own studies. Next we are moving on to our final stage of plein air painting!

Have an amazing week!

Jesus Bless You Abundantly,

Christina