A Window Scene

Geometry wasn't my thing but is invaluable in perspective drawing.  On this test sheet, I puzzled how best to translate the kitchen window image in front of me when I sketch it.  What to do?  Only through a keen observation that a slight angle difference exists between the bottom and upper window frame.  Line angles do make a big difference in the depth perception.  Compare the colored windows against the pen and ink drawing.  Notice any difference?

#10 Bond Street

Last Saturday, I joined my USK NYC friends sketch at Bond Street and Broadway but only had an hour to spare.  I marked my lines on this Moleskine 11 3/4 X 8 1/4" drawing album using the Platinum Carbon Ink Pen.  Having a comfortable camping chair that sits low to the ground afforded me a great view of this scene.  More lines and watercolor were later added at home.

A view at 10 Bond Street, New York City

   

A Case for the Backwards and Upside-down Upper Case Letters

It was said that Leonardo Da Vinci often wrote backwards.  I remember doing the "writing backwards" exercise when I was in college because I saw someone doing it and it looked like fun to me anyway.  The other day, I came across an article with a lesson on drawing your name backwards and upside-down.  Hmmm...deja vu?

"Why not write the alphabet in upper-case and in lower-case letters, backwards and upside-down?" I thought.

So I did.  Writing the lower-case letters "b,d,f,g,h,p,q" backwards and upside-down presented me with some difficulty in where to orient the "post or leg" of the letter - left or right, up or down?  After a few missed attempts, I eventually learned where to correctly place it. 

But something brilliant came about in writing the upper-case letters of the alphabet. Who knew that the letters "I,O,S,X,Z" are already written backwards AND upside-down?  Try it for yourself and see.

Note: As a result of this learning, I will use the letters "XZOIS" for a handle.  Sounds like "choice", don't you think?

Fast Forward to October 2017 - Part 4

Continuing with more sketches I made for the #inktober challenge.

Day 17:Byram Beach

Day 18: The Ball Field

Day 22: The Backyard Trees

Day 24: The Utility Van

Day 25: The Crabapple Tree

Day 26:  Port Chester, NY

Day 27: The VW Classic

Day 29: The Bench

Day 30: The Summerfield Park

Day 31 + 1

Day 31: The Three Pine Cones

Fast Forward to October 2017 - Part 3

Continuing with more sketches I made for the #inktober challenge.

Day 12: Columbus Circle

Day 12: W4 Subway Station

Day 15: Cort Theater

Day 15: At the Hagi Bar

Day 23: View from inside the Bakery

Day 21: The Dyckman Farmhouse

Day 19: The Long Island City Courthouse

Day 16: The Garage on the Boston Post Road

Fast Forward to October 2017 - Part 2

Continuing with more sketches I made for the #inktober challenge.

Day 7: The Stone Wall

Day 8: A Fall Leaf

Fast Forward to October 2017 - Part 1

Have you ever heard of the Inktober drawing challenge?  I don't know about you but I've participated in it this year. It's fun to create some artwork with the pen and ink medium.  I missed a few days of entries but already I'm seeing the progress in my work.

Day 1. None

Day 2: At the Pizzeria

Day 4: At the Rye Beach Park

Day 6: At the Train Station

Day 5: A wine glass

Day 7: The Garage

Day 10: The Train Passenger