I went to a session or two with the London Urban Sketchers group way back pre-Covid (anyone else feel like the pandemic is a modern version of saying BC or BCE?) and enjoyed myself despite buildings and architecture not really being my chosen subject. I haven’t been able to go for a while just because they often meet on the outskirts of the city, and/or it’s not a day I can do and/or the weather isn’t conducive and/or there are train strikes etc etc. Anyway, for this last meeting of 2024 was a 10 minute walk from London Bridge, my nearest London station, and my daughter was available to look after my dog for the day, and I could park for free, and the trains were running smoothly.
I used to go to London at least once a week, primarily to help run an art class but also meet friends, and it was a time for me to shake off the responsibilities and largely choose how to spend my time. I haven’t really kept in touch with anyone but the Urban Sketchers community is used to people dropping in and out, so I knew it would be a good focus for me and my sketchbook.
We met at 11am at the agreed spot, and dispersed to our chosen vantage points. I’d introduced myself to a couple of people who arrived at the same time as me (Suzy) and just after (Paola), and we headed off to find a good vista to draw. It was busy with the Christmas markets, so we chose Tower Bridge.
I had to stop myself feeling jittery about the amount of detail and the thought of attempting perspective, but I had plenty of time so I started with some fine pencil lines, which I realised were all wrong (not sure what I thought I was looking at!) so ditched that and made a start with my fountain pen with grey ink. I brought this, along with my two grey fineliners, soluble graphite as well as 2B and HB pencils, and a waterbrush, so I had all monochrome bases covered. It would have been nice to have some bright sky blue but I didn’t know what I would be painting, so, grey it had to be. I did, however, have a red calligraphy pen: perfect for a finishing touch…
At 1pm we met for a sketchbook throwdown. It was great to see everyone’s artwork as there is always such a variety.
Here are Suzy and Paola’s drawings:
I really enjoyed the day, and am proud of myself for sticking with the task. Here is my finished drawing, which I completed at the end of the session (3.30pm) in my Leuchtturm sketchbook:
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