Winter Wonderland

Skaters II, watercolour only ©Sue Pownall.

On a cold, 4°C, and showery afternoon, ten sketchers met in a nice warm pub beforeheaded across Marble Arch and into the Winter Wonderland event.  

Near the entrance was a big wheel complete with Santa in his sleigh, and it had to be drawn. Taking shelter under one of the many wooden food chalets, I grabbed an Inktense pencil and started sketching. The slightly unusual effect is due to spots of rain on the page.

I wasn't happy with the red, so added red watercolour at home.

Next up, I sketched Zippo's Circus. I have to say I was tempted to go and see the show, especially as a sign boasted "It's warm inside". Instead, it was a cup of hot chocolate and onto the outside skating rink. I sketched the skaters directly in watercolour. The spots on the page due to the paint taking forever to dry.

Pencil with watercolour added at home.

 With icy feet, fingers & nose, a great find was the firepit, where thawing out whilst sketching was a perfect way to end a visit to the Winter Wonderland. Finally, it was time to head to the pub and share our sketches.

Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland 27th December

Ten of us faced the cold day and enjoyed sketching this strange place full of visual inputs and people everywhere. There were rides and lights and noise  and a great roaring fire that was a life saver when our feet froze whilst standing up. A quick post and photo of the atmosphere today.

Winter Wonderland 27th December

Saturday night down the O2

Before Madness

I was fortunate to be given a free VIP box ticket for Madness' last night of their world tour. So while waiting for the support act to begin, I drew the very ordinary view of all the trappings of a world stage before the stars and the pretty lights come on.

Saturday night down the O2

Sketches from around Westminster

A lunch break crowd at St. Johns Gardens

Abington Gardens

Dean Bradley Street, view from St. John's

Sketches from around Westminster

December sketchmeet: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

 Wrap up warm and join us to sketch at this unique London winter event. There are markets, ice skaters, food stalls and much more for us to draw. Save the date now!

December sketchmeet: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

View from London's lighthouse

Last Sunday's sketchcrawl around Trinity Buoy Wharf in Docklands was an eye-opener for me. I'd never been there before – the wharf sits across the river from the O2 Arena and is stacked with history. The event, with the Campaign for Drawing, the Dining Room Drawing Club and Independent Art School, merged heritage, water and new developments. It was great to meet new people and those I'd only known online before. This is one view from the top of the lighthouse.
An exhibition of drawings by shortlisted artists in the John Ruskin Prize 2014 continues at the Electrician's Shop Gallery there until 30 November. Thanks to the Campaign for Drawing for asking us.

View from London's lighthouse

Trinity Buoy Wharf, well, almost

From East India Dock, E14

Having chosen to take the scenic route, which meant my walk was twice as long, I was rewarded by a lovely misty view of the cable cars. Things are so much more magical when you can't see them properly. I'm glad I got this done before joining the rest of the Urban Sketchers and Campaign for Drawing-ers as I didn't pick my pencil up again for the rest of the day. Rain dampens my spirits.

Trinity Buoy Wharf, well, almost