Sketching in house #13

This time a very simple composition for this view through a kitchen window. I hope if taken forward to a painting it will show the most striking contrast between inside and out. If I painted this view every day, apart from the summer, when there is constant sun and blue sky, it would be different each time.

Here the inside is darker than outside, as you'd expect, even though the light outside was going. I drew it as storm clouds began to gather over the mountains to the north. 

 

A few minutes after I finished this drawing, the goatman came with his herd to feed on the fresh green vegetation that has sprung up after the pre-Christmas rains. They come by the house and we took a look at each other by the kitchen doorway. The sky was even heavier by this time.

 

Sketching in house #12

Normally in January we can expect storms, high winds and heavy cloudy skies.  So it was lovely to have sun giving strong light and shadows on the terrace today.  Another drawing from in house.

Sketches in house #11

A slightly tipsy drawing.  But you get the idea.

Now looking forward to doing some larger views through windows;  looking from inside out.

Sketches in house 9 & 10

This is one of the sketches I did before Christmas on my current theme of looking from one space into another.  Fibre-tipped ink pen used for speed.


Shortly after I made this drawing, H became ill and was admitted to the Intensive Care ward at the Poly Clinic with a recurring problem.  Christmas therefore wasn't as planned.  I'm relieved to report that he is now well and we are getting back to normality.

I'm now working on larger paper on one of my easels, using charcoal.  This drawing is from a slightly different viewpoint based on one I did in my A4 sketchbook a few weeks ago.


The theme of looking from one space into another continues.  I aim to do 3 more large drawings, which will then provide enough information for me to begin painting.


This process may appear convoluted and tedious, but in fact from my point of view it feels fresh and interesting.  In the past my normal process was to just roll up my sleeves and put paint to canvas.  I'm enjoying the more studious approach, involving constant and repeated observation/drawing. 

Sketchbook in house 7 & 8

Wintery weather in Cyprus is here to stay for a while I think.  Good to be sketching indoors, out of the high winds and rain.  Pen and ink today;  I find it quicker for this kind of drawing.

Sketchbook in house 5 & 6

 Another pencil sketch.  Attempting to work quicker. 

The rainy season began today and we had torrents of the stuff, the first since April/May.  I sat on the stairs in the near-dark as the lightening and thunder flashed and crashed outside.  This time I used fine fibre tipped pens and worked very rapidly.

Sketchbook in house 4

Still in-house for this sketch, but beginning to look outwards.  Had a frantic time attempting to keep track of light and reflections as the sun moved.