MATERIALS
• Daler-Rowney 300g/m2 Aquafine paper, A3 size
• Staedtler Mars Lumograph Graphite Pencils 6H -8B range
• Paper Mate ComfortMate ULTRA Propelling Pencils 0.5mm HB & 2B
• Staedtler Mars plastic eraser
• Micador Group Fixative Workable Mat
STEP ONE
The detail contained in the reference photo required the page to be squaredup with a 4cm grid. I was then able to accurately establish the basic composition of the sketch, and develop the unique perspective aspects of the structure. At this step, I concentrated on picking out the key elements, including the brick columns, vaulted arch ceiling, beams and tie rods.
At this point I decided to divide the sketch into four key stages, being the left hand side columns, the vaulted arch ceiling, right hand side columns and lastly the floor area.
STEP TWO
Given that the left hand side brick columns are a key feature of the sketch, I took great care in establishing the correct brick pattern and the diminishing transition from the foreground to the background.
On the foreground columns, each individual brick was detailed using short strokes running parallel to the horizontal mortar courses. The darker short end brick layers were crosshatched using a darker tone. The deep shaded inner faces of the column were once again done with short stokes, keeping in line with the horizontal courses.
The main beam was done using short strokes using a 7B pencil, again keeping parallel with the perspective lines. The tie rods were also established using 2B propelling pencil with a 3H infill.
To increase my later options, at this stage I only lightly rendered the rest of the background walls.
STEP THREE
The vaulted arch ceiling of the structure is constructed from a combination of brick and stone.
I initially established six evenly spaced, long lines that provided the structure for me to detail the remainder of the individual longitudinal rows of bricks. I then carefully established the arch effect at each set of columns. I was then able to establish the diminishing individual brickwork of the complete ceiling. All of this work was initially done with an HB propelling pencil. As in Step Two, I established the tie rods.
I then progressively shaded the ceiling to further create the arched effect using a range of tones from B to 4B.
Once again, the background wall was only given a minimum treatment.
STEP FOUR
The right hand columns were basically developed in the same manner as the left hand columns in Step Two, the major difference being the inner face was not in deep shade, and required detailed attention to establish the brick courses, particularly in the foreground. The beam and tie rods were established as per Step Two, and the top of the side wall was highlighted.
FINAL STEP
The floor of the RES was quite wet, with lots of puddles providing wonderful reflections.
I initially did a broad outline sketch, picking out the various components of the floor. The next stage was to detail the columns and the extent each individual one was reflected on the floor. Some of the left hand columns were a near perfect reflection, and as such, they required the same detail as done in Step Two.
The sense of the water surface was created using long strokes slowing increasing the tone in selected patches.
The next stage completed the shading at the base of the columns and the wet sections of the ceiling, which also enhanced its curvature.
I was now able to complete the treatment of the walls to provide a balance for the overall sketch.
In conclusion, I wish to acknowledge the photographic skill, and patience, of Lexi Petersen, who captured the progress shots of The Res.
