Out and about over the holidays I managed to make some quick location sketches around Portland, Oregon. These were done rapidly, on the hoof, as it was a lot colder and wetter up north!
Vignette views of downtown Portland
Free standing wall in the Pearl District
'The Steel Bridge'
'The old oak'
Native American lodge recreation at Ridgefield
Back in San Francisco I passed a couple of days in and around Chinatown where I was able to make longer studies. I've learnt a lot from studying Searle's location sketch work and always have him in mind when I'm drawing. The example he set of sheer discipline and prolific output keeps me going on the days when I think I suck or can't be bothered!
Grant Avenue
Fruit & veg market on Grant & Pacific
Washington & Grant
Cable car intersection at California & Powell
McTeagues on Polk St.
9 comments:
These are fine drawings, Matt. I think Searle would have loved to sit right beside you and draw that Portland theatre marquee, exaggerating its garish opulence into some baroque critique of America's material culture. But even where I can feel his influence in your drawings, these are definitely unique, individual compositions in your own bold style. Keep it up.
Terrific sketches - as always. I was very touched by your piece on Ronald on Cartoon Brew too. I recently read a biography and he sounded like a wonderful and very interesting person - you're very lucky to have known him however briefly. I'm sure he loved looking at your work - there's a lot to like. Are you ever tempted to have a go with some scratchy dip-pens?
Great shame about Ronald Searle, a consummate draughtsman and artist. By all accounts a lovely man. The drawings he did while a prisoner of war are a testament to his passion.
Your drawings are a fitting tribute: lovely. San Fran, especially Washington and Grant, is beautifully captured. The old oak is amazing: you've captured everything important about its beauty and character in such a simple way
Sad times for Mister Searle's passing. Thanks very much for making the tribute blog!
I was shocked when I heard about Ronald Searle. For some reason I always imagined he'd live forever.
Some very beautiful sketches as well! What sort of pens do you use out of curiousity?
It was so sad to hear of Searle passing, but what a full life he had. And thanks to your passion his legacy will live on.
On another note these are fantastic, absolutely love the china town sketches. You captured the architecture beautifully!
Lovely swoop and flow, and the scratchy drybrushy bits. yum.
these are gorgeous drawings, Matt.
Great stuff Matt!
You very fortunate to hang out with the great man.
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