Return to St. Joseph’s Oratory

One can’t help but notice the Oratory – it’s positioned on the crest
of Mount Royal, above a rolling lawn and series of wide steps. The
enormous copper dome is visible from almost any part of the west island.

It’s
somewhat of an optical illusion. There’s a trick of scale between the
dome and the massive pillars at the entrance – at first it looks likes
any old chapel on the hill – but if you begin the climb up the steps,
you quickly realize just how gigantic it is.

This
particular sketch led to a new thing for me. I made a painting on
location, as I normally do. Sketching rapidly, and painting with
energetic washes. I’ve drawn the oratory before,was never
really satisfied with last year’s rendition. I felt this one was a
much better version. (You be the judge!)

After
bringing it home, I couldn’t  shake the feeling I had *still* not
captured the scope. The impression of the Oratory is not just the
building itself – but the whole effect of its placement on the hill high
above you, and the vast manicured lawns and gardens.

So, I did
something I’ve never done – (though I’ve been wanting to try this for a
while).  Instead of going back on location for a re-take, I started
again in the studio. Re-drawing the sketch entirely, taking more care
planning the composition, and more time with the calligraphy of
brushwork.

Overall, I’m excited about this process. I never
want my work to stiffen up. It’s always a worry that being too
comfortable, or using memory aids like photography or tools like a hair
dryer (to speed up washes drying) – that these things might change the
work.  But I like what’s happening here – I think it still has the living feeling I look for.

NOTE for hardcore USK’ers 🙂 I realize this second image isn’t completely in the spirit of our Urban Sketchers manifesto – but I’m excited about how it turned out, and thought some of us might be interested to see.  So, don’t worry, I won’t make a habit of showing studio work – it’s just a curiosity 🙂