Sketching in suburbia (Didsbury, Manchester)

I’ve not been out drawing much at all over the last few weeks due to deadlines on a book I’m writing about architectural sketching. I didn’t really know what I signed up to last year when I agreed to write the loose sequel to James Hobbs’ wonderful book ‘Sketch Your World’ (which was an extremely hard act to follow!) as well as balancing my full-time job. Anyway it’s very nearly complete and published July 28th by North Light in the US. It’s listed on Amazon too albeit under James’ name!

So last weekend I braved the Manchester weather with the threat of imminent snow in suburban

Didsbury where I live. I couldn’t find anything that appealed to me to draw from the comfort of a cafe or bar so spent a chilly hour outside The Crown pub, drawing very quickly. Two views, one towards the petrol station and one looking into the village – both reflective of the miserable, grey and cold weather. Not much colour, I just picked up on red shop signage and traffic light to contrast with all the drab greyness, oh and the ‘Shell’ garage yellow. I was so glad to get home and warm up. I’m sketching tomorrow with a ‘Saturday Club’ school group, but thankfully indoors!