Urban Sketching in Dublin

Sketch for the day

Most of the last two years have been about moving out of old habits. But there are glimpses of a new life centered on new experiences. Last January in Dublin was such a time. Loath to leave my ancient dog for extended periods, I only stay in Dublin two weeks or so each trip. This trip I decided to spend my days as an artist, drawing at my easel when it rained, out and about sketching when the sun shone.

It is challenging. I am always struck by how many common objects I never gave any thought to drawing. Never gave any thought to period.

Anyway, one of the best parts was finding the Dublin Urban Sketchers. Looking on their website, I saw they were going to be sketching in an area behind the National Maternity Hospital a few blocks from the National Gallery and an easy walk from my home at Mountjoy Square. I arrived on time that morning and began approaching any small group of people gathered at corners or in front of buildings, asking if they were sketchers. They laughed. Then I turned a corner and saw two men sitting against a wall, sketchbooks in hand, a street of two story Late Georgian row houses stretching out before them. I joined. Spent the next two hours in the not cold, not warm morning trying to capture a street scene.

Playing with color

Sufficiently cold and with an image on paper, I followed my companions to the pub. It was warm and full of sketchers and sketch books, conversation and laughter. It was wonderful. It was a glimpse. I do follow one of my fellow sketchers on Instagram - @stephencheungart. He is doing some fun digital work that often catches my eye, but I admit favoring his watercolors.

Sitting in Woodstock, I still receive my weekly invitation to sketch and gather. Looking forward to returning in June. Here is to future friendships.