Here's my initial report of the day in Norwich, where despite a few grey clouds it was largely sunny and we were blessed by the warmest temperature in the UK. Altogether a very impressive nine people turned up for the event, three current SCBWI members, two former (but soon to rejoin I hope), and four new faces. I've asked other members to sign up to the blog and post their work, here, for the moment, is my contribution.
 |
| 10a.m. turnout: Maureen Nisbet, Lisa Smith, Joyce Taylor and Elaine Mitchell |
Five of us started at 10.00am in Norwich's Tombland area, nestled between the old medieval town and the cathedral, and spread out to explore the historical heart of the city. Being an ordinary working day these quiet streets were fairly devoid of people, so it was a sedate and relaxing morning where most of us focused on details of the ancient buildings and the river.
I hadn't had chance to "warm up" before the event, so my first drawings were quite fussy.
 |
| Tombland Alley |
It was an interesting but tough challenge to render these beautiful structures, it was not easy to do them full justice in a quick sketch. I jokingly said its probably easier for artists to draw ugly things, because you can make an ugly thing attractive simply by turning it into a picture, but to do justice to something that is already beautiful can be extremely difficult.
 |
| Back of cottages, Elm Hill. |
 |
| River Wensum from Elm Hill looking towards the Art School |
Lunch was in the top garden of the Briton's Arms Restaurant, an ancient thatch-roofed icon of old Norwich, where we were joined by three more people. I tried to think of sketching but just had chance for one quick scribble.
 |
| newcomer Kat Erwin |
 |
| The Writers about to hit the Cathedral. Most attendees describe themselves as writers, though many are multi-talented artists too. we were joined at lunchtime by Paeony Lewis and new writers Cathy Fiddy and Kat Erwin. Illustrator Matt Robertson joined us shortly afterwards. |
In the afternoon we descended on Norwich Cathedral. For me I found the cathedral very inspiring and somewhat easier to find subject matter, as there were more people around, more visual narratives. The contrast of shadows, ornament and texture was fascinating.
 |
| Aged Tour Guide near the West Door |
 |
| Screen leading onto the South Trancept |
 |
| The Cloisters |
 |
| Tomb of John Pelham |
 |
| Another Tour Guide and fascinated visitor |
We all assembled at the end in the Cathedral Refectory to compare notes and show our work, before ending at 4.45pm. Many thanks to Tioka and Kirsten for encouraging us all to get out and get scribbling, it was a great day and really made us think about our work, ideas and environment.
 |
| The results of our labours |
Great stuff John! Love that tour guide and the watercolour too and the scribble as you put it of that girl. Impressive turnout up in Norwich. Puts London to shame :-)
ReplyDeleteWow John, I'd say you had a good day of sketching and company. I loved the river view, the watercolour wash across the sketch of the back cottages, and all of them really. Yes, Norwich put London to shame, but I am impressed that Bridget and I stuck with it and fantastic that we had Heather join us at the cathedral for sketching and music. As always, I end these events with the desire to do this once a week or at least once a month. All good stuff everybody!
ReplyDeleteWow, what a lot of great stuff.
ReplyDeleteSuch a nice view of the cloister
ReplyDeleteThe drawing of the back of the cottages is so nice, but all of these are great captured moments. thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteFussy!? every single one of your drawings pulls me in John. Love them. And your written description is wonderful too. My favorite caption: Another tour guide and fascinated visitor. So glad that you had new faces and known faces. I hope I get to join you someday for one of your scrawl crawls in Norwich. I shy away from architecture and all of yours inspire me. So glad you joined in the fun! Tioka and I definitely wanna do it again. :)
ReplyDelete