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Architecture

Drawing architecture can be intimidating. A simple house or part of it is no problem. But something more complicated with lots of details tends to leave you overwhelmed. Where to start and how much detail to include?

I'm not experienced in drawing more complicated buildings. So when I came across this photo of a church in Arles I liked the perspective, but at first wasn't sure if I could draw this.


But I must have felt adventurous and went ahead. I grabbed a pencil and started with the basic shapes of the tower. Then proceeded with the basic shapes of the rest of the building - as much of it as fit on my page. Then the windows and some other, more detailed parts of the church. I didn't think much about perspective, just drew what I saw. With pencil you can always correct things if they don't work out. I would not have dared to draw this with pen from the start.

When the pencil sketch looked good, I went over it with a fineliner. I added some more details and a bit of shading. The result left me very satisfied. In fact, I am proud that I tackled this and succeeded.

When tackling something that is a bit intimidating to you, it's always good to remember that you decide how much detail you include. You can start with the basic shapes and then add to them. And pencil first gives you the security that you can correct your sketch when something goes totally wrong. Finally, your sketch doesn't have to be perfect to be lovely.

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