Monday, June 11, 2012

Johannesburg City Library

 Joburg Sketchers went to the newly renovated and revamped Public Library in the city on Saturday. We had an anxious start with parking hassles and misunderstandings, and then in the library some of us being told we weren't allowed to sketch there... but after some negotiations it was all sorted out - we've evn been invited back to give a workshop! The library is beautiful, restored to its former glory and more.


There were lots of concientious students using the reading and reference rooms. I did a quick sketch of the huge windows with a floating level halfway down them, then looked down to some people working below - of course as soon as I started on the guy (that is a guy!) on the right he began packing up to go. It was a freezing cold day, and though some of the library is heated, swinging doors let icy blasts through every room, so many of the readers kept their coats and hoodies on.
Fingers freezing, I did a very fast sketch of one of two enormous, ornate book presses in the entrance foyer, the coldest room of all while waiting for the others to finish. I thought that my Pentel Pocket Brushpen wasn't working very well on the paper I had, but discovered when I got home that it had run out of ink - darn! It gave me some interesting textures I guess. We found a fast-food place nearby to have coffee, a bite to eat and look at everyone's sketches. You can see most of them here on Facebook.

9 comments:

Sadami said...

Dear Cathy,
All brilliant work! As I love sketching the inside of a library, I understand your situations very well. Also, we're in freezing winter! I admire your enthusiasm for sketching and art!!
Cheers,Sadami

http://carolking.wordpress.com said...

wonderful sketches. I love libraries! So much knowledge there.

Robyn Sinclair said...

That's an awesome on the spot watercolour, Cathy. A beautiful result to bring away such great sketches after a stressful start. Wonderful book press. How I'd love to own that!

Ana con eicao said...

Brilliant! Brilliant! :)

Bridget Hunter said...

How do you get all that perspective so right? These are great sketches.

ashok said...

brilliant sketching!

Unknown said...

What an interesting place to sketch with fabulous results from you!

Nora MacPhail said...

Fantabulous sketches Cathy. I do like paintings with people reading. Very real life and yet peaceful. Have a wonderful art filled week!

RH Carpenter said...

I am so impressed with that first painting - such depth and visual interest but I would have been so overwhelmed by all that. Well done on all of them - so enjoyable!