On my first full day in Bruges, I went out to explore the city. Bruges is wonderfully walkable. All of the highlights of the historic district are within a 20-minute walk from the main square. Everywhere you look, there are beautiful old buildings, interesting architectural details, and tempting chocolate shops, making it fun to meander and take your time getting to your destination.
I had arrived a few days before the workshop was scheduled to begin so I could get over jet lag and have some time to familiarize myself with the painting locations we would visit with my workshop group later in the week. It just so happened that the prettiest weather of my entire stay happened during those first three days. It was a perfect time to visit Minnewater Park to do a little sketching…
What a beautiful place! I couldn’t imagine feeling any happier than I was in that moment, sitting there in the sunshine, looking out at that bucolic scene and sketching away. When a family of Canada geese with six adorable fluffy little goslings swam by, I jumped up to grab my camera and snap a quick picture. That spark of life was just what my sketch needed, so I added them later back at the hotel when I was finishing up the page. Aren’t they cute?
One of the most picturesque buildings I saw in Bruges was just steps from our hotel, and I couldn’t resist trying to sketch it, even though it was a complex amalgam of leaded-glass windows, flower boxes, creeping vines, brickwork, and stair-step roofing. Plus reflections in the water below.
I always seem to tackle the most complex subjects, don’t I? I guess it’s just what appeals to me. For this one, I painted the greenery first to lock in the location of the leaves, then I came in with a variegated wash for the bricks using yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and ultramarine blue. The window frames were painted next, then the glass. Finally, I added some individual bricks using a small flat brush.
This was a tiny sketch, just 3″ x 5.5″, so putting in all the different elements while still trying to keep it loose and sketchy was a challenge. When it came time to add a border to the image, I tried out several different designs using tracing paper, but, in the end, decided to use a simple, understated, yet elegant, design. I think it complements the sketch nicely.
Throughout my Belgium journal, I titled each day’s page with the date and day of the week. These notes were jotted down in pencil during the trip, but now that I’m back home, I’m taking my time and doing the final lettering in a more formal style that I think works well with the medieval theme of a Bruges journal.
The lettering is done using a calligraphy pen fitted with a Tape brand nib. I use a watercolor brush to load the nib with paint instead of dipping it into a bottle of ink. Using paint instead of ink is a game-changer. It gives me an infinite number of colors to use for lettering in my sketchbooks.
I’ll be back with more sketches in a few days. For now, enjoy a few more photos from Bruges…
13 Comments
I love how you detail the process of your sketching. What beautiful memories you’ll have in your book.
I’m glad you find my explanations helpful, Bonnie. I always figure that’s the sort of info I’d like to know when looking at someone’s artwork, so I try to include some process information.
Gorgeous as always!! Thank you for sharing! ❤️
My pleasure, Cathy!
I was in Brugges but unfortunately hadn’t started sketching yet! It is inspiring to see your drawings and your art process!
Thanks ,
Shuna
I can identify with you, Shuna. I look back on some of the trips I took years ago and wish I could go back again to do some sketching in those places I enjoyed originally.
Absolutely stunning! Can’t wait to learn from you and group in Sept!
Your work is always so inspiring. It spurs me on to do something arty.
It’s coming up fast – I need to get the handbook finalized soon!
Wow Leslie. These sketches are amazing. You have really outdone yourself in Bruges. The lettering is absolutely beautiful. Wonderful. ❤️❤️❤️
Gorgeous photos and lovely sketchbook pages. Appreciate explanations of your thinking for layout, layering and border designs. It will be a great reminder and keepsake of your trip.
I’m glad you’re finding it helpful. Thanks for reading my musings!
Love the experiential notes….bringing the moments to life! I think I need those nibs for Cotswolds!