Capturing Architecture

I was inspired recently by some small watercolor sketches of buildings in Paris. Of course in Paris there are so many beautiful old buildings with carved stone details and also ornate ironwork. There are fewer in New Jersey. So when I noticed these carved signs on the town hall in South Orange I snapped some photos and set about sketching and painting them.

Village Hall, South Orange, watercolor on paper, 15" x 11"

Trustees Entrance, Village Hall, South Orange, watercolor on paper 15" x 11"

In the future I hope to do more paintings like these. I will keep my eyes open for unusual architectural moments around me. I tried framing these in a more casual way, without glass. A simple wood strip, outfitted with thumbtacks and powerful magnets makes changing the picture a breeze and also avoids holes in the artwork itself:

I have another idea for an architecture-related project brewing: It is a toile design of local buildings and landmarks. This is the sketch I started weeks ago, it's still unfinished, but I would love to turn it into a repeat pattern and possibly fabric at some point in the future. So many projects, so little time!