No sketching today as I was consigned to my bed with a killer migraine. So instead a look at Rubie, a horse portrait I have recently finished. I posted the pencil sketch a few days ago, but here is the final ink version plus one where I have added a contrasting coloured background.
I like both versions but what do you think? All comments welcome, really 😉
When the Royal Standard flag is flying high above the Palace of Holyroodhouse it can mean only one thing, the Queen is in residence. The other obvious clue to Royal occupancy is the high number of police in the area.
Today there are also a large amount of well dressed folk milling around because the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh are holding a garden party within the grounds of the palace. You will notice my sketch is drawn from the outside of the gates 🙂
An absolutely gorgeous day here in Edinburgh today, not a cloud in the sky and my child’s thermometer measured 34.2 degrees in my garden. Honest. We four had a great day in our wee garden, my wife cut the grass and clipped the shrubs while I got to play with the twins.
I also made this watercolour sketch of them enjoying the sunshine. James is happy in his ‘bumbo’ seat as Zoe hits the ‘playgym’ behind. Soon after we took a walk down to Granton Harbour for a look at the boats, a great place to sketch on the docks. I bet there’s a lovely sunset down there about now.
The Queen was in town today, although I missed her. By the time I arrived at the front of the Scottish Parliament, seen here, the barriers were being removed and the traffic let back onto the roads.
Still a fair few people around to see some of the events being held within, to mark the opening ceremony for the 4th session of The Scottsh Parliament.
I was sketching quickly, trying to catch the visitors hanging around. I feel this rough style captures their movement and energy well.
This is Rubie, a commission I started last night. It’s early days and so far just rough in pencil but I hope to ink over it later. I’m planning on doing more pet portraits in my mono lined style.
I just thought I’d share 😉
Looking back from Gladstone Court through an allyway and onto the Royal Mile. Not a view the average tourist will get to see, but one I’m glad I sought out. It’s amazing how peaceful and crowd free it can be when you take a step back from the usual route.
I started with a humble biro, all I had on me, or so I thought. For when that began to fail and the ink dried up, I found a pencil deep in my bag with which to finish the shading. I am pleased with the result, however unplanned.
Not far from the day job on the Royal Mile lies the Canongate Kirk, which is currently enjoying a celebrity status amongst the tourists of Edinburgh due to an upcoming wedding. The Church of Scotland Kirk is to be the venue for Princess Anne’s daughter, Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall’s marriage on July 30th 2011. Holyrood Palace is within the Kirk’s parish and this is where the reception will be held.
This is my sketch using pen and then pencil to shade, from within the Kirk.
Tomorrow night (Wednesday, 29th June) there will be a free concert in the Kirk by the Phoenixville Christian Choir. See www.canongatekirk.org.uk for more information.
A quick snapshot of my visit to Canongate Kirk yesterday. The proper scan to come later as I have a busy day today.
QnA: Why are some churches called ‘kirks’?
@ArmedForces_Day yesterday and today too. We were at Holyrood and espite the downpours the crowds turned out in large numbers to see military displays, tornado flyovers and a large display of vehicles, including this helicopter and a number of dessert armoured trucks.
There was lots for the kids too, with climbing walls, inflatable assault courses and even sumo westling suits. If you didn’t get yesterday then head along this afternoon, it sounds a noisy one with a ‘pipes and drums’ parade from the Castle to Holyrood Park and then a ‘battle of the bands’ show.
Today the sun came out long enough to enjoy a coffee in the park. Plus a bit of felt tip colouring.
Long may the summer last though now it has arrived, I swear I felt the back of my neck burning while I drew this 😉
