Right after we unpacked, we went out to explore the city. We started with the famous Las Ramblas. I have been there about 10 years ago and stayed in a hotel just off the boulevard back then. It all looked the same. The boulevard was just as packed as a decade ago, full of tourists. There are many human statues: silver ones, gold ones, a chiquita bananas lady version, so many variations. There are also lots of flower and magazine stalls. We started our exploration of Las Ramblas from Placa Catalunya and walked until the statue Mirador de Colon on the water front.
I am not good at drawing people especially groups of people who were actively in motion. Everything on Las Ramblas was a bit tough for me to draw because of the activities happening on the boulevard. So here is the only one I managed to draw (unfortunately). A some what squashed version of a fountain/lamp post.
Click to enlarge.
Beautiful! I’ve always wanted to go to Spain, and you’re making me want it more!
can see why this lamp post attracted you as a subject, so ornate and grand! (and a bit clunky too!) I assume you didn’t have a lot of time to do this so admiring that you tackled something so complex, the detail and difficult perspective beautifully done.
Thanks Cin and Linda!
Cin: For these BCN sketches, I usually made a rough pencil sketch first, especially in busy/touristy locations. I noted the colors of the objects, the locations of the shades/shadows, then I used ink and watercolor when I was back in the apartement in the evening. Sometimes I could make inked sketches directly. It was quite tough to keep up both sketching and sightseeing at the same time
very nice subject and sketch!
Thanks Charlie!
very nice sketch, i’ve been to les ramblas last year and barcelona’s real lovely.
your drawings just made me come back there once again, thanks.
nina