Houston. 38th SketchCrawl

Some sketchers meet Saturday 19 at Julia Ideson Library, in  DownTown.

SKETCHCRAWL!

We actually had 12 people show up for sketchcrawl in Houston today. I think that's a new record. We met up at the Julia Ideson Library downtown and sketched both inside and out. I've mentioned before what a lovely building it is and it is inspiring to sketch. I showed up rather late, so only got dribs and drabs of the Ideson. After lunch on the way home I tried something new. If you follow the main Urban Sketchers blog, you may have notice a post a few days ago from Shiho Nakaza. She challenged herself to do a sketch every day directly in pen. No pencil or eraser. No fudging. The results are so simple and yet they capture so much! Check it out! So after lunch, on my way home, I tried a little myself.

I think I like it!

Sketching at the Ideson

Today I attended a tour and sketch trip sponsored by the Institute for Classical Architecture and Art at the Ideson Building. We got a very interesting tour of the lovely restoration by one of the volunteers. It made me appreciate the hard work done on this building even more. It is a MUST see for anyone who loves old buildings. We decided to sketch the facade, which we learned was an homage to a 16th century Spanish university. I put a photo and my sketch side by side here. I was sitting on the ground and far to the left by those lights, so my perspective was slightly extreme. But you can see what I drew on the upper right corner of the building with Heritage Plaza looming behind. I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

The Children's Room

I am captivated by the old Ideson Building as well. I knew they were doing a complete renovation and I hadn't seen the finished work. I have fond memories of the building, particularly the children's room. The results of the renovation are just spectacular and the Norma Meldrum Children's Room is restored to its former glory. They have relit the entire building so you can better appreciate the original architectural details....and they just GLOW. The antique books in this collection are a trip through time.
Inspired by Tómas I sat and drew the alcove. I think at one time this alcove housed the picture books.

The Julia Ideson Library.Houston.TX

The Kitty King Powell Gallery

Afther reading the entry  that Nadia made on his blog Dear Polia , I had that going for a walk around the building, and how to not make some sketch. Is beautiful both inside and outside, but the latter i leave it for another occasion.  Is A "must do" ,