One thing I’ve noticed while working on “the road” is the
sketches are less formal or “clean” than what I thought I’d do. The trip is still early yet, but I think the
work is mirroring the energy of the place I’m in—or maybe it’s just me that’s
doing the mirroring. When I’ve been in
the calm, scenic areas the pictures were themselves calm, flowing . . .
easy; when I’ve been in the bustle of the cities the pictures were also energetic,
almost frenzied. Interestingly, it’s
taken me the same amount of time to do both types of pictures, regardless of their
“energy.”
After I finished the Visitor’s Center sketch I hiked up 5th
Ave toward Printer’s Alley. About
halfway up I stopped to grab a quick bite and waited for the afternoon shadows
to catch up—that is, I waited for the day to progress a little further so I
could get better, more distinct shadows on the buildings. The afternoon sun (about 3 hrs before sunset)
is amazing for just about any color-work outside, since it casts a warm golden
glow on whatever the sun hits—perfect for photos if you’re out with a camera. One chocolate chocolate-chunk cookie later it
was time to go do that sketch . . .
. . . turns out Printer's Alley is a busy spot, despite the photos I managed to take of it that didn't have any people in them at all. Met some very interesting people while there: a local artist, the most famous homeless man in Nashville (he was very clean, friendly, and as informative as the guys down at the visitor's center), a spontaneous group of musicians who treated me to a song with harmonicas and spoons, and a handful of curious passers-by.
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| Printer's Alley, looking south toward Church Street. |
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