In today's post, I will take you through the 31 drawings I completed this past October as part of my third year participating in a variation of Inktober, which I call "House Tober." This year, I focused on different categories of houses, ranging from traditional structures to unique architectural designs.
Overview of Supplies Used
Before diving into the drawings, let me share the supplies that made this challenge possible. I used a mini sketching kit that I found surprisingly convenient. It contained everything I needed and was easy to carry around, allowing me to draw while relaxing on the sofa.
- Fine Liners: I primarily used Stadler pigment liners in sizes 0.5 and 0.1 for most drawings, along with Prismacolor Premier fine liners for the first eight.
- Pencil Sketching: For initial sketches, I used a Pentel Graph Gear 500 mechanical pencil with 0.5 mm lead and a Tombow Mono Zero eraser for fine details.
- Measuring Tools: A shish kebab skewer helped me measure angles and distances, while an academic divider was used for more technical drawings.
- Masking Fluid Markers: These were essential for preserving white areas in my drawings, particularly for windows and foliage.
- Clipboard and Paper: I initially planned to use Sea White of Brighton postcard paper but switched to Saunders Waterford 100% cotton cold-pressed watercolor paper for better texture.
Additional Supplies
- Ruler for architectural drawings
- Kneaded eraser for initial sketches
- Scrap paper for practicing techniques
- A pouch for keeping everything organized
The Drawing Tour
Each drawing measured approximately 4.5 by 6 inches, and I explored eight different categories throughout the month: lighthouses, shop fronts, barns, churches, castles, cottages, clock towers, and houseboats. Below, I will share insights and experiences from each category.
Lighthouses
The first category was lighthouses. I used a Pinterest board for inspiration, which included various images, some taken by friends.
- Jro Island Lighthouse in Ontario, Canada, was a favorite due to its romantic structure and beautiful foliage.
- I also drew an abandoned nuclear lighthouse in Russia, where I took creative liberties to make it appear more inviting.
- Another lighthouse, possibly in Norway, presented challenges with the mountains and flowers in the background, but I was pleased with the outcome.
Shop Fronts
Initially, I thought drawing shop fronts would be simple, but they turned out to be quite complex due to the details in windows and symmetry.
- One drawing was of the Sugar and Layer Cake Company, which is now closed, preserving its memory through art.
- I also drew The Open Book, an independent bookstore in Richmond, adding a cat to the window at my daughter's suggestion.
- The Linden Books storefront and Sunday Sunday seaside store were also part of this collection, each presenting unique challenges and details.
Barns
The barn category was less exciting for me this year, but I still enjoyed capturing their essence.
- I drew several red barns, symbolizing the pioneer spirit of America, and experimented with textures and compositions.
- One of my favorites was an abandoned barn, where I used masking fluid to create a spooky atmosphere.
Churches
I had high hopes for the church category, but it proved challenging.
- I drew a church believed to be in Iceland, using masking fluid for the white areas around the windows.
- Another church, possibly in Russia, had rushed foliage, but I enjoyed the architectural details.
Castles
The castle category was both fun and challenging, as I had to depict complex structures.
- I drew a castle in the Scottish Highlands, focusing on light and dark contrasts.
- Eileen Donan Castle was another subject, where I aimed for accuracy in the towers.
Cottages
Cottages provided a welcome relief, though they still had intricate foliage.
- I drew a charming autumn scene and a pink cottage with teal trim, both of which I look forward to painting.
Clock Towers
Clock towers were one of my favorite categories, allowing me to explore architectural details.
- I drew a clock tower in Totnes, which is a charming village near my home, and another with beautiful vines climbing its sides.
Houseboats
The final category featured houseboats, with three drawings instead of four due to the month’s limit.
- One drawing was of a friend's houseboat, capturing its charm with bunting and flowers.
- I also drew a canal boat on the Shropshire Union Canal, which became my favorite of the houseboat series.
Conclusion
Completing 31 drawings in October was a rewarding experience that challenged my artistic skills and creativity. Each category taught me something new, and I enjoyed the process of revisiting my drawings to enhance them with paint later. I hope this journey inspires you to embark on your own artistic challenges, regardless of the time you dedicate to them. Happy drawing!
