The Story Behind the Urban Sketching

Kyle Lighthouse, Eileen Ban Scotland, under the Skye road bridge next to Gavin Maxwell cottage, the author of Ring of Bright Water. This is a wonderful book about Gavin Maxwell and his pet otters.

I was on a five day trip around Scotland and the Lake District with my school mate Daz. While we were having a drink in the pub I could see over his shoulder a fantastic sunset through the plate glass windows.

I said I’m just off to take some photos of the sunset and I disappeared for about half an hour, I don’t think he was impressed. Me and my photography getting me into trouble again, I’m sure time works differently once you get your camera out. Anyway this was such a wonderful sunset , the water was calm with only little waves lapping the shore as a sailing boat went by.

My Sketching and Painting Process

Initial Pencil sketch.

Adding waterproof Ink over the pencil so this will not bleed during the watercolour stage.

This was such a quick watercolour that there was very little steps to show. I have since gifted the lighthouse on to a friend.

Watercolour Paint, Ink & Paper

I use Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolour on Arches France Watercolour Paper, 300g Hot Pressed or Fabriano Artistico Watercolour Paper 300g Hot Pressed.

My painting come from my own experiences that I have photographed while traveling. By reading this blog, you as a viewer can now hear The Story Behind the Painting. Where, when, what was happening while I was photographing the wildlife. 

Enjoy, Chris Osborne