Sketching along the pista #1

I recently cycled through Alentejo, from Arraiolos to Estremoz taking a large loop to the south and east, sketching as I travelled. With the encouragement of Luís Ança and the Évora Sketchers I plan to post a selection 0f my sketches. Coming from Australia, I have no wish to tell my Portuguese friends about their own places, so I will instead comment on my approach to sketching in this special region.

First up was Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Castelo. This is such a picturesque subject that I could easily have sketched from ten or a dozen different vantage points within the castle walls, and I chose a sunny spot highlighting the (west) front while also showing the bell turret and various side appendages. My fude nib was great for enhancing the irregularity that age has bestowed on this lovely church, and I used grey ink to slightly soften the effect and allow selected highlights in watercolour to punch through.

 Stay tuned.

Richard Aitken

Melbourne, Australia