On Saturday I had a bit of time off and after a short walk to the coast nearby (I realised later that I should have googled where to go, as there are nicer spots to visit in other parts of town), I ended up sitting in a cafe having a milkshake and sketched the view opposite me. I think this is the gateway to a school.
Sat-20-Aug-2022
The Dutch Burgher Union is a social club in a 1908 colonial building – with a cafe and courtyard, not far from the office where I am working in Colombo. I stopped there for dinner on the way home and on the table nearby a father was having dinner with his two kids. I just managed to squeeze in this quick drawing while I waited for my meal. I confess I didn’t know, but Burghers are a small Eurasian ethnic group in Sri Lanka descended from various Europeans (including the Dutch obviously) who settled in what was then called Ceylon.
Fri-19-Aug-2022
This is the view I have when I have breakfast at the Colombo Court Hotel. They are usually a bit slow at bringing breakfast, despite only having a few customers at a time, so I took advantage of the waiting time to draw this. The swimming pool is right next to the restaurant and looks ornamental than for actual swimming. It’s so close that I think diners would get splashed easily.
Thu-18-Aug-2022
This isn’t exactly sketching outside, but at least I had a view outside. I was just catching the last light of the day while I had an early dinner in part of the hotel with a view of the street. Power cuts happen every evening here – usually around dinner time for a few hours. That means eating in a place that has a generator (like the hotel I am staying at), is a good idea.
Wed-17-Aug-2022
When I am on one of my work trips and it takes time to get orientated and comfortable with a new locale and set up, I often start by sketching in my hotel room. So this is my first sketch in Sri Lanka, where my rather gloomy room, has two large stripy chairs. Hopefully I will have time to sketch outside, either after work or on the weekend.
Mon-15-Aug-2022