Here is the second sketch I did on Independence Day in the Philippines, with #UskManila at our sketch-walk at the #RizalPark Kilometre Zero area. I stood in the sun to do this, so only did the ink work on the spot and added the colour at home. I positioned myself so that I could include some key symbols of the Philippines – a carabao – the national animal of the Philippines (the bronze sculpture is by Jose M Mendoza according to Wikipedia), the flag and the Rizal Monument.
Wed-12-June-2024
For Independence Day in the Philippines, I joined #UskManila at a sketch-walk at the #RizalParkLuneta, Kilometre Zero area. I didn’t know but a Kilometre Zero marker denotes “a particular location (usually in the nation’s capital city) from which distances are traditionally measured”. A plaque on the side that faced me says “the First Philippine Republic …, was an achievement we owe, largely, to Masonry and the Masons”…another thing I didn’t know! My sketch shows the people who were watching the flag raising ceremony that was going on over the road at the Rizal Monument.
Wed-12-June-2024
This is the last sketch I did with #UskManila in Binondo for the Lunar New Year celebrations. After hanging out at Escolta Street we walked down Ongpin Street in a massive crush of people and ended up at Binondo Plaza where (again in a crush of people) we all did a quick sketch. According to Wikipedia this church (also know as the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz) was founded by Dominican priests in 1596. The original building was destroyed in 1762 and the only part remaining of the church that was later completed in 1852 is the octagonal belfry, which I drew. I’d like to sketch this church again, when it’s less crowded!
Sat-10-Feb-2024
After joining #UskManila at Pasinaya 2024 last weekend, I stayed in the area and sketched this. This giant yellow mythical figure (or monster?) which seemed to be made from bamboo or rattan, was sitting under a tree near where our activities were taking place. It also seemed to be smoking a giant cigar. I have no idea what this figure represents or was left over from…maybe someone will be able to tell me.
Sat-3-Feb-2024
For my last sketch with #UskManila last Saturday, I should have really sketched the “forest” (my fellow sketchers did some brilliant sketches of the trees and undergrowth). Instead I picked the signboard…I am not sure why…maybe because it was what I saw in front of me when I sat on a bench.
Sat-24-Jan-2024
Here is the second sketch I did with #UskManila at the Arroceros Urban Forest Park last Saturday. Having already sketched one bridge, I thought I would have a go at another one, though I couldn’t get very close and the building on the right ended up being the focus. According to Wikipedia the current bridge was built in 1908 (and reconstructed in the 1930s) and was the first steel bridge in the Philippines. I think one of my favourite subjects is water and reflections…and my lovely new #RosemaryAndCo dagger brush does a lot of the work for me!
Sat-24-Jan-2024
Here is the first sketch I did with #UskManila at the Arroceros Urban Forest Park last Saturday. The park is described in Wikipedia as Manila’s last lung, being the city’s only nature park. It’s also right next to Pasig river so I decided to sketch this bridge, which was built in 1939 and is supposedly inspired by the Sydney Harbour Bridge. This sketch took me quite a long time and started to get really complicated when I tried to draw in the arches in the background.
Sat-24-Jan-2024
This is the second sketch I did last Wednesday with #UskManila after our #UrbanSketching demonstration talks with students from the College of Architecture and Urban Planning from Pamantasan Ng Lungsod Ng Maynila (the University of the City of Manila) and the CAUP Student Council. The Escuela Taller Foundation forms a beautiful courtyard with a garden in middle.
Wed-13-Dec-2023
Last Wednesday sketchers from #UskManila were invited to give #UrbanSketching demonstration talks and join a #Sketchwalk with students from the College of Architecture and Urban Planning from Pamantasan Ng Lungsod Ng Maynila (the University of the City of Manila). The event took place at Escuela Taller de Filipinas Foundation, Inc., in Intramuros and was organised by PM CAUP Student Council. After my little talk we went up onto the old city walls and I found a shady spot to sketch this view. It was great fun joining an enthusiastic group of students and of course discovering another beautiful place I have never visited in Metro Manila – thank you for the invite!
Wed-13-Dec-2023