This is my first sketch done in the UK on our holiday. When we arrived we decided to wait to collect our hire car (so that we could drop it off at an appropriate time of day in 3 weeks), even though the arrival process in UK was smooth and fast. We felt freezing cold when we finally ventured out to get the car (despite it being springtime). At Caffè Nero, where I sketched this, everyone seemed to be wearing black overcoats!
Thu-15-May-2025
Here is some more people sketching done at the Medical Center Taguig – this time for me to get my ears unblocked. Hospital waiting areas are great spots to surreptitiously draw people … especially when you have to wait for ages.
Wed-30-Apr-2025
Here is a sketch I did during our lunch after a fairly easy crossing on the RORO from Marinduque to Luzon (despite requirements for an island exit pass…which wasn’t needed and queuing in a holding area, also not needed). These three smartly dressed people saw me sketching them but weren’t displeased.
Mon-21-Apr-2025
These three sketches were done when I went with my wife while she had various scans and checkups on the weekend. As always this involves a lot of waiting around in corridors (I particularly disliked the slippery metal chairs in Manila Med because I couldn’t slouch without sliding off the chair). The first was done when we went to get an ultrasound and the other two were done waiting in Manila Med.
After sketching people, I decided to look down and sketch feet, so that people wouldn’t wonder who this weirdo was who kept staring at them and scribbling in his book.
Sat-5-Apr-2025
Last month I tried to sell some sketches at the #ArtInThePark art fair in Makati, with #UskManila. Unfortunately nobody was interested in buying sketches of bridges! However I had a nice time that day hanging out with my sketching friends including, Reuel (@the_uban_sketcher). My first sketch was done when the two of us decided to escape from the heat and had a coffee in Starbucks.
Then I sketched the #UrbanSketchersManila kiosk where we had our stuff set up and the musicians (soulful mood strings) who were set up in the middle of the park.
Later we went for something to eat at McDonalds with Gili (@nalegili) where I sketched some of the other diners. So despite the lack of sales on my part (I think the UskManila kiosk did well otherwise), I had a lovely day!
Sun-23-Mar-2025
Here are a couple of sketches I did while my wife was visiting Manila Med hospital for a check up. I did the first one in the waiting area and the second one in the little corner park opposite the hospital when I went downstairs for a cup of coffee. I am sometimes asked if people notice me when I sketch or what to do if they see me. Generally I try not to stare but to glance only – and if they do notice me I make a point of looking away and sketching another part of the drawing. I also never hide what I am doing as that makes it seem too surreptitious.
Sat-15-Mar-2025
This sketch was done on the ferry from Sta. Fe on Bantayan Island to Hagnaya Port in northern Cebu. We got on quite early so could take some of the bunk-beds (the two other decks just have hard wooden seats)…where everyone seems to get in a quick nap. I think there are at least 5 people in this sketch. The person in the foreground had a photo taken together with me and the sketch…it’s always nice when people want to do that.
Thu-4-Jan-2024
On Saturday we took a trip to Divisoria in old Manila so my wife could buy a gown for a wedding we are attending this week (one of many this year). We started with lunch in 168 shopping mall though, and while waiting for our meal I did some secret sketching of our fellow diners.
Sat-20-May-2023
Sun-3-Apri-2016