After lunch, on this day, some of us went to the Presidential Car Museum (for the nth time). This car was used by President Manuel Quezon and General Douglas MacArthur. A few visitors to the museum seemed more interested with my sketching than looking at the cars…someone commented that it was so nice to see elders getting out and enjoying their passion…that made me feel really old!
Sun-7-Jun-2026
I decided to just do quick sketches of people when I joined @UskQuezonCity for our sketch-walk. The first one of three separate people was done when I arrived early and went to get coffee. In the skate park perhaps I should have tried more to capture the action?
Anyway, the last one was done from a shady spot below the park, of the sketchers using umbrellas to keep the sun off – it was roasting hot with all the heat radiating off the concrete.
Sun-7-Jun-2026
Here is another sketch of my mum – this time with my sister by her side. She was sitting in a slightly different spot from normal, giving her a view out the window into the garden. I struggled with this one a bit and it took me quite a while to get it to a state that I am ok with.
Sat-6-Jun-2026
Having sketched my wife the other day, I thought I would have a go on myself. I am not displeased with this – but I think I could improve the likeness. Somehow my face is a bit scrunched up!
Thu-4-Jun-2026
My wife bought loads of fruit at the market then a few days later headed to Davao leaving me to have to quickly eat a massive pile of fruit before it went off. This sketch includes the remains of a dragon fruit…and some tomato juice which I regularly drink with a dash of Worcestershire sauce in it!
Wed-3-Jun-2026
Here is a quick sketch done while my wife had her hair cut at the market when we were out doing our weekly veggies shop. I did most of this on the spot but added a bit more detail and more colour at home. I have sketched here before (see No.110-3279 …exactly the same title!). I had to be quick again, but at least this time I didn’t hesitate to start.
Sun-31-May-2026
After our Escolta sketch-walk latag (throw down), I visited the Sketchbook Project PH at the First United Building, put on by @1372designs. The concept was that artists would fill in a sketchbooks with doodles, journaling and painting (over a period of 6 months I think?), culminating in an exhibition where visitors could flip through dozens of sketchbooks – it was fascinating and really interesting to see the wide variety of styles and approaches. Afterwards I arranged for a taxi home and while I waited I had just enough time, standing on the street corner, to sketch Santa Cruz Church.
Sat-30-May-2026
After roasting in the sun for the last sketch Reuel and I (on the advice of a fellow sketcher) went to this cafe to cool down. It’s pretty fancy but we had a nice coffee and a massive chunk of cheesecake. The building was built in 1922, designed by G. H. Hayward and use to house the Hong Kong and Shanghai bank (and even the British Embassy). From what I could find online the recent restoration focussed on retaining the facade, iron work and windows etc. but put in a modern interior.
Sat-30-May-2026
After sketching at the end of Escolta Street we went for breakfast (I was surprised to be able to have a egg sandwich as usually my only choice is pancakes). These guys could see I was sketching them – or at least the security guard (yes, there is a security guard in McDonalds – at least he wasn’t armed) told them I was. I showed them afterwards and they smiled but were not interested. Fair enough – I do think the colours are a bit washed out.
Afterwards I sketched the rather nondescript MacArthur (named after General Douglas MacArthur) bridge from nearby the Escolta River Ferry terminal. The FEATI (Far Eastern Air Transport Incorporated) university is in the background.
Sat-30-May-2026