George Bellows

This afternoon I went to the exhibition George Bellows (1882-1925): Modern American Life at the Royal Academy. I was already familiar with the artist after I worked on a book about Bellows a few years ago when I was working as a designer at a book publishers, so it was interesting to see his work in person.

Bellows painted images of New York's urban life and landscapes and some of his most visceral pieces "record the clandestine, often brutal fights that were organised by private clubs in New York to circumvent a state ban on public boxing". I was really drawn to these paintings, with their expressive brushstrokes and dramatic lighting, and drew a sketch of "Stag at Sharkey's" (1909) - depicting a fight taking place at the Sharkey Athletic Club opposite Bellow's studio...

Sketches on the train (20 March)

I've been doing quite a few quick sketches on the train this week. Earlier today I accidentally picked up my diary instead of my sketchbook when I was going out...


Luckily, I was able to swap them before going out again later this evening...

Sketchbook Scribbles

The other day I was doing some drawing while I was traveling on the tube. I enjoy doing these quick sketches, as it's a challenge to try to draw someone when you don't know if they are going to get off at the next stop, or someone is going to suddenly come and stand directly in your way. It's all about speed and capturing the essential elements.

I also did a couple more drawings later while sitting and having a coffee (and sheltering from the sudden snowfall outside)...

It's not easy being green...

I found this drawing I did of the Green Lantern in my sketchbook, so decided to add some colour to it, just for fun. I'm not really sure why I was drawing the Green Lantern in the first place. I think it might have been when I was working on ideas for my Sketchbook Project sketchbook last year...

Sketchbook Scribbles #2: Dangermouse

Today I did a drawing of Danger Mouse and his sidekick Penfold...

Sketchbook Scribbles #1: X-men

I did a drawing today in my sketchbook of some of the characters from the X-men comics from memory. Just because...