Sketching local houses (and a new cafe)

I mentioned the other day that I’ve started going to a new cafe, and this is resulting in a new emphasis for my daily sketches.

I typically go to cafes that are located in suburban shopping areas – so it means that once I get my takeaway coffee, I sketch shops or public spaces. In looking through my blog (and specifically checking out my Local Houses tag), I’ve realized that I didn’t sketch many houses in Lindfield. Instead, I was focused on sketching street scenes, shops, and the Village Green views. In fact, it was hard to see many of the East Lindfield houses due to extensive landscaping (think of huge houses surrounded by tall hedges – see here). I sketched way more Lindfield churches than houses in the past 7 years.

But that is going to change now.

The new cafe is surrounded by houses! And so in the last few days, I’ve started drawing whatever house I can see from where I’ve parked my car. This was this morning’s sketch of a fairly average cottage. Note: I really like the challenge of making an interesting sketch out of a boring/everyday scene.

I’ve also had a few cafe-work sessions in the new place (the staff is amazing). Last week I shared a quick sketch of a house that I could see out of the cafe’s window. (Re-sharing it in this article)

I’ve also done a few meal sketches – this is from breakfast on Friday last week.

I’ll still sketch my street and park scenes but it’s nice to have a new theme to explore.

6 Comments

Sharon Patton says:

July 16, 2024 at 4:10 am

I enjoy drawing from the car, but have a hard time with how to hold my sketchbook and where to put my tools, paint, and water. I usually try to prop my book against the steering wheel but that seems cramped somehow … or I move over to the passenger seat for more “elbow room.” I’ve seen little tables or platforms that are designed to be supported by steering wheel, but wonder if they’d work in my car. Do you have any special tricks for making car sketching more convenient?

Liz Steel says:

July 18, 2024 at 8:50 am

Hi Sharon -yes it can be awkward sketching in the car. I rarely bother changing seats to the passenger side, and normally just move the seat back. I access all my tools in the front pocket of my bag sitting on the passenger seat, hold my palette in my hand and have my water container on the console. Currently I’m using a waterbrush so that makes it a little easier.

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