This sketch of the Convent of St Antonio de Padua in Izamal, Mexico. We were there in December 2005 on a tour of the Mayan ruins in the Yucatan penninsula. This is the oldest European style building in Mexico, built between 1533 and 1561. It is built on the site of an important Mayan pyramid, dedicated to the rain god Chac. The Franciscans tore the pyramid down and used the stones to resanctify the ground. The atrium of the convent is said to be the second largest in the world, next to St. Peter's in Rome. There are 75 of these beautiful arches surrounding the atrium. It is the most beautiful ocher color, as are all the buildings in Izamal. They call it the "Yellow City".
I took this photo with an aim to paint it, so this is one of the lesser significant sides. The front of the building is large, and quite complex with bell towers, Madonnas, and steeples. I liked the angle of this with the arches diminishing in size over a short enough distance that I could keep from getting lost in the details while drawing it. Perspective has been difficult for me and this is the most complicated building I've ever tried to draw. I'm ridiculously pleased with it, though, so I've posted it. I'm often drawn to architecturally complex buildings, and want to paint them, but found them quite intimidating. I think this is an
acceptable start. Here is a professionally taken (and color enhanced, I suspect) postcard showing the front of the building. It's sure not that yellow in my photographs or memories.
I took this photo with an aim to paint it, so this is one of the lesser significant sides. The front of the building is large, and quite complex with bell towers, Madonnas, and steeples. I liked the angle of this with the arches diminishing in size over a short enough distance that I could keep from getting lost in the details while drawing it. Perspective has been difficult for me and this is the most complicated building I've ever tried to draw. I'm ridiculously pleased with it, though, so I've posted it. I'm often drawn to architecturally complex buildings, and want to paint them, but found them quite intimidating. I think this is an
acceptable start. Here is a professionally taken (and color enhanced, I suspect) postcard showing the front of the building. It's sure not that yellow in my photographs or memories.
12 comments:
Too bad your old art teacher cant see you now...lovely job of the building
NICELY NICELY DONE!
Wow! Beautiful sketch! That was a lot to tackle. Having fun yet?
Great, great job! Your prespective looks spot on to me.
Wow -- I wouldn't want to try this one without a ruler! :-) GREAT job with this -- that's some tough perspective.
Terrific! You did very well with the perspective.
Oh wow, beautifully done! I love it. :) It had to be hard to do the ever-decreasing arches. Wow. :)
Your drawing looks GREAT! The perspective on the arches is excellent!
This is just wonderful!! And love all the text with it! Love your other sketches below.
You did a wonderful job with the perspective. Love the colors you used, too. Thanks for tour!
WOW, that building provides quite a challenge and you sketched it beautifully!!!
The photo of the building is very nice, but your sketch is SO much more interesting. I really like how you made it your own. The perspective is excellent, and I love the color and the line work. It's a good thing you didn't stay with that "art teacher" - he had a lot to learn.
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