Longing for the sea

oleh patriciaspereir @patriciaspereir

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Introduction

All of Lisbon's cobbled streets are longing for the sea.
The buildings are a perfect frame for the intensity of the blue skies.
So I chose negative space as my focus point, to showcase the real star, the view.

Supplies

Drawing made with graphite pencil, sepia fine liners (0.1 and 0.5), and color pencils (blue and white) on toned paper.
All the buildings are monochromatic, drawn in graphite, sepia, and white.
Colour is used only to create contrast between architecture and nature.

Build the perspective

Look at the reference and follow the invisible lines

Build the shapes

Add structure and try not to go overboard with detail.
The goal is to communicate a feeling, not depict every last detail.
Selection is key. Leave some room for imagination.

Refine

Add interest with line variety and texture.

Add colour

Start with blue, then white.
Not all colour needs to be perfectly blended.
Expressive strokes can add some contrast to the detailed monochromatic buildings.