John Clapp
Illustration
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The weirdness of sketching on location.
"The Danube River"
(Piazza Navona, Rome)
The funny thing about sketching in public is watching the lengths people go to trying to watch what you're doing, without making it obvious. It's ALWAYS obvious. :)
I usually talk to people if they talk to me or we make eye contact, but sometimes, like with these two, they never say anything, they just start getting closer...and closer...and closer....
I'd like my students to notice that yes...I AM squinting!
Done on location in the Piazza Navona, surrounded by tourists. (see photos) (about 45 minutes)
Ballpoint pen on watercolor paper
Comments
This was one of the first "finished" sketches I did in Rome because I was waiting for my friend, so I had plenty of time. The statue is one of four (by Bernini) grouped together within the fountain in the center of the Piazza.
One of the things that made me laugh was the ever-present pigeons, perching on different parts of the statues. I thought they added a welcome levity to the sober, classical statues.