August 15, 2015

Some Saturday morning sketchers surround Joe, who organized the event, at St. Gregory Church

Yes, we are still on summer break, but we were invited to an Open Sketch last week at St. Gregory the Great Church. A few of us took advantage of the invitation and we want to share our sketches. Above is a selfie of just a few of us, with Joe, the event organizer. We are especially grateful to Joe, both for the invitation and for serving as a docent and sharing his vast knowledge about the history of the church and the art within. This man knows his art! Thank you, Joe!

There was so much to see and sketch that we were just a bit overwhelmed. Most of us walked around to get an overview, but quickly settled in to sketch. Ken began with a panoramic ballpoint sketch of the entire church, from a position near the front altar.

Elaine also began with an overview that spans an entire spread in her sketchbook. But her pencil sketch is from the back, looking towards the front altar. Between them, they have the entire church captured.

 

From there, Ken zeroed in on the altar and the archangel Michael, one of a magnificent painted pair flanking the altar.

He finished up with an ornately carved wooden shrine.

After her initial sketch, Elaine, too, focused on details. Here, she sketches three "pulpit people," among the smallest of the beautiful carvings on the wooden pulpit.

She finishes up with a quick brush pen sketch of a statue from Mary's altar.

Bill chose the same vantage point for all his sketches, experimenting with value as he used markers to explore the soaring stone arches. Notice how he directs the viewer and creates depth as he adds more value contrast.

Sara, too, was intrigued by the arches and the perspective view through them.

Then, like the rest of us, she moved to details. Below is one of a pair of candlesticks. The wooden candlesticks are carved and stand about 2-3 feet high, flanking the main altar. Sara has really captured the volume and beautifully stylized feathers.

Madeleine focused on details from the start, using a new tool, double-ended marker/brush pens, to examine carved wood panels....
 

 ... and a wrought iron lamp....

 ... before sketching the hymn books in their wooden rack. We love the selective use of color!

Speaking of color, Susan chose to sketch outside in the meditation garden, which was in full bloom. Of course she had to do a watercolor sketch to capture the brilliant foliage and mosaics

Sadly, we didn't take pictures of Vivian's sketches, but we'll add them as soon as we can.


If you want to check the accuracy of our sketches or are simply intrigued by the beautiful art and architecture, you can drop by St. Gregory the Great Church at 5545 N. Paulina. The church entrance is on the corner of Gregory and Paulina (one block west of Ashland and one block south of Bryn Mawr).

We'll be back next week with more watercolors. See you then—and again, thanks to Joe and St. Gregory's!