Bridges Are Like Sketching

10/11/14 Diamine Chocolate Brown ink, Caran d'Ache Museum water-soluble
colored pencils, Canson XL 140 lb. paper

Gabi Campanario launched his new book last night at the University Book Store. Published by the Seattle Times, the book is a collection of sketches from Gabi’s weekly Seattle Sketcher column. Mentioning his penchant for sketching bridges, he said, “a bridge is a metaphor for sketching – it’s a way to make a connection.” Showing images of sketches that appear in the book, Gabi told several stories about how sketching a building, person or event has helped him make a connection with his community.

His goal with his column is “not to make perfect sketches but to report what I’m doing,” Gabi said. After he finishes a sketch, he photographs it with the sketch subject in the background in what is called a “trophy shot.” At that point, he considers the sketch done; he doesn’t alter it digitally afterwards, and he always completes the sketch on location, never working from photos.

That said, Gabi also showed an image of an example of a sketch of a tall crane that he had started and then ran out of space on the page. He completed the top of the crane on another sheet of paper, and pasted that part of the sketch over the original later. So even the Seattle Sketcher has tricks up his sleeve!

Here's my "trophy shot" of last night's book-
signing event.

In response to an audience member’s question, Gabi said he has never changed his plans to go out for a sketch simply because of weather. Showing a few photos of sketches spattered with raindrops, he has worked in all kinds of cold, wind and rain conditions, sometimes holding an umbrella to keep his sketchbook dry. He also showed slides of other hazards of his occupation – being “attacked” by a goat and flipping over in a kayak!

During the past couple of years, I’ve heard the Seattle Sketcher give several presentations in connection with his first book, the groundbreaking Art of Urban Sketching, and his MOHAI exhibition last year. I always enjoy hearing Gabi talk about his sketching process because it reminds me of all that I love myself about urban sketching.

By the way, I don’t have my copy of the book yet. I preordered it online, and it didn’t come in time for last night’s signing! L Stay tuned for the full book review later. In the meantime, you can order a copy for yourself online.