I have a deep love of architecture, I love the challenge and satisfaction that comes from capturing the intricate details and character of historic buildings. My latest work is a drawing of the stunning Tonbridge School, a renowned educational institution with a rich history and impressive architecture. In this post, I’ll take you through the creative process I used to capture this beautiful landmark, from the tools I use to the techniques that help me with the precise details.
About Tonbridge School
Founded in 1553, Tonbridge School is one of England’s oldest and most prestigious schools. Set on a sprawling, scenic campus, the school’s architecture beautifully reflects its centuries-old heritage. The mix of Gothic and Tudor architectural styles, with their intricate brickwork, arched windows, and soaring spires, is a dream for any architecture lover. These historic buildings not only provide a sense of grandeur but also serve as a connection to the past.
The Drawing Process: Bringing Tonbridge School to Life
Creating an architectural illustration like this requires a combination of meticulous planning, careful perspective work, and the right materials. Here’s a step-by-step look at my process:
Planning the Composition and Perspective
Every architectural drawing starts with selecting the best angle to show the building’s unique character. For Tonbridge School, I wanted to capture the elegance and strength of the main facade as well as the chapel and cricket pitch. Perspective is key in any drawing to create a sense of depth and realism. Using basic grids and vanishing points (here it is unusually on the far right) carefully mapped out the proportions of the building, ensuring that each element aligns naturally.
Choosing the Right Graphite Pencils
For this piece, I used a range of graphite pencils, each chosen to highlight different aspects of the building’s texture and lighting. I began with harder pencils (such as 2H and H) to create light, precise outlines. These harder pencils allowed me to sketch out the foundational lines without adding too much shading. From there, I moved to softer pencils (2B, 4B, and even 6B) for richer shading and to bring out the contrast in areas with shadows and depth, like the recesses around the windows or the intricate brickwork.
* Detailing and Texturing
One of the most enjoyable parts of this piece was working on the fine details. Tonbridge School’s brickwork, windows, and stone arches required careful attention, as each component contributes to the building’s overall character. Using a combination of hatching and cross-hatching, I added texture and dimensionality to these elements. For the windows and smaller architectural details, I used my sharpest pencils to add definition. By layering graphite gradually, I achieved a nuanced, realistic effect that captures the unique patterns of the school’s historic facade.
* Balancing Light and Shadow
With graphite, creating a realistic balance between light and shadow is essential, especially in architectural pieces where light interacts with different surfaces. Tonbridge School’s facade, with its many arches and recesses, presented the perfect opportunity to experiment with light and dark contrasts. By using softer pencils in the shadowed areas and leaving highlights on the paper untouched, I created a balanced composition that allows the building’s depth and structure to stand out.
* Finishing Touches
Once the main elements were complete, I stepped back to assess the drawing as a whole. To enhance certain areas, I used an eraser to lift highlights selectively, adding even more depth and texture to the piece. Finally, I fixed the graphite with a light spray, ensuring the details remain.
Why Tonbridge School?Tonbridge School is not only an architectural gem but also a place deeply rooted in the community’s history. Capturing this landmark in pencil felt like paying homage to its lasting impact on the area and the generations of students who have walked its halls. As an artist, I’m inspired by buildings that have stood the test of time, and Tonbridge School’s blend of tradition and elegance made it the perfect subject for my latest illustration
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