Pen & Wash in Tuscany: Capturing Architectural Charm | Roger Jenkins

The subject is one of several photos I took during a visit to Fivizzano, Tuscany, Italy, the summer before last. I liked the massing of the building forms against the background and the interplay of light and shade, particularly the contrast of the darks with the bright colours. This is a complicated scene, so it is essential to simplify it.

Step 1

This image has been darkened to show the faint pencil lines.

A few simple pencil lines to set the basic shapes, and make sure it would fit the paper! I keep these to a minimum; often, I dispense with any pencil work and just begin with the fineliners – the pencil lines should be kept as brief and unobtrusive as possible.

Step 2

I then begin the drawing in earnest, going over the whole illustration with the 0.05mm fineliner – I use this thickness as one would use a pencil. You can be loose with the lines and not worry too much about making mistakes – as the lines and shapes are developed with heavier lines, these initial marks essentially ‘disappear’. I initially concentrate on keeping the shapes simple, and developing the detail later, once I have established the overall composition. I tend to enhance the perspective and slightly distort some of the buildings to create a sense of interest. If any original pencil marks show through, I erase them with a soft rubber.

Tip

• Don’t be too ‘precious’; this is a painting, not a photograph; you are creating an atmosphere and a sense of the place.

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