First sketch: Mexico City
pigeon.Letters #0012
7:43 PM
my music studio
Biddeford, ME
Dear readers,
I’m excited to expand this Substack into a multidimensional space for both you and I. Previously, I mentioned I’m looking to gear Substack towards being a haven for building an artistic practice. Of course, there’s many benefits to this, but my main goal is to just sit and do it.
The format is changing a bit, I’m going to be sending (2) letters out monthly. One will feature my endeavors in creating music.The other will feature my journey in urban sketching. I’ll keep that rotating for now.
So, let’s begin!
MEXICO CITY
Catedral Metropolitana de la Asunción de la Bienaventurada Virgen María a los cielos
Bekah and I got married in October 2023, the weekend before Dias de los Muertos. We rounded out the honeymoon by spending some time in the Mexico City after our coastal experience to wander the centro district and taste city food.
I didn’t have pen, paper, nor time to actually sketch during our honeymoon - nor would I. But, I told myself I need to one day sketch this cathedral in person. I decided to take one of my photos to sit with and practice. We plan to go back!
My first lessons in sketching were with urban sketcher Ian Finnelly. He’s so expressive with his colors and line work. From there, I discovered traditional artist, minimal artist, ones who prefer to sketch people, etc. I sort of took those loose lessons to explore and learn a bit on my own. At the beginning of January, I signed up on Domestika to start exploring more artist. Unsure where to start, I decided that I needed to firmly understand horizon lines, perspectives, and concept in architectural drawing. Watercolors will come later, but for now, I need to understand what I’m observing and make sure the perspective is correct.
Trying to remember this moment, I was particularly drawn to the hazed skies, the smell of incense and the cleansing of souls surrounding the church, the music of the mariachi just to the right of the steeple as we were walking up to the party. Lights from the plaza casted shadows all over it and I felt like I was in a foggy dream. Kinda voodoo-esque - sounds of rattles and chants would sneak through from each healer we walked by. I decided not to draw the healers from the original photo, which is fine.
Since I had to give bit of context in the beginning of what/why - I’m not going to dive too deep. So, I’ll leave it here and look forward to sharing some musical ideas in two weeks, on Wednesdays.
Buenos tardes,
Sean
