Edinburgh’s Old Town, from the roof of the Museum of Scotland – Ink
Its possible to stroll around the terraced gardens, on the roof of the museum. We visited on Thursday, had lunch then tried to stay upright in a “Stiff breeze” while I sketched and took some photographs. The Museum of Scotland (completed in 1998) tells Scotland’s history, through a vast display of artefacts, on a series of seven floors. The original museum, (completed in 1888) has a more comprehensive collection of items but is closed for renovation at present. Both buildings are attached to each other and well worth a visit although you would have to spend a lot of time to see everything – and probably miss out on other, local attractions.
I’ve tried something different in this post. I’ve always been inspired by the works of Rowland Hilder, (1905 – 1993) the American born artist who emigrated to England in 1915. He was famous for his use of bold colours and was unafraid to use large areas of black to emphasise a point. I hope this has worked.
Rob 1:49 pm on April 11, 2009 | #
This is fantastic, Bob. Super piece.
mono 2:48 pm on April 11, 2009 | #
so pretty! this makes me want to climb up rooftops too.
thanks for sharing!
Mescalito 3:43 pm on April 11, 2009 | #
I really like the sky in this one, and of course the rooftops, well done.
Michael 5:38 pm on April 11, 2009 | #
Your sketch succeeds in conveying the impression of a blustery spring afternoon in a northern clime. Hats off! (Well, I’ll take my hat off to your work which must have been done in chilly weather.) What strikes me in this composition is the number of spires in this old city — especially the one in the centre of the painting. Very interesting. Please continue your collection of images of the Edinburgh region. I have been interested in this area for a long time … although I doubt whether I’ll ever have the opportunity of visiting. Your sketches give me an enjoyable taste of your hometown.
Joseph R Tomlinson 8:46 pm on April 11, 2009 | #
this works extremely well!
Margie 9:52 pm on April 11, 2009 | #
this is fun – very graphic and bold! I like how stylized it is.
trebor61 4:51 am on April 12, 2009 | #
How nice to waken, on a beautifully, sunny morning, to all of these nice comments. Thank you all very much. May He, who has blessed us with this fine day grant you all of your wishes. Happy Easter everyone.
steveloya 9:38 am on April 12, 2009 | #
Fantastic work Bob! have you thought of getting some type of book published, compiling your work – a sort of artist’s guide to Scotland?
trebor61 2:57 am on April 13, 2009 | #
Thanks for the comment and kind thoughts, steveloya. I once tried to publish a book. It was about making/playing musical instruments. After a year of hawking the thing ’round publishers I gave up so the thought of trying this agian again fills me with dread. It was kind of you to even suggest this, however. What would be really good is some sort of publication from the members of skineart, say a comprehensive range of post, to be sold in aid of charity.
roseindigo 3:31 pm on April 13, 2009 | #
The black works beautifully in this, and the sky, as usual, is stunning.
Personally, I think such a book is a wonderful idea, and I also think it would be easier to peddle than a book on musical instruments. It is one of those things that has a lot of appeal to tourists, because they can pack it into their luggage without adding a lot of weight or worrying about it breaking—as a memento of your area of the planet.
I understand the feeling of dread, but nothing ventured, nothing gained, and the most anyone can say is “NO”, and so what? It’s they who will miss out on a good thing.
trebor61 4:37 am on April 14, 2009 | #
Nice of you to say these things roseindigo. I’ll keep your encouragement in mind but must concentate on other things – such as lowering my golf handicap. Maybe a project for next winter when going outdoors becomes less attractive. (I’m just rediscovering the pleasure of decent weather again). What do you folks say, “I’ll take a rain check?”