High Kirk of St Giles, Edinburgh – Acrylic/Ink in an A4 Watercolour Moleskine
This is a painting of the distinctive steeple of St. Giles. It is said to be the finest example of a “Crown Steeple” anywhere. The steeple can be spotted from many parts of the city and adds, greatly, to the world heritage skyline, something which is jealously guarded when planning for new buildings. It is probably one of the highest structures in in the centre of the city. Nothing is allowed to be built higher than this. The Kirk (Church) sits right in the centre of the Royal Mile approximately halfway between Edinburgh Castle, at the top, and Holyrood Palace at the bottom. The Kirk is sometimes referred to as “St Giles’ Cathedral” but this is not its true name as it was only the seat of a bishop twice (1635-1638 & 1661-1689) during the period of the crown-backed Episcopalian Church. These days it is known as the “Mother of Presbyterianism”. The church was at the centre of the reformation where John Knox preached and every schoolchild knows the story of Jennie Geddes hurling her stool at the minister who preached using the “Anglican Book of Common Prayer” instigated by Charles 1st. A riot followed and some think this contributed to the start of the civil war and, ultimately, the execution of that monarch. In 1707, when the treaty joining the parliaments of Scotland and England was singed, the church bells rang out the tune, “Why should I be so sad on my wedding day?”
This scene shows the east side of the church with the Mercat Cross in the foreground. This strange shaped structure is the place where proclamations were/still are made. In years gone by, news, such as royal visits, public executions etc would be announced while today the tradition continues giving the date of forthcoming general elections as well as the results afterwards – even if today’s media is faster. This “cross” however, is not the original one. It was erected in 1885 so is quite new, considering the church, and its surrounds have been on this spot for over 900 years.
roseindigo 10:49 am on September 27, 2009 | #
Love the opposite on the color wheel colors in this one, and the architecture.
I like the idea of height restrictions. I absolutely HATE these huge steel and glass buildings that seem to be so ubiquitous in cities these days. I remember being in LA and getting on an express elevator which didn’t even stop until it got to the 35th floor. Hated it! I like buildings to be on a human scale.
Also amused to hear that something erected in 1885 is considered to be “new” while around here that would be an antique.
Margie 11:43 am on September 27, 2009 | #
I like how you fade off the image on the right. I have trouble knowing where and how to do that without it looking harsh. Yours works well.
trebor61 12:52 pm on September 27, 2009 | #
Thanks Rose. Agree about the buildings made of steel and glass. Just up the road, from here, such a structure was erected in the 1970′s. It was so liked that its being demolished. I only hope something more in keeping with the place replaces it. PS I wonder if I would be classified as new or antique
Margie – that’s easy! Just look at the scene, say “Jings – I canna’ paint a’ that detail” and leave it out. (The foot of this building is festooned with wee bits and pieces – a nightmare to draw. That’s why I decided to concentrate on the steeple) – Blast! I’ve given the game away.
Margie 3:11 pm on September 27, 2009 | #
very funny, Bob!
roseindigo 6:37 pm on September 27, 2009 | #
Well I don’t know about you, but I rather enjoy being an antique. They are rare and expensive.
roseindigo 6:45 pm on September 27, 2009 | #
There was only one steel and glass building I can recall in Orange County that I sort of liked. You’d drive by on the freeway and the whole sky and clouds or sunsets would be reflected in it. But also a lot of birds flew into it and got killed. And even though I have never minded earthquakes, I’d hate to be in one of the buildings during one.
As far as I’m concerned, anything made by humans ought to be on a human scale. I’ve worked in medical centers that were so big that you couldn’t find your way around even after several years of working there. And then once you got oriented they’d continually be changing things. And what’s really strange is that I never feel that way about nature, no matter how big it is, and I never get lost out here where I am now, but take me to any city and I am instantly disoriented and lost. I guess I’m just a sad, sad case. LOL
Margie 9:53 am on September 29, 2009 | #
that is so funny! I will say “jings” the next time I can’t paint the details!
Sophie Brown 11:56 pm on September 29, 2009 | #
I don’t like some buildings but I break it down differently. Architecture CAN BE an artform and I think any use of materials is fine, except, I don’t know. The Bronx is “not a pretty town”. Even the river is ugly. I think it used to be that erecting a building of any size too some real doing and so a lot more CARE was put into it. The Chrysler Building is my favorite building, but it has some real flair. It’s like polished chrome. But there’s a small bar downtown that’s been there since the 1700s and that’s pretty cool. I hate when old buildings are torn down to build new ones, that’s what I hate.
trebor61 4:38 am on October 1, 2009 | #
“Rare and expensive” Rose – must remember that. Its like the Scots toast, “Here’s tae, wha’s like us.” (People usually add, “Damn few, and the’re a’ deid). A bit of humour directed at ones’ self. This contardicts the impression you give of being a sad,sad case.
Margie, don’t forget the “Crivvens & Help ma’ Boab”. Good to see you keeping up with your Scots lessons.
The Chrysler Building is one, from you city, which I really like, Sophie. I have been fascinated by the details, like the eagles near the top, ever since I read a book about its construction. Mind you, in the sense that we seem to be talking about, its not as “modern” as some of the ” ??????? ” ( means “sweary words” )that are flung up these days all over the planet. I think that I would be hard pressed to fit in all of the structures I’ve read about in NYC, and would like to visit . There are lots more places I’ve read about. I suppose everyone could say the same about their patch.