Sketching the Records Office.

When it comes to setting up perspectives for potential buildings and projects, there are a couple of methods for achieving this. The old fashioned approach is to set it up onto a drawing board, arrange the plan and elevations with a view point and vanishing points and begin to start projecting lines to form a framework to develop and work from. The other is to model the building in 3D and use this as a basis to work from, adding character and detail to the accuracy of the precision of the computer generated perspective.

I have used both techniques on a number of occasions, however once in a while time is against the preferred flow of work and a faster technique is needed. One such project in Matlock needed a quickly produced perspective to allow it to be taken to a planning committee meting. With no time for a set up and the client asking me to ensure the dates were met, I was instructed to sketch it up as best I could. Fortunately the elevation was not too complex and armed with a photo, plans, sections and elevations I set about the task.

This Sunday on the way back from looking at a new project with Colin of Green Igloo, I was able to detour and take a look at the recently finished building. I was keen to know how accurate the sketch was, attached are the image and the sketch. I was quite relived. Many of the internal details and sketches I was also involved in were far more complex. Allowing for Passivhaus type insulation, air sealing and ventilation, together with a heavily fire protected concrete structure capable of taking large loads. All in all the simple external appearance hides the complexity within, but it was a rewarding project to be involved in.

The building is for the safe storage of historical & local documents by the staff of Derbyshire Records Office

Architect: Derbyshire Corporate Property (Richard Lomas heading up the team, Andy Elliot of DCC & Al Whittle from Element Detailing assisting)

Engineers: Derbyshire Corporate Property (John Lawrence, Robert Moss & Keith, mastering the calculations)
M&E: Derbyshire Corporate Property (Dave Cox, John Hampson & Marc Routledge)

Contractor: Wates (Bill & Lorraine keeping things on track)

Above are a couple of the technical sketches I developed for detailing the service area and waterproofing.

(Blog post by Al)

Hill Holt Wood - Sketching the Woodland

For those who follow our twitter feed you may be aware of what I refer to as a "Sunday Sketch". Typically I like to get out and about for an hour or so and put pen to paper to capture a little scene before me.

A regular stopping point is Hill Holt Wood near Norton Disney in Lincolnshire. This ancient woodland runs partly as a business, social enterprise and a charity. Its safe environment draws families in to have a wander around, but unlike some family woodlands there are no mountain bikes for hire or adventure playgrounds. Instead there is the woodland and a number of little projects sitting quietly beneath the canopy working in harmony with nature.

We spent a days course with the staff at Hill Holt to see how their ethics and business work hand in hand and were most impressed. As well as a run down on their projects and interaction with the community we also got to spend time with one of their rangers (sharing a little knowledge and enthusiasm for green wood working and a mutual respect for the work of craftsmen such as Robin Wood) and enjoy some home grown food.

Since that day we have been regular Sunday visitors, sketching and escaping escaping the cold spring we have just endured into the cafe for a bowl of soup and a coffee. I have attached the sketches to this blog post for your amusement, they typically take about 30 to 45 minutes and are sketched with either a Rotring Art Pen & brown ink or Faber Castell Pitt Sepia Artists Pens.

If you are looking for a place to visit and enjoy a little quiet time, you might well enjoy it. If you are looking for a glimpse of how businesses can work in harmony and respect with the environment and community, you may well be inspired!

http://www.hillholtwood.com/

(blog post by Al, with respect to Karen, Nigel, Oliver, Steve, Al and the other staff & rangers)

Purelands, A Place of Tranquility & Reflection

In many ways we have been very fortunate over the last few years. We have been busy while many others have not been so lucky. Getting some time to relax and collect thoughts for a while has been at a premium but there are places we go grab a little quiet time and recharge the batteries. These vary from the woodlands and paths of the east midlands to places such as Purelands.

Situated in the village of North Clifton in Nottinghamshire, this beautiful garden and centre is a haven of peace. Winding paths, trickling streams and reflective pools have been carefully sculpted from the landscape. Unlike many english gardens and landscapes, the japanese garden does not focus on vistas, axis and monuments, but instead the turns of the path bring you to living in the moment and discovering treasures around the next turn. The sweeping landscapes exist in miniature across a still pond or raked gravel bed and around the garden are places to sit and meditate or simply enjoy the surroundings.

it seems a very english thing to wait until the sun is shining before we rush out to take in the sights and drink tea beneath blue grey skies. But for me I enjoy visiting Purelands in the rain as well as the sun. To sit in the little houses and shelters within the gardens, listening to the rain on the roof and foliage brings moments of peace and freshness to a mind often cluttered with the issues of day to day life. The weekends of August and September bring a different energy to the gardens when the lanterns are lit and visitors are encouraged to enjoy their warm glow and soft shadows as the sun is setting.

As artists the garden has an irresistible call, dotted around this post are sketches and drawings Purelands, i hope we have gone some way to capture the skill & patience of Maitreya (creator and owner of Purelands). When it came to selecting images for the greetings cards we do, the ink wash image of Purelands was an obvious choice for us.

Below is a link to the website for Purelands, it is well worth an online visit, but far more rewarding to actually call in and relax there for a while.

http://www.buddhamaitreya.co.uk/garden.html

If you happen to come across someone sitting sketching in a quiet corner, feel free to say hello.

(Blog post by Al)