Tuesday 24 March 2009

Damascus

I went to the Middle East in my teens. Damascus combines highly decorated mosques and Moorish architecture with dilapidated streets and ramshackle buildings. This drawing of Damascus is from imagination. The black and white work that I make, has a tendency to become very obsessive very quickly (see Shadowlands in a previous blog). There is the possibility when drawing cities to indulge in a childlike enjoyment of pattern. Not to mention the childlike pleasure in designing weird and wonderful structures, that pander to imaginative use of pattern and shape.


Damascus section (above) ink on paper.

Damascus drawn from imagination.

9 comments:

GlorV1 said...

Obsessive enough to reel me in, that is for sure. Wow Luke I am really take aback by the the fine detail. I love it. I have tried to do buildings, etc. but they never come out right. I have an older painting that I did when we first moved to Modesto and suddenly everyone from the bay area started migrating over here. So I tried painting buildings with cars all around and one little patch of land left. I guess to signify the growth and what it is doing. In any event I am pulling it out from where it is hiding and look at it again and see how I can either re-do or add/delete. You are an inspiration Luke and I thank you. Have a great rest of the day.

Sarah Sullivan said...

Don't ya love pen and ink - me too!!! Love the new ones!!! Lots of details to draw you in - looove it!!! Great job Luke!!!! Sarah

Cecile/DreamCreateRepeat said...

First of all thanks for signing on to follow my blog...I'm back from a short, stress-induced hiatus!

I really like these! Although I've never been to Damascus, I like the way your drawings convey the energy and complexity of an ancient, crowded city. I've always been partial to pen and ink drawings!

nollyposh said...

i love 'em X:-)

scribbling sassy said...

wow.great inspiration. greater imagination!

Ivy Long, Edera Jewelry said...

What a beautiful and intriguingly detailed drawing--right down to the patterns of the curtains hanging in the windows! It's wonderful :)

And thanks so much for following my blog--I was just poking around on that list and happened to stumble upon your link!

Take care,
Ivy

ceecee said...

It is always such a pleasure to stop by and see what you are up to. I especially like this - and that you did it from your imagination!
Catherine

Lauren Maurer said...

Whoa! I love the movement in this picture!

Anonymous said...

i like dropping by Luke, it always challenges my senses. Im interested though in this one by your title and relating the Mddle East to 'Shadowlands'