Veedubs and villas in Northcote Point

I’m still experimenting with a different approach to ‘sketching’. Am I sketching or am I painting? Sometimes I can't tell, and why can’t it be both? I’m constantly fighting the urge to pick up a fineliner and noodle away on some linework — I guess it would definitely be a sketch then!

Absolutely enjoying not getting 'stuck in the weeds' of line to concentrate on shapes and values instead (progress on values is slow - it’s hard!). It’s an interesting challenge anyway.
I’ve had my eye on this mint 2 tone Volkswagen in Northcote for quite a while. 

I like how the owners park it on the street some days so other people can enjoy it. You might even see it from the harbour bridge - but you definitely have to be a passenger for that - don’t even think about it if you’re driving!

I planned to sketch it up close, a front 3/4 view as usual, but realised I’d have to sit in the street to do that.

Instead I decided to do the whole street. I was attracted to the contrast created by those massive Plane trees on Alma Street framing the old villa and casting shadow across the street.

What a mission! Yes, lots to draw, but I had to sit in full sun on our blisteringly hot sun. After an hour and a half layered in sunblock, a hat and a lavalava to avoid sunburn, I retreated to some shade to reassess the picture and give it a tidy up.