Tag Archives: commission

Pussy cat portrait

A recent commission of a beautiful cat had me stepping out of my comfort zone, which is always good if a little daunting.

I love how this puddy cat turned out. One of my first commissions of the lock down and as it was a gift I couldn’t share it right away.

Here are a few photos of how it came together, starting with a pencil sketch drawn from a photo, which was emailed to me.

I find portraits quite hard as I think everyone sees their loved ones slightly differently to everyone else, and matching that can be a little tricky. It is always such a relief when a client is pleased!

Once I was happy with my drawing I inked over and rubbed out the pencil marks, before adding a touch of watercolour to pick out the fur.

Finally I added the purple which was a bit of a gamble for me but he needed something to lie on and I like the contrast in the finished piece.

If you would like an original drawing of your pet drop me a line and I’ll send you price details and a few examples. Cheers, Mark ES

A new commission in a brand new building

CPG Photography

Today Lidl opened a new superstore on Easter Road, and they commissioned me to create a sketch for their wall.

The brief was to show the new store as both part of the local area and Edinburgh as a whole.

I really enjoyed sketching this out as it was a little stretch for me as many of the angles and perspectives are made up,
(I didn’t really have a seagulls eye view of the street!).

Easter Road swirls and curves its way into the centre of Edinburgh way in the distance, again not exactly right but suits the flow of the image. Leith Lines is hanging up on the first floor of the new Lidl store and you will see it if entering from the carpark area which is on the ground floor.

The Easter Road store is uniquely designed with shopping on the first floor and a large car park on the ground floor. The shop has a 1286 m² sales area and has an in-store bakery.

Pop in and have a look and let me know what you think of the sketch.

Giveaway: If you take a picture of my in store sketch and post it online, and be sure to tag me in  it – then I will pick one to receive a print of Leith Lines. 

 

Lidl website

Thanks CPG Photography for the image. 

 

The Café Royal, on West Register Street.

CafeRoyal_colourThe Café Royal is a true Edinburgh landmark, with its beautiful lines and exquisite stonework it has long been a building I have wanted to draw.

Designed by architect Robert Paterson the elegant stained glass and Victorian plaster work make this a stunning building, especially when light up at night which it was when I visited just before Christmas.

Although there is currently plenty of construction work going on around the building, I was glad to find out The Café Royal is listed and will be preserved for future generations to appreciate its beauty.

This drawing was created for a Christmas present commission in December, it measured 25cm square and cost £145. If you would like to discuss commissioning and original drawing email me here.

This sketch was made with black ink and watercolour, both the colour and a black only version can be purchased as a mounted print from just £19.50. Email me for more information.

The Café Royal website

CafeRoyal_black

WhereArtI : 30th January 2017 : Edinburgh

ES_WAI300117Can you name this Edinburgh location I have sketched?

If so click the link below to email me your answer. I will pick a random winner from all correct answers on Tuesday and they will go on to the ‘Winners wall’. At the end of the month those on the wall will be entered into a draw to receive a prize.

The prize for January is a set of my new Victorian Edinburgh postcards.
Six separate designs show cycling in the Victorian era, on the streets of Edinburgh.

Click HERE to enter your answer

Usually the answer will be within the Edinburgh boundaries, but on the first Monday of the month the competition is Scotland wide. Keep an eye on my facebook and twitter feed throughout the day for clues if they are needed.

I hope you join us to play along and keep looking up and noticing the details of Edinburgh, you never know where I will be sketching next time!

Enter via the link above or email contact@www.edinburghsketcher.com with the subject line ‘WhereArtI 30th January 2017’.

Edinburgh Sketcher online store.

Great King Street in Edinburgh’s New Town

GreatKingStreet This is Great King Street in Edinburgh’s stunning New Town, drawn in black ink fine liner for a client.

Edinburgh’s New Town is home to sunning Georgian architecture, straight lines and symmetry that stands in stark contrast to the Old Town and its higgledy piggledy closes and cobbled alleyways. I love the contrast, and walking around the grandeur of the New Town from George Street down in to Stockbridge and the Water of Leith is one of Edinburgh’s joys for me, and a must for any visitor.

 

GreatKingStreet_crop

My commissions start at £75 for a sketch roughly A5 (150x200mm / 6×8”) in black ink and with or without a colour wash.

For a larger A4 (200x300mm / 8×12”) drawing the price is £115 for black ink only, £145 with a watercolour wash.

A larger A3 (300x420mm / 11.7×16.5”) sketch is £195 for black ink only, £235 for black ink with a colour wash.

Further sizes and prices are available on request. Sketches can be framed, for an added £15 (A5) and £25 (A4). Prints start at £18 for 150x100mm and £32 for 290x200mm.

 

Stockbridge Commission

StockbridgeMontageOne of my favourite Christmas commissions this year was this montage of Stockbridge, a beautiful area of Edinburgh close to the Water of Leith and full of interesting wee shops and relaxing places to walk.

 

Before starting a sketch like this I create the montage of photographs either taken by myself or supplied by the client. This one includes a family photo, a favourite walk, the main street in Stockbridge and the family home. Once happy with the composition I run it past the client before sketching begins.

 

If you would like to commission a similar illustration then get in touch via email at contact@www.edinburghsketcher.com or you can phone me at 07870991678. Prices start at £65.

 

Valentino Rossi commission

RossiSketch_ColourValentino Rossi, one of the most successful motorcycle racers of all time is the subject of this recent EdinburghSketcher commission.

 

Good morning. Last night I showed you a close up of this sketch and asked if you knew who it was. Here is the full version. I love the cross-hatch shading, I find it very therapeutic and relaxing. I used ot doodle a lot and shade shapes, a cube, pyramid and sphere. I never knew the practice would one day make me a few quid 🙂

 

If you would like a commission created then prices start at just £48, drop me an email for more information contact@www.edinburghsketcher.com

 

The sketch is in black ink with a water colour wash. The black only version is seen below, I can’t decide which I prefer.

RossiSketch_Black

RossiSketch_Colour_crop

The Valentino Rossi official website

 

Pinnies and Poppy Seeds on St Mary’s Street

Pinnies_ColourThis week I sketched this lovely wee shop on St Mary’s Street in Edinburgh’s Old Town.

Turn off the Royal Mile and follow your nose to this delightful wee shop selling scrumptious shortbread in wonderful flavours. By constantly experimenting with new flavours and interesting and creative ideas the wafts of lemon and fresh baking smells are worth the visit alone!

 

‘We want to bring the fun and excitement back to shortbread!’ says owner Jennifer. Stop by and have a look, and a sniff soon, and look out for the new EdinburghSketcher canvas bags soon to be on sale there too!

 

 

  • Pinnies and Poppy Seeds website

 

 

If you woud like your shop or home sketching then get in touch HERE, commissions start at £48

Commission-tastic Christmas

StarbucksCupSo many commissions to do lately which is fabulous, thanks to everyone who has ordered an original Edinburgh Sketcher piece as a gift this year.

I’m off this lunchtime to my usual haunt, a wee table in a warm coffee shop. You may see me scribbling away, photo propped up on a full coffee cup, pens and waters colour paints laid out on the table.

For those who haven’t ordered a commission but would still like to give the gift of Edinburgh Sketcher art, I am creating some vouchers to buy.

Email me at contact@www.edinburghsketcher.com for more information.

Tiny tiny ivy leaves

KirkdetailHello. This is a close up of a commission I have almost finished, I’ll post the whole thing once it’s delivered but though I’d show you this wee bit.

 

Yesterday I must of spent a good 20 minutes inking in all the tiny ivy leaves on this wall. It was extremely calming and therapeutic. Especially as it was on my lunch break after a particularly stressful morning in the office.

 

Grab some pens and paper people, it’s cheaper than therapy 🙂