Day two of my four day holiday and a trip to the Museum of Modern Art, near the Dean Bridge.
The sun is beaming down on us and after lunch at the garden cafe we came to the front for a spot of sunbathing near the landscaped lawns and pond.
Also a big hello to our new friends from Taiwan, who are here to study English and take in the festival. And to one student in particular, who was looking for Westlife, or Prince Harry, good luck.
The entrance to the new look National Museum of Scotland, (NMS), we made our first visit today and it certainly lived up to the hype.
The interior is jam packed with exhibits, and I look forward to visiting again and again with the kids. It’s amazing it’s still free to get in.
As for the sketch, I looked first to the exterior, there’s plenty of time for the rest later.
A late night at the office today and by the time I walked up to the bridges to catch a bus home it was beginning to get dark. The streets were busy with people on holiday, watching in wonder as the lights came on across this beautiful city.
This was my view from the bus stop on North Bridge towards the Scott Monument and Princes Street. Not a bad place to wait for a bus 😉
A busy day at Portobello yesterday as this years Regatta got under way. This is only the second year a Regatta has been held in the area for over thirty years. The ‘skiff’ boats were raced yesterday and very exciting they were as teams rowed out around a triangle course and then back to the cheering crowds waiting on the beach.
The sun was strong and my family and I enjoyed a picnic on the grass behind the beach, from where the sketch was drawn. Today the sun looks set to shine on the coast once more, and there is plenty to see as a wide range of boats will head out into the water. There are also cake stalls, musicians, and beach races to keep you entertained. So head down to the coast for a great day on the beach.
For more info see http://rowporty.org.uk/portobello-regatta-2011
Today a look back to my recent visit to Canongate Kirk, which of course is the venue for today’s royal wedding of Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall. I wish all the best to the happy couple and I hope the day goes well, it looks likely to be a glorious day weatherwise.
The sketch is a looking towards the alter from the pews, just behind where her majesty the Queen will be sitting! Here is the original post:
“Not far from the day job on the Royal Mile lies the Canongate Kirk, which is currently enjoying a celebrity status amongst the tourists of Edinburgh due to an upcoming wedding. The Church of Scotland Kirk is to be the venue for Princess Anne’s daughter, Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall’s marriage on July 30th 2011. Holyrood Palace is within the Kirk’s parish and this is where the reception will be held.
This is my sketch using pen and then pencil to shade, from within the Kirk.
See www.canongatekirk.org.uk for more information.”
So no ‘Sunshine on Leith’ today, but an almost comic strip look at Hibernian’s football ground, Easter Road, between the terraced housing on Albion Place. I thought I had gone too far with the colour, and maybe I have but I like the effect now.
Having lived in both Pilrig Street (in Leith) and Gorgie Road (near Tynecastle) since arriving in the city I count myself as not a die hard fan, more a keen supporter of both Edinburgh football teams, if this is possible 😉
I have been to both stadiums over the years and will have to sketch Hearts soon, to even the balance. Anyone know af a great view of the stadium?
The beer has arrived at the Pleasance, one of the main venues for festival shows in Edinburgh. I saw three lorries and a minivan full of beer today, all to keep the festival revellers partying over the next few weeks.
The Pleasance has many venues, ranging in size from 770 seats to just 50 and the central courtyard is a great place for a drink in the evening sunshine, soaking up the festival atmosphere.
Today I sketched with a thicker pen, a marker almost. I thought it would make the result looser, more energetic and also force me into more confident strokes.
I like the effect, I imagine with a crowded street scene it would capture the movement and vibrancy, ideal for the festival in Edinburgh. Also  it was much quicker, perfect for when time is precious (when isn’t it 🙂
The scene is Carlton Terrace, as the street curves around into Regent Terrace and towards Carlton Hill and Princes Street beyond.
After an early awakening at 4am the babies slept till 7.30 this morning. After another feed and a costume change this sketch finds them lying on their mat playing together. ~Now for my breakfast! And then out into the sunshine I think, what is everyone up to today in this glorious city?
No time for location sketching today, I am using my lunch hour to catch up on some work.
Instead here is a previous doodle of what todays lunch consisted of 🙂
