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Chatsworth & The Crispin
Live architectural sketch (mixed media)
Year:
2023
Categories:
Fashion Styling & Visual Direction
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Description
This sketch was created on-site during a visit to Chatsworth House, a setting that instantly pulled me into a romantic, cinematic headspace. I wanted to capture the grandeur of the estate without losing the charm in its cracks and shadows. Instead of photographing it, I sat down and started sketching — letting the moment unfold in lines and washes of paint.
It wasn’t a planned piece, which made it more honest. The flow of the sketch reflects the pace of the afternoon — quick outlines, a breeze that smeared a few strokes, and that perfect kind of lighting that hits stone just right. I added soft watercolour tones later to elevate the depth and highlight the old-world architecture without overworking it.
Conclusion
This sketch was less about perfection and more about presence. Sitting on a bench outside Chatsworth and drawing what I saw in real time reminded me of why I love this work — it makes you slow down and actually see. I didn’t worry about accuracy or style, I just responded to the atmosphere, the scale, the textures.
It became a personal exercise in observing and reacting, and I think that’s what made it so special. This kind of live sketching always helps me reconnect with the physical world in a way that no screen or reference photo can. It’s rough, honest, and full of feeling — and that’s exactly how I like it.