castlefield barges, Manchester

Just logged in and this is first on the page....it's brilliant Stephen! Love the lively pen work...would this stand the odd watercolour wash here and there?

Gosh that was quick Fiona, it is on watercolour paper but in a very small sketchbook, so might be hard to add washes. I did take a photo so I might do a watercolour from that and the sketch. Several canals join together at Castlefield, it must have been very busy before lorries took over from the barges. Now it's a lttle oasis, with leisure craft and trendy bars and restaurants. Probably one of Louise's painting spots!

I know it well Stephen what with me being trendy! Really super sketch and well worth working on as Fiona suggests.

Full of life and energy. Great. I do like your pen sketches.

Many thanks Louise and Gudrun.

Great work Stephen

Great work Stephen

An ideal subject well sketched Stephen, make good use of it.

Yes Stephen, definitely a strong composition to produce a full blown painting, and good perspective on the boats as well, keep on with the good work and enthusiasm.

Many thanks everyone for your kind comments.

You have used every piece of the page with great effect! I'd love to see the final painting of this, although this is a very strong sketch as it is

Just having another look at this and I think it would give a lot more impact and depth if you used a black and say cool grey marker pens, the sort with 2 ends one chisel edged and the other a fine point. Definitely worth a try and it will take your work to the next level Stephen and help you to progress further. Mine are Magic Marker Twin Tip, if they are still making them.

Many thanks Sarah and Alan for your encouraging comments. I do have a set of grey Pitt brush pens, must use them more! I do like simple pen drawings on my travels though.

Great sketch Stephen, interesting view.

Many thanks Carole.

Great sketch - lots of difficult perspectives that you have got just right.

Many thanks Thea once again.