Lecture Notes: Architectural Sketching with Stephanie Bauer

Introduction

• Interview with Stephanie Bauer, an architectural illustrator, urban sketcher, watercolor painter, art instructor, and author.
• The chat includes a demo of Stephanie's sketching techniques.
• Attendees from various locations including San Francisco, Seattle, Paris, and Australia.

Stephanie's Background and Journey

• Stephanie reflects on her journey and breakthroughs in sketching.
• Quantum leaps in development were achieved through continuous practice.
• Early struggles in architecture school; received feedback on weak graphic skills.
• Took a class with George V. Elva that was pivotal in her development.

Sketching Techniques

• Mini Moo cards as a way to showcase sketching locations.
• Focus on big shapes, vanishing points, and eye level line when sketching.
• Use of line, tone, and color in progression to handle complexity.
• Emphasizes sketching small initially to manage control and detail.

Breakthrough Sketches

• India Sketch: First use of a straightedge, won K Rob competition.
• Paris Sketch: Solidified use of the mechanical pencil, featured on a book cover.
• Versailles Garden Sketch: Understanding of manipulated perspective.

Evolution of Style

• Transition from smaller to larger sketchbooks as skills improved.
• Use of a limited color palette: French ultramarine, burnt sienna, yellow ochre, permanent alizarin crimson.
• Shift to wider-angle perspectives in church interiors for a sense of space.

Tools and Materials

• Mechanical pencil 0.5 with 2B lead is preferred.
• Occasional use of straightedge for precise lines.
• Not much erasing; smearing minimized by work sequence.

Sketching Abroad

• Numerous sketches from around the world, including Europe and India.
• Each location's unique light and atmosphere captured through watercolor and pencil.
• Use of ellipses for objects like fountains in perspective drawings.

Demo Summary

• Stephanie demonstrates starting a sketch with big shapes.
• Locating vanishing points and eye level line crucial for perspective.
• Basic shapes blocked out before adding detail or color.

Publications

• Understanding Perspective and 101 Sketching Tips.
• Both books offer insights into architectural sketching techniques and tips.

Workshops and Community

• Upcoming workshop planned in Seville postponed due to COVID-19.
• Engages with the sketching community through online chats and events.
• Emphasizes support among sketchers during challenging times.

Closing

• Encouragement to stay connected and support each other in the sketching community.
• Stephanie's appreciation for the community and the shared passion for sketching.

Note: The lecture emphasized the importance of practice, learning from challenges, and developing unique sketching techniques. Stephanie Bauer's journey highlights the intersection of art and architecture through her detailed sketching process and creative expression.