The reference / Coastal sketches
Coastal sketching is an exercise in observing changing light, open space and the meeting of land and water.
Illustrative diagram; not a measured or manufacturing drawing.
Small details become visible when the reference stays consistent.
- Define
State the reference and the purpose of the comparison. - Observe
A limited palette can clarify the relationship between shapes. - Record
Keep the conditions and observations together. - Review
Separate the result from the assumptions used to interpret it.
01. Establishing a reference
Coastal sketching is an exercise in observing changing light, open space and the meeting of land and water. A limited palette can clarify the relationship between shapes. A useful working note records the context and the purpose of the study. Keep the details that explain what was noticed, and distinguish them from ideas that emerged later.
A limited palette can clarify the relationship between shapes. This point should be read together with the stated reference and the conditions of the record.
02. Describing the setup
Quick studies help record a changing atmosphere. When revisiting a series of observations, begin with the original context. Record the order of the work and keep the first descriptions alongside any later interpretation.
Quick studies help record a changing atmosphere. This point should be read together with the stated reference and the conditions of the record.
03. Reading the first observation
The next pass through coastal sketches focuses on comparison. The viewpoint determines which details belong in the composition. Look for the relationships between the details and retain enough context for another reader to understand the study.
The viewpoint determines which details belong in the composition. This point should be read together with the stated reference and the conditions of the record.