Observation records / 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.
A useful record explains what was observed and how it was observed.
- Define
State the reference and the purpose of the comparison. - Observe
The viewpoint determines which details belong in the composition. - 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. The viewpoint determines which details belong in the composition. 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.
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.
02. Describing the setup
A horizon establishes the main division of a coastal scene. 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.
A horizon establishes the main division of a coastal scene. 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. A limited palette can clarify the relationship between shapes. Look for the relationships between the details and retain enough context for another reader to understand the study.
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.