Sketches of Harlech Castle

I’ve been visiting Harlech Castle for more than 20 years. I’ve taken many photos there – and am proud of several of them.

Yet, I wanted some way to, I dunno, commune with the place.

I think that’s why I decided to learn how to draw. It requires me to absorb the castle in so much more detail. At the same time, I have to constantly make choices of what to include and what to leave out.

Each visit – well, many of the visits – I sketch one or two scenes. Even when I choose the same subjects, each sketch is different. First of all, each time I’m different. And, somehow, each time the castle is different. At least, as different as a 700-plus-year-old place can be.

When I look at the sketches, I remember what it felt like to do that one. What it was like at the castle that day – blazing sunshine (or freezing rain); lots of loud tourists (oh, it’s the most painful when the screechy voices are American) or delightfully serene.

My hope is that, someday, the sketches will communicate those feelings to all who view them.

In the meantime….

Here are two early sketches:

Harlech Castle, from south — Pen-and-ink sketch of Harlech Castle, as seen from the rock outcrop on the south side of town. Clearly, I hadn't learned to draw trees yet (hence the blank areas in the foreground).

Harlech Castle, Gatehouse — Gatehouse on the east side of Harlech Castle, as seen from the inside of the castle. Graphite pencil. This is one of my earliest sketches; looking at it for the first time in years, I'm surprised I accomplished this much.

What do you think?