Tell us a bit about yourself. What you do, who are you etc.
I am a Toronto-based architect by trade and, for the past couple of years, also a writer. I cover architecture and design topics for various journals and news media. Drawing is something I have enjoyed since I was a child.
Tuscany
Your travel sketches have a very distinct style to them. How did this develop?
In architecture school I got into the habit of doing lots of freehand sketches to test out ideas and developed a ‘loose’ technique that tries to capture the essence of a place or a space without getting bogged down in
details. It definitely informed my travel sketching.
In the profession, hand drawing is a good skill to have, although it is increasingly rare to find, considering all the 3D software. Sketching is helpful to quickly resolve how forms or materials come together and it can
lead to more developed interior or exterior renderings.
Krakow
Let’s talk about process. What are the steps you take from start to finish when sketching? Do you sketch on site or from photographs?
My in situ sketches are done in graphite and they typically take between 5-15 minutes, max. I do more detailed drawings with pen & ink and markers, usually working from a photograph.
Prague
It’s obvious you have travelled a lot. Where has been your favourite place to sketch and why?
I have lived and studied in Ottawa, Barcelona and Prague and worked in Boston. Prague was my most favourite city to sketch in – it is mysterious and beautiful and I always think of it in black and white. I have been fortunate to do a fair amount of international travel, and by extension, travel sketching, which helps me keep up my artistic skills.
Aside from travel, what inspires your work?
I am inspired by many facets of design: furniture, graphic, interior, product, and urban design. I like things that are modern, thought provoking, and maybe a little quirky. I am also inspired by different cultures’ traditions, music and literature.
Tuscany
Why do you sketch when travelling?
During my travels in the past few years I have been quicker to grab a camera than a pencil to record my findings. I love photography but I find that sketching on site allows me to be more ‘in the moment’, and to ‘see’ more. Curiously, I do not sketch in my own city.
If you could travel anywhere in the world to sketch, where would it be and why?
I would like to explore the south of Spain and Morocco.
Prague
Finally, are there any tips you’d give readers who are interested in sketching whilst they travel?
Narrow down your tool kit to the essentials – makes it easier. It doesn’t have to be a long drawn out ‘plein air’ session. Find a comfy spot to perch on and don’t get distracted or intimidated by curious onlookers. Go for it!
You can see more of Stephanie’s travel sketches on her site.
Have you been to any of the places Stephanie has sketched? Which is your favourite? Let us know in the comments below!
I really like Stephanie Calvet’s black and white sketches of Europe and I am specifically looking for a black and white sketch of the Eiffel Tower and one of some landmark from London, like the Tower Bridge, or Buckingham Palace, etc. I would like to buy these sketches in a size of no larger than 8 x 10 inches, to add to my collection of other sketches from European cities that my family has visited. Please contact me if you have these sketches available for purchase.
Hi Deena, thanks for stopping by! The best thing to do is check out Stephanie’s own site – http://www.stephaniecalvet.com, where she has a shop and a contact form if you are interested in any of her pieces. Many thanks and have a great day!