Sketches and text by Lawrence Kavanagh 
The following collection of sketches were executed during a recent trip to Chicago in June and illustrate a walk along the revitalized city riverfront, each bridge forming the initial point of interest but in a city context. I rarely take photos when I travel anymore (only if time is too short). I much prefer to take some time to sketch a scene that strikes me as a fine composition or a compelling view.

Clark Street Bridge, Chicago

State Street Bridge, Chicago

I paint landscapes in watercolours (I am a member of the Toronto Watercolour Society) and exhibit regularly. I find sketching is a critical process in capturing that which is important in a building, a cityscape or a countryside and embedding it in one's memory. I can think of no better way of capturing the essence of a building or urban setting than sketching it.

Left: Dearborn Street Bridge
Right: Chicago Tribune Tower 

A sketch in-situ, like one executes when developing a design, focuses on that which is most important in the design, the features, or even underlying structure that strikes one as beautiful. I used to sketch strictly in pencil but was encouraged to take up a technical pen by an artist friend who has been encouraging my work to be bolder and more expressive in my art. This is seeping into my architectural design as well!