Last May, we spent two consecutive Saturdays sketching in various parks. The weather in Shanghai was perfect for outdoor activities, making these sketching sessions truly enjoyable. What made these outings particularly interesting was exploring “new” places I hadn’t visited before.
On the first Saturday, we headed to Changfeng Park. I may have visited this park over 20 years ago, but not since. Initially known as Huxi Park and Biluo Lake Park, it was built in 1957 and reopened in 1959 under its current name. The park’s design draws inspiration from Beijing’s Summer Palace and the landscaping techniques of Suzhou Gardens. Its layout mimics natural landscapes, focusing on the lake and the blend of mountains and water.
I sat with my friend, Sandra, chatting and sketching by the artificial lake. I started sketching in the tiny sketchbook I brought along and thoroughly enjoyed it! It may be because I had just finished watching a recording of the London Drawing Group‘s online sketching session featuring Jo Blaker. I was inspired by using pencils for landscape sketching. Regardless, I was having so much fun that I stayed on after our “throw-down session” to do more sketching. I was fortunate to catch a bit of the dragon boat race happening on the other side of the lake, capturing the team rowing to the start line and the boats docked.
The following Saturday, we sketched along the Suzhou Creek (which I still like to call a creek, even though it is now considered a river) near Changfeng Park. The location disoriented me and challenged my perception of the places I knew. I had yet to realize that the Suzhou River flowed into this area.
The government has given this area and along the Suzhou River a facelift over the years, cleaning up the waters, converting old factories and warehouses into offices, museums, and entertainment hubs, and now offering a new river cruise tour.
Nevertheless, Sandra and I found a spot to sketch. My first sketch was of an observation deck with a cool organic form. The second was in my mini sketchbook, a vignette of the cruise dock.
After these two park outings, I’m eager to do more outdoor sketching. Sketching non-structural subjects is interesting because of the intuitive play I can explore with my marks.
Thank you for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed reading about my ‘escapade’ in my city until the next adventure.
