Brunswick Street, Fitzroy – six months of urban sketches and streetscapes

by Helen Wilding | 4 July 2019

Brunswick Street, Fitzroy - six months of urban sketches and streetscapes

Almost every Tuesday for the last six months, since January 2019, I have been catching a tram down Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, to draw beautiful Victorian buildings on location. It started as a personal passion project to draw the street, and I have to say that I wasn’t too sure how long I would really last. What I didn’t expect was that it would turn into a community event, and that I would have the absolutely brilliant company of many a Melbourne Urban Sketcher. That has made such a difference, and I really look forward to my regular Tuesday urban sketching catch ups. In particular, I have to say I am grateful to my wingman, Alf Green, for his support, reminders to post the outing on Facebook, and being a general all round good guy 🙂

As I have now officially drawn every building on the east side of Brunswick Street between Victoria Parade and Gertrude Street, and many others during our lunch outings, I thought it might be fun to share the results. I have put together a couple of videos – one short and sweet 6 minute sketchbook tour, and one loooong 35 minute version for those who like the slow details. They are both embedded below for your viewing pleasure.

The short and sweet version ….

And next the long version for those who like lots of details and commentary ….

So what do you think? Have you had a similar crazy project? Have you created long streetscapes? Do you have any suggestions about what we should draw next? Do you have any interesting historical snippets or memories to share about Brunswick Street?

I’d love to hear from you 🙂

← Previous post Next post →

Comments

6 Comments

Di Colk on 8 July 2019 at 6.43 pm

Helen, your work looks fabulous! Congratulations! Thank you for the hints you’ve given me while we’ve been drawing along Brunswick Street. All the best for your trip to Europe and Amsterdam.
I’ll see you again out on Brunswick Street when you return.
Di. X
Reply
- Helen Wilding on 8 July 2019 at 7.35 pm
  
  I have loved your company Di -you have inspired me to work on my portraits after seeing yours. See you when I get back 🙂
  Reply
Lynn on 9 July 2019 at 12.54 am

Helen,
What a joy to hear about and see your process with this incredible project!
I’m learning so much from you from afar, and am encouraged to continue with my own slow progress and embrace my own far-wonkier lines.
Wish I could join your Tuesday afternoon group!
Fondly,
Lynn Pauly
P.S. Hope to see you in Amsterdam!
Reply
- Helen Wilding on 9 July 2019 at 7.43 am
  
  Thank you so much Lynn – it has been so lovely to have you as part of my cheer squad, even at a distance. And yes, Amsterdam!
  Reply
Eris on 10 July 2019 at 10.19 am

Hi Helen
I just love looking at your work. It is so appealing. Thank you so much for sharing.
Cheers Eris
Reply
- Helen Wilding on 10 July 2019 at 10.48 am
  
  Thanks Eris – that is so kind of you! There will be plenty more of this to come as it is a very long street!
  Reply

Submit a Comment Cancel reply