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Orlando, Florida

Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2008 11:48 pm
by Thorsx
A brief intro, My name is Thomas Thorspecken and I will organize a crawl here in Orlando. With any luck I will convince some of my digital arts students to look up from the computer monitors and take a look around town. This will be my first Crawl, though I have been drawing on location for years. I am looking forward to the experience.

Re: Orlando, Florida

Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 3:36 am
by pberry
I'll be there Thor. Can't wait.

Re: Orlando, Florida

Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2008 7:49 pm
by Thorsx
Image

This is the flyer being posted at Full Sail University and a few Art Supply Stores to see if any Orlando Artists want to Crawl on the 10th. It is also a test to see if I can post images.

For any Orlando Artists, I am considering going to Urban Flats Flatbread Co. on the corner of Orange and Church at about 6pm for dinner drinks and a chance to share the days work.

Any suggestions on sketch locations or other dinner spots feel free to post.

Re: Orlando, Florida

Posted: Tue Jan 06, 2009 7:50 pm
by John D
Hey Thomas --
I've been to 3 so far. Sketchcrawl 21 in San Francisco will be my 4th. Good luck with your Sketchcrawl. I read your story in the New York forum. That was really interesting. Where did you read that? I can tell you from my experience in New York City, that many people who rushed by didn't do so with their ears and minds closed. I have walked the streets and sat on the subway many times over more than 20 years. The people in the city have to keep their schedule, but they do appreciate, REALLY appreciate the street musicians that perform there. It's part of the ambiance. No, that word is not enough. It is part of the culture. I know a band leader who organized for many events. He told me once he tried to get a guy to play at one of his events. The saxophonist (I think) refused because it meant he would lose his corner that night and the corner paid more than the union musician would offer him. Now that's not true for everyone, but I know there is fierce competition for the good spots. I know too that the people who pass by that corner don't just hear someone once, they hear them everyday. And even though they never stop, never pay, maybe never even smile, I know they listen. I know they feel that it is one of those things about New York City that makes it a great city.

Re: Orlando, Florida

Posted: Fri Jan 09, 2009 2:30 am
by hey madeleine
Hey I'll be there as well!
I've gotten some people together in Orlando in previous years, I hope there's a good turnout!

Re: Orlando, Florida

Posted: Sun Jan 11, 2009 12:41 am
by Thorsx
Well I am back from my first Orlando Crawl and it was a blast. 2 other artists Paul and Don showed up and I hope they post as well. I started using my tablet PC but the battery died within an hour in the strong Florida sun so I pulled out the old trusty sketch book and got to work. I only did 3 sketches,not counting the failed digital attempt,but I am fairly pleased with the results.
Image
The first sketch is of The Church Street Station Ballroom. While I was doing the sketch the lawn keepers were constantly using leaf blowers to blow grass clippings and leaves into the street.
Image
The second sketch I did from the roof of the garage where I parked my truck. It is of the Old Orlando Railroad station built in the 1880s. While I was working on this sketch I called Paul who had moved on to sketch at Lake Eola. He informed me that there was a demonstration going on between Israelis and Palestinians in the park. By the time I got to the park the demonstration had broken up. It was a beautiful day however so I relaxed onto a park bench and drew the tourists paying $12 to go on the lake in Swan shaped boats.
Image
Cheers!

Re: Orlando, Florida

Posted: Sun Jan 11, 2009 12:43 am
by gabi campanario
terrific sketches Thomas! the last one with the floating swans is my favorite

gabi

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http://gabicampanario.blogspot.com
http://www.urbansketchers.com

Re: Orlando, Florida

Posted: Sun Jan 11, 2009 12:52 am
by Thorsx
Thanks Gabi.
The dad pictured was not pleased that he had to fork over $12 for the boat ride.

Re: Orlando, Florida

Posted: Sun Jan 11, 2009 2:08 am
by mtbrehm
outstanding. love the color and all the activity ... really rewards close inspection.

Re: Orlando, Florida

Posted: Sun Jan 11, 2009 2:20 am
by beth
Gorgeous color and vitality! Jealous of your weather too!

Re: Orlando, Florida

Posted: Sun Jan 11, 2009 2:21 am
by donnam
Absolutely love your sketching style--these are terrific.

Re: Orlando, Florida

Posted: Sun Jan 11, 2009 2:27 am
by sumacm
Fabulous sketches -- love the use of color. They have a great sense of place.

Re: Orlando, Florida

Posted: Sun Jan 11, 2009 4:35 am
by Thorsx
Hey John D,

Sorry for the late reply, I was excited to get the Orlando Crawl Sketches up. I lived in New York City for 10 years and I to enjoy listening to street musicians. Of course I also like to sketch them and my wife feels I am not truly listening unless my hands are folded in rapt attention. Someone sent me the article online so I am not sure of the source. If I remember right the city was Washington or Boston. Saw your crawl sketches as well, great work.

Re: Orlando, Florida

Posted: Sun Jan 11, 2009 4:42 am
by enrico
beautiful watercolors Thorsx!!
Such depth !!!

e

Re: Orlando, Florida

Posted: Sun Jan 11, 2009 5:26 am
by Savante
Thorsx, those are some great sketches. I love the amount of detail you managed to capture!