This weekend I was so happy to meet with two of my urban sketching friends, Angela and Helen. It has been such a long time since we sketched together in person.

The weather was blue sky and sunny – very unusual for a Melbourne winter.

We met at Mr Tulk, the Cafe at State Library of Victoria. Of course, I sketched my food. Eggs benedict and bacon. I then turned to the scene in front to add a bit of context. It is a busy cafe with delicious meals. We stayed for about two hours chatting and sketching in our own individual styles.

I started to sketch the scene in front of me with black watercolour pencil and just kept sketching. Most people were wearing black, so I did not get to add pops of colour. I decided just to sketch, and not add colour or detail. It was great when the waitress stood taking an order for a few minutes !

We had finished eating and the sun was still shining and we were fortunate to fnd a bench seat facing the magnificent Library. I started to sketch one of the statues in front of the building, but after four attempts I gave up. Not meant to be ! I then started to sketch the profile of the building tops the got distracted by the detail on the State Library. It was a very special feeling to be outside in the sun , with friends, doing what I love. I stayed until I started to tire and then some protestors moved into the space. It was time for me to go.

We were entertained by a great busker who set up right next to us.

It was so good to be back in one of my happy places – urban sketching.