Last weekend I was invited to be the official sketcher on location at Prarahn Mechanics Institute (PMI) Victorian History Showcase in Melbourne.

This came about through my connection over the years with PMI Library and Melbourne Rare Book Week.

It was a bit different from my usual sketching on location. I usually sketch at talks. They go for a set time, usually one hour. I sit myself at the back of the room and sketch the people and the room (if it is interesting). I add watercolour pencil on the spot or sometimes at home.

This was an all day event. I arrived when the groups were setting up and left as they closed down.

All sketches were sketched on location, with a hint of colour added. I took photos and the final colour and details added at home over the following weeknights.

I decided to try on experiment on this occasion. My sketches are in a Moleskine watercolour sketchbook 13cm x 19 cm. They are usually portrait or landscape format. depending on what books I purchased. I usually purchase 10 at a time, depending on what is in stock.

I usually draw on the backs of pages. Turning the page is a narrative that tells a story. I don’t take pages out.

This time I decided to experiment with drawing over a double page spread that could be removed from the book if I wanted to give/sell the sketch. Because of the way books are put together, these pages only occur a few times in the book.

I took a landscape and portrait format book, alternating between the two, depending on the scene in front of me. Lots of juggling of books!

It took me a little while to settle in. I had a look around to see how the tables were setup and where I could sit or stand to sketch. I had figure out what to include and leave out in each sketch. It was a bit challenging.

I also was using a biro which I had borrowed. My own lovely Lamy Safarari Joy ink pen was having ink issues ! It was a bit unsettling not have the same linework that I usually would, but it worked!

I was happy to see the colourful tableclothes. These provided a bit of interest and contrast in the main room.

I still have not found a way write white on backgrounds.

I chatted to a few of the exhibitors about their group and collections. State LIbrary Victoria was there, Royal Historical Society of Victoria and Michael O’Brien from Library of the Royal United Services.

There were a lot of visitors on the day. Some moved around a bit ,others stayed and chatted to the exhibitors. I took advantage of this to sketch their positions and scribble a colour before they left.

My sketches are meant to capture the impression of the day. They are not portraits and I do not aim for any facial likeness !

As I mentioned I added final detail and colour at home. At some stage I decided to stop and not add anymore. Some figures. objects are left blank. I think it keeps the sketchy feel.

I was going to draw in loose sheets, but decided this was outside my comfort zone for this sitution. I think I would next time.

These sketches will all be scanned and sent to the organisers at PMI and they will distribute them to the groups involoved on the day.

Oh – did I mention they had a book sale. I bought 8 books for $1 or $2 each for drawing in purposes.