Views from Above

Some Los Angeles-area nighttime sketches from about three stories above ground, 25 miles (40 km) apart on opposite ends of town: looking at a processing plant from a rooftop in Pasadena, and a view from a bridge over busy traffic on Pacific Coast Highway in Santa Monica.

Disneyland

I celebrated my birthday at Disneyland. I grew up in a city nearby, so I went there a few times a year as a child until after I graduated from college. While I still live about an hour's drive away and even know people who work for Disney and have worked for Disney myself, this was the first time I visited there in over ten years. A lot of things were fresh and nostalgic at the same time - while there were tons of new attractions to enjoy, I also get to drink the mint julep and ride the same roller coasters that I loved as a kid.

I think this sketch captured the spirit of the Magical Kingdom - tourists posing for photos, a little girl walking in costume, large Mickey Mouse decoration for Halloween, cast members of the park being attentive - that day even had what I would call "storybook clouds" that are white and puffy!

Early Morning

I woke up one morning very early, so I decided to go for a walk. The neighborhood was quiet and still, and the sky was still gray with marine layer that rolled in, blanketing the sky. I've been paying attention to geometric nature of Los Angeles lately - palm trees, buildings, power lines, cars - a lot of things around here have strong lines.

Poolside Without the Pool

I sketched a building by the pool on a lazy Sunday afternoon - except I ran out of paper before I got to the bottom of the sketchbook page! So here it is, a poolside drawing without the pool.

Los Angeles River

I have been drawing with a group of other artists at Urban Plein Air Society in Los Angeles, and we have been exploring the Los Angeles River. There's no mistaking that the river, with its concrete bottom and graffiti, is in a metropolis, yet it is also home to wild birds and lush with plants. I enjoy capturing the different aspects of the river that can only be seen on foot. (More sketches from the series are posted on my blog.)

California

A sunny California day, cruising down PCH on a convertible, enjoying the beach view and the surf. What else can you ask for?
If this was a photo, it would be the perfect one for a postcard, dont you think? :)
If you like this, please take the time to check some of my other drawings at my website: http://livetoillustrate.blogspot.com/
Comments are always appreciated!

Nighttime Jogger

Corn Trailer

Here is something that combines my fascination with food, cities, and vehicles: a converted trailer that serves corn on the cob.

Sketches of Musicians

I saw a New Orleans-style band, Vaud and the Villains, with some of my friends and had a great time. The place was dimly lit, so I couldn't really see my lines when I was sketching their performance. I like how these "blind drawings" turned out because they capture the energy of the band.

Los Angeles Sketches: A Green Winter Day

Contrary to most of the country, Los Angeles is lush with greenery in winter, after a brief and rare rain drenches the otherwise dry and brownish landscape. Here is a view from Kenneth Hahn park. Yes, that's an oil rig in the background - just a reminder that you're in a oasis right in the middle of the city.

Los Angeles Sketches: Snow!?

Thought I'd post a sort of a seasonal sketch here...This is a sketch from when I visited Palm Springs, which is about two-hours' drive east of Los Angeles - yes, it's in the desert, but there was snow in the mountains. It's quite amazing!

Sketches in Los Angeles

I'm Shiho Nakaza, and I like to draw - glad to join the Sketch Blogstars team! In addition to my regular blog at shihonakaza.blogspot.com, I plan to share sketches here with you.

I happened to go to Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles early one morning, and when I saw this bike, I thought it makes a nice design element in the scene.