There’s something special about capturing the essence of a building, especially when it’s steeped in local character like The Lord Clyde pub in Borough, London. This illustration started as many of mine do with a simple line drawing. Armed with pen and sketchbook, I focused on the architecture’s classic details: the brickwork, traditional pub signage, and the warm, grounded presence that makes this spot such a favourite in the neighbourhood.
Once the drawing was complete, I scanned it and brought it into Photoshop, where the digital magic began. I love this stage it’s where colour, light, and personality start to emerge. Using a digital tablet, I added carefully layered tones, highlights, and shadows, all while preserving the original hand-drawn feel of the line work. The process is both technical and intuitive; I spend time choosing colours that reflect the mood of the place, often drawing from memory and reference photos to get the atmosphere just right.
What draws me to buildings like The Lord Clyde is more than just their design it’s their sense of place. Pubs like this aren’t just structures, they’re stories in brick and mortar. As I coloured in the details—the tiled exterior, the soft glow of imagined evening light I found myself reflecting on how these kinds of places shape a community and give a street its soul.
Whether it’s a tiny cottage or a grand cathedral, I find joy in illustrating architecture of any size. Each building has a unique rhythm in its lines, and translating that into an artwork is something I find endlessly rewarding. Borough is full of vibrant history and hidden gems, and The Lord Clyde feels like one of those spots that quietly holds it all together.
Drawing architecture gives me the chance to slow down and appreciate design both the grand gestures and the little quirks. Taking a sketch from paper to a full digital colour piece is a journey I love every time.
If you’d like to see the final illustration of The Lord Clyde or explore more of my work, check out my portfolio. I’m always happy to talk about buildings, drawing, or your favourite pub with a digital pint optional.
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