This ten was a slog because I was also doing the One Week 100 People Challenge again. But I feel like my sketching technique and style are both benefiting from what I’ve learnt with the first 20 sketches.

21/100 – 15 Minute sketch of Almalcil Roundabout Statue

The detail in this is a throwback to my style from years ago. So much going on, it’s almost a doodle.

I tried losing some lines and limited the black lines around every edge.

22/100 – 15 Minute sketch of a House in Conceição

I walk past this house quite often, and it looks better and has more curb appeal than I’ve managed to capture.

I’m all for simplicity and not overworking a sketch, but this is too simplistic.

23/100 – 15 Minute sketch of Orange House in Tavira

This house is tucked down a back street, and it’s another I didn’t do justice too. The orange paintwork is competing with the turquoise blocks and bougainvillea for focal point, and the perspective is too wonky.

The conflicting colours might work if the perspective wasn’t as wonky. But it’s just a mess!

24/100 – 15 Minute sketch of Porto Hillside near the River

I did a better job at coordinating the colours. They seem to compliment each other rather than compete, but this sketch is missing a focal point.

Think I need to do more window sketching practice. I like them as an element, but they need to compliment and add to a sketch and not be distracting.

25/100 – 15 Minute sketch of Pousada de Tavira

This old convent in Tavira is now a hotel. I’ve done a larger detailed sketch of the exterior of this building before, so it was good to try a quick version.

When subject is simple like this, it’d benefit from more dynamic lines and a scruffier (looser) sketch style to add more interest.

26/100 – 15 Minute sketch of Tavira clock tower and church

An iconic landmark in Tavira, so it’s good to try a dynamic perspective. Again, this simple image would have benefited from dynamic lines and scribbles to give it more energy.

Will try this view again with a looser style in the back-50 of this challenge. I’ve done quite a few more in-depth studies of the Tavira churches and rooftops, so this is definitely a subject I want to explore.

27/100 – 15 Minute sketch of Coimbra Green Grocer’s shop

I like the rendition of the fruit but not really the building. I’m noticing a theme – I need more dynamic lines to create interest in these simple sketches.

I nearly didn’t post this one, but I figured it was part of the 100 day journey, and had it’s place in the lineup. A good reminder that not every sketch is going to turn out ok, or to your liking.

28/100 – 15 Minute sketch of Lagos Rooftops view

I do enjoy these rooftop scenes. I think it’s a combination of the simplicity of the shapes and the minimal colour palette.

I could benefit from creating more variance between foreground, mid-ground, and background. Either using different line weights, less detail in the background, or darker or more vivid colours in the foreground.

29/100 – 15 Minute sketch of Artes Cafe in Setúbal

Another traditional Portuguese style building that I find enjoyable to sketch. Although the pavement does look more like a rooftop!

I do like adding foliage to these building sketches to soften the harshness of the building’s edges.

30/100 – 15 Minute sketch of Setúbal Port Building

Love the composition of this one, and how the patch of grass compliments the shape of the building’s roof.

The background foliage shouldn’t have been so pronounced. Less ink lines there would have helped.

This group of sketches was a real mixed bag of subjects, but here I am on day 30 and already realising what I enjoy sketching most, and how I can improve each sketch. I’m determined to finish the 100 days, but I have to admit, there’s been a bit of a hump to overcome.