200 Queens Ave, London

200 Queens Ave, ink and watercolour, 3.25 x 4  inches, ©2016

I walk west on Queens Ave on my way home from work. I pass this building each time. I didn't appreciate the architecture until I went to a talk about "Mid Century Modern" Architecture.

"Mid-Century Modernism is a term used to describe the design style that brought forth major changes in modern design, architecture and urban development between 1933 and 1965"

Another illustration recently completed for the "Boutique Bazaar" at First St. Andrew's United Church on November 12 from 10am to 2pm, 2016.

SS46 Dundas & Adelaide

SS45 Dundas St and Adelaide St, London

When I took photo reference of this corner, I was surprised to see the date on the corner said 1867. According to London Public Library reference, this is still a mystery, as there were no buildings on the site at that date. .

Charles Lilley moved to London as a young man, was a telegraph operator before becoming a grocer and also ran the Crown Hotel. In 1871, he built this two-storey block on the corner of Adelaide and Dundas Street. The post office took the name “Lilley’s Corners” when it was opened in 1872, with Charles Lilley as postmaster.

SS40 Clinton

SS40 Albert and Victoria Street, Clinton

I was born and raised near Londesboro, and attended high school in Clinton, ON. The corner of Albert and Victoria Street (main corner in Clinton) there is a wealth of late nineteen century architecture. In 1857, Clinton became first incorporated village in Huron County, then in 1876 incorporated as a town, and reached the peak of its development in 1890’s. (SIZE 6" X 9")

SS35 St. Thomas

SS35 Talbot Street, St.Thomas

On the way to deliver some drawings to a Port Stanley gallery, I made stop in lovely St Thomas, known as the "Railway Capital" of Canada. The down town is 3 kilometers of beautifully painted murals, lush small parks and beautiful historic Victorian buildings. St. Thomas was first settled in 1810 and was incorporated as a village in 1852, as a town in 1861 and finally grew to become a city in 1881. (SIZE 3.5 " X 8")

SS34 Dundas St, London

SS34 Dundas Street, London

This is a great stretch of buildings on Dundas Street. I remember the “Ontario Furniture Co” building as the Duthler Textiles store. When the Duthler store closed, the store was reborn as the Honest Lawyer restaurant with Downtown Kathy Brown’s above.

SS33 Dundas St, London

SS33 Dundas Street, London

This is view of Dundas Steet right downtown, north side. I have sketched these buildings a few times from inside the library in the winter months.  Attic Books, a very interesting store. It is one of the largest second hand booksellers in the country. They sell antique books, maps and prints. Other services include appraisals, purchases, consultations and assistance with general care of books and paper collectibles. They recently celebrated 30 years of business. There is beautiful detailing in the brick work and roofline.

SS32 Dundas St, London

SS32 Dundas Street, London

I am now working in Old East Village, I am walking to work a couple of days a week, so I am seeing a different part of the city. Most of my drawings have been downtown, because I usually work in the downtown. This streetscape... Dundas Street just east of Adelaide Street, measures 3.5" x 4.5", still working quite small.

SS31 Then and Now

SS31 Then and Now, Talbot and Dundas, London

I have lived in London for approx 30 years and seen many changes over the years. This is the corner of Talbot and Dundas Street, with memories of listening to blues music at the Firehall, socializing at Mingles and more recently watching hockey at the John Labatt Centre. This drawing goes back further in history with the historical City Hotel “THEN” combined with the new John Labatt Centre “NOW”.

From London Public Library Archives: This building was originally constructed as the Hope Hotel in the 1840s by William Balkwill. It burnt down in January 1865 and was reopened in September 1865 as the City Hotel. It was renamed the Belvedere in 1871 and later the Talbot Inn. The building was demolished in 2001 and its facade was recreated on the John Labatt Centre which opened on the site in 2002.

Reference of City Hotel from London Public Library Image Gallery, James Egan Collection - Public domain: Copyright has expired according to Canadian law. No restrictions on use.

SS30 The Back Alley

SS30 The Back Alley, Richmond Street, London

This is behind the row of buildings on Richmond Street, between Queens Ave and Dundas Street.  A back alley can be as interesting as the façade of the buildings.

SS29 Dundas St, London

SS29 Dundas Street, London

This is Dundas street between Talbot and Richmond Street. Three completely different styles of buildings. Thaifoon, Devine Décor and a for rent space next door. This would have been a good one to do in colour, first painted grey, middle painted yellow and lastly red brick with green roof

SS28 Dundas St, London

SS28 Dundas Street, London

Three – four storey buildings on Dundas street, all with painted brick, all with the paint peeling off. Street level: Wok’n chopsticks and 2 for 1 pizza (– odd combination), London Casbah, and London Rock, a store with punk, rock and metal clothing, have never been there. I find I tend to slant to left on my drawings, this one really slants to the left.

SS27 King St, London

SS27 King Street, London

Victorian-era building in the heart of downtown London, Ontario. The Salt Lounge, may now be closed. Not sure if this history is fact or not… The building was built in 1890 by W.J. Thompson and ran for nine months as the Thompson House. John Fraser bought the hotel in June 1891 and the name was changed to the Fraser House. In 1951 it was sold after being owned by the Fraser family for 60 years. The name was then changed to the Royal Alex.

SS26 Dundas St, London

SS26 Dundas Street, London

Miniature size. I took this photo reference while walking to Old East Village. The London Ale House boasts 14 beers on tap and more than 40 craft beers among its selections. Can’t say for sure as I have never been there, really should go there.  The warm colour of the beer sign caught my attention, had to add the colour, which is not normal for me.

SS24 Richmond St, London

SS24 Richmond Street, London

Richmond and Dundas Street, smack dab in the heart of downtown London. Street level brings an eclectic selection of business: pawn shops, variety stores, restaurants and jewellery stores. Uppers levels: beautiful details around the window and at the rooflines. Image size is 4” x 13.5”.

SS23 Dundas St, London

SS23 Dundas Street London

Taken from Article by Jane Sims - The Capitol Theatre and Bowles building, once thought to be too derelict to restore, have made majestic comebacks on London's Dundas Street, breathing new life into a block of core buildings between Clarence and Richmond streets that badly need a new draw. London developer Shmuel Farhi and the City of London who came together with an idea that would save the buildings. The Capitol was built in 1920 and was known as the Allen. It had a long lobby with mirrored walls that led to a large theatre. But after the years of neglect, it became a Dundas Street eyesore with a sign on its marquee that said R.I.P. The Bowles building was added in 1928, and was a restaurant and a jewelry store.

SS22 Clarence St, London

SS22 Clarence Street, London

Solid Gold on Clarence Street, yes it’s a strip club. So forget that part and just look at the building. The sign at top of building says 1876. Beautiful detailing around the windows and roofline. I couldn’t find out much about this building. Miniature Size 3" x 4"

SS20 Richmond Tavern

SS20 Richmond Tavern, London

The historic Richmond Tavern, corner of Richmond and King. This is what I have found out about this local watering hole ... the original building was constructed in 1852 and at the time was called the Revere House. 10 years later, the building was doubled in size and became known as the Richmond Hotel. This establishment has been continuously operating for over 150 years.  Miniature size: its very challenging to draw buildings this small, 3" x 4", figurative work is much easier (and much more fun) to create in this size…. Although after completing a few, it got much easier. Miniature Size 3" x 4".

SS19 Richmond St, London

SS19 Richmond Street, London

I have lived and worked in downtown London or close to the downtown for approximately thirty years. I always enjoyed being able to walk to work. This is Richmond Street, between King and York Street, one of the most historic and beautiful blocks in the downtown. The architectural details of the upper floors are all slightly different, which gives the street extra character. Miniature Size 3' x 4".

SS18 Richmond St, London

SS18 Richmond Street, London

Richmond Street between King and York. Includes business:  Los Comales, with a variety of authentic dishes from Colombia, El Salvador, Mexico, and Nicaragua.  The Organic Traveller, a marijuana paraphernalia store which still holds the distinction of being the first shop in the country solely dedicated to pot smoking and marijuana education. Hardcore Tattoo and Kangaroo Variety, an interesting variety of shops in this stretch of Richmond Street. Size is 6” x 9”

SS08 Cortona, Italy

SS08 Cortona, Italy

The next streetscape completed on location in Cortona, Italy in September 2011.