I haven’t been out sketching with these urban sketchers in a long time, because of other commitments. But I am so glad I went today despite nursing a head cold. We were in the Brisbane CBD.
I decided not to bother with paints today and just relied on pen work.
This contrast in building facades caught my eye. On the left side, you’ve got the lovely elegant and classical look of the old Regents Theatre. Right next to it is the ultra modern contemporary Zara building that screams for attention. The Regents building was built in 1929 and is now a heritage listed building. The interior is a mixture of Spanish Gothic and Romanesque design. Apparently the building is meant to reflect the opulence and glamour of Hollywood style. All those curved windows though, nearly drove me insane trying to draw them.
To its right is a large building that houses the fashion house, Zara. Apparently the butterflies that make up the front can be mechanically operated to open and close their wings and there are coloured lights which come on at dusk. It was great fun to sketch the butterflies.
And who can forget this iconic busker along the Queen Street Mall? He is an elderly blind man who always plays his saxophone along the mall. Many years ago when I was only a uni student, he would have one or two labradors sleeping next to him, almost always wearing a pair of matching heart shaped sunnies. Sadly, I haven’t seen him with those dogs in many years, perhaps they have crossed the rainbow bridge. It’s lovely to see people looking out for him by not stealing his tips, and now and then, folks would shout him a drink or some food.
There is this whole row of unoccupied terrace shophouses along the Queen Street Mall. I can see some workmen through the windows. Maybe they are refurbishing them up for new tenants? It’s a shame that there is no one in them. Most of these buildings are heritage listed.
I couldn’t walk past this bouncing little man who was busking at the corner where the Strandbags shop is. He was playing his own handmade bamboo whistles and had so much energy and verve. He told me that pipes are called Zufolo. His accent seems to be Italian.
Brisbane may be far away from other parts of the world, but it has its own charm. You have to go out and find it.
