How One Artist’s Rendition of Thiepval Deepened His Understanding of this ‘Extraordinary Building’

by Chris Draper

Wiltshire-based artist and illustrator Chris Draper, who initially trained as an architect, has long been interested in Classical architecture and architectural forms. The paintings of JMW Turner and Claude Lorrain were formative influences on his work, and his architectural clients today range from small practices to some of the largest firms in both the UK and US. Here he talks about his approach as an artist as well as his interest in the Thiepval Memorial and his watercolour of it (pictured):

“Over my career I have been fortunate to paint some of the most beautiful architectural projects, cities, aircraft as well as fascinating people. Although I work primarily in watercolour and gouache, I also use oils and acrylics. In his book on architectural rendering, Cyril Farey, the perspectivist Lutyens frequently worked with, writes: ‘A good architect is a student for life and learns a great deal from both measured and perspective drawing. Each in its way enables the architect to acquire familiarity with the works of the past and to increase the range of his ideas concerning design…’ I couldn’t agree more. It has been and is my primary way of unpeeling the layers of architecture and discovering the subtle language of the designer. With my painting of the Thiepval Memorial, I gained a far deeper understanding of this extraordinary building. Underlying the complex form Lutyens employs is a simple geometry that controls everything.”

Here is a link to a video in which Chris demonstrates his techniques, in this case while painting his watercolour of the Thiepval Memorial.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7udCGhFuqY&t=1748s
www.chrisdraperartist.com