Structural Passages Feature Artist Lydia Thornley: Live Sketching

                           

                        Bromley by Bow Gasworks Sketch, May 25.

River Lea Cranes Sketch, May 25.

                      Assorted Whitechapel grandeur, early for life drawing (1)

                        Florist at Oxford covered market_© Lydia Thornley

                    Paddington view from a coffee shop _© Lydia Thornley

River Lea sketchbook developing skyline at the end of London where clouds were named_© Lydia Thornley

              The Cathedral of Sewage and shed heaven_© Lydia Thornley

                  V&A East – can't wait for it to open_© Lydia Thornley

                          View from a tea, Canterbury_© Lydia Thornley 

Statement

My quick, gestural sketching is rooted in my design practice. I bring from it my interest in materials and use of drawing for looking and thinking. My sketches are usually annotated – I think in words as well as images and what I’m drawing often goes beyond the image itself, to the story I’ve spotted, or to other senses in play as I draw. My sketchbooks are made from offcuts, samples and dummies, using up waste and in not being precious, liberating.

About

Lydia Thornley is a designer, illustrator, live sketcher and speaker. Lydia studied at Canterbury (now UCA), graduated in graphic design, spent decades in professional practice and in recent years, her work has broadened out. Now, Lydia brings her skills, knowledge and curiosity together: communication design with an overview, illustration with an editorial eye, live sketching with a design twist and talks and podcasts with added nerdery. Based in East London, Lydia works with clients and collaborators locally, nationally and internationally, and on her own projects.