It's coming soon! Urban Sketching and Beyond: Solid Foundations, Exciting Applications

In this sequence of images, I explain the ideas that guided me in creating the workshop I'll be teaching on Madeline Island next July!

For more information check this link.

Urban Sketching and Beyond: Solid Foundations, Exciting Application

I am very glad to announce that I will be at the Madeline School of the Arts again in July 2025!
This is so exciting! I love the time I spent on stunning Madeline Island, in the charming and cozy environment of the school's campus. 

Cheers to our 2025 course!

Urban Sketching and Beyond: Solid Foundations, Exciting Application

The same team will be reunited: me, Oliver Hoeller, Nina Johansson and Jane Blundell. We had a great time as friends and teaching together. 

Don't waste your time and go check and apply to this incredible course on this link! 

This time, I will be teaching a workshop titled:

"Visual Reading - Using your Perception to Build Scenes"

The goal of this workshop is to develop tools and approaches to create a drawing of a building and its setting, with character and atmosphere.

It is based on a perceptive approach to perspective, measurement, proportions, depth and tones.

We will be using the school's beautiful buildings for our studies. There is a charming little storage building that is perfect for exploring perspective and visual measurements. Additionally, there's a good-sized barn with great character (where we enjoy our incredible meals!) that will serve wonderfully as the main subject. Of course, the subjects can change, as there are many aspects to consider while on location.

In addition to nature (especially trees, which is the topic for the 2024 season), I love drawing buildings, as well as exploring architecture and drawing techniques.

This time, I will use all my knowledge to help students improve their skills in creating scenes that involves buildings.

This is how my workshop will unfold: 

Morning session

During the morning, we will study, and practice basic concepts related to drawing a scene. We will review the main aspects of perspective both in class and on location, creating small line drawings. Then, we will learn how to measure angles and distances on-site so that we can begin to compose a scene. We will draw some of the charming buildings on the school campus.

Afternoon session

We will start a larger drawing using pencils and/or pens on toned paper. First, we will ensure that the subject fits on the paper and determine how much space will be left for the surroundings. To add character, we will apply white pastel and colored pencils on toned paper to create sophisticated effects.

Below you will find a few examples of this topic. 

'Sketching Haven' at Madeline Island School of the Arts

Great news!!

I am pleased to inform you that I will share my approaches and techniques at Madeline Island School of the Arts, in July 2024!

I will be together with a few fantastic international sketchers: Jane Blundell (Australia), Oliver Hoeller (Austria) and Nina Johansson (Sweden). Participans will sketch with each of us at different new locations daily (check their website and see how impressive the place is!)

The 'Sketching Haven: A Summer Retreat with Four Internationally Renowned Artists' (link here) will happen on July 8th–12th, 2024

"Experience an unparalleled opportunity to enhance your artistic skills with four exceptional instructors. Eduardo Bajzek‘s workshop focuses on capturing trees and landscapes, while Jane Blundell’s workshop specializes in color and botanical sketching. Oliver Hoeller guides participants in telling the story of Madeline Island through sketching, and Nina Johansson immerses you in everyday life in coastal harbor town. With diverse techniques and personalized guidance, these workshops offer a comprehensive learning experience for participants to refine their skills and explore various aspects of sketching and painting. Students will interact with a new instructor and visit a new location everyday."

I will teach the following workshop:

Eduardo Bajzek: Trees and the Island Landscape

Morning Session:

• Discover the essence of incorporating Nature as the predominant theme, exploring its graceful and meaningful presence in crafting artistic compositions.
• Exploring different types of linework, shapes, and edge variety associated with trees.
• Understanding the structure consistency of trunks and branches for a balanced composition.
• Developing the skill to see and sketch tree silhouettes.

Afternoon Session:

• Outdoor sketching session in Madeline Island, combining nature and buildings in unique compositions.
• Demonstrations by the instructor on choosing and framing subjects, organizing layers of tone, and creating depth.
• Participants will create their own landscape drawings, applying the learned concepts and receiving in-person assistance.
• Feedback session for participants to share their work and receive final considerations.

And here's a short description of my fellow partners (see more at Madeline's website):

Jane Blundell: Botanical Sketching

Jane is a member of the Australian Watercolour Institute, Australia’s oldest watercolour society, and an exhibiting member of the Royal Art Society of New South Wales, and a member of the Urban Sketching education committee. She is passionate about watercolour, colour, drawing and sketching.

Oliver Hoeller: Sketching the Story of Madeline Island

Oliver is a skilled sketcher and traveling artist, known for his ability to tell rich stories through his work. Explore Madeline Island, visiting the museum and surrounding areas to gather visual elements that reflect the island’s fascinating history. Oliver provides personalized guidance on arranging elements on the page; presenting demonstrations and giving feedback throughout the day.

Nina Johansson: Everyday Life in a Coastal Village

Nina Johansson, an illustrator and art teacher from Stockholm, Sweden, is a dedicated on-location sketcher with a penchant for capturing everyday life in urban environments. Learn techniques to convey perspective without construction, work from big shapes to smaller details, and create well-composed sketches. Students will grow through individual support and group discussions.

New Zealand - Part II: The Flamboyant Impossible Tower

 

Actually, this was the first drawing I did (or start) in Auckland. The Auckland University Clock Tower was one of the subjects entitled to be part of my workshop location, so I went there asap to check it out and do a few sketches. 

I started observing the location, figuring the best spots to sit and draw. Unfortunately, the botton of the building was hidden by renovation works - even if it wasn't, I would have trouble to see it properly due to the cars parked across the street, right in front of me. If I moved a few meters to one side, there was a pedestrian passage; to the other side, a big tree blocked the view. So, I sat down and started - urban sketching is as unpredictable as my cat.

After struggling for an hour, I already realized that subject wasn't the best for my workshop - the building was sooo complicated, with its forms melting into each other (the corners were all somehow disguised). There were dozens of pinnacles in this mixture of Tudor and Flamboyant 19th century bulding. Too hard. I mean, that was an interesting challenge...and as I wrote down on my page : "it's not about the bulding, it's about the scenery".

I also wrote: 

"The pinnacles get all messy" (one couln't easily understand where they did belong to);
"Suggesting vegetation" (so I did);
"Looking for the sillhouete" (the whole body of the building);
"Inside shapes can be open" (so the eye doesn't stop everytime).

The mind wanders and we learn a lot, each drawing.

Eventually, I decided to prevent the parcipants from suffering from that intricate (however interesting) tower.

Graphite is the Matter in Budapest - Results

The group at the end of the workshop. (Picture by Jakab Erdely)

Após cerca de um mês desde o último post, quando anunciei meu workshop em Budapest, estou aqui para compartilhar minhas impressões sobre a realização do mesmo. Na verdade, tenho muito a compartilhar sobre minha recente viagem à Hungria, mas vou começar pelo workshop, que aconteceu no último dia 28 de outubro.
O local escolhido para o workshop foi ótimo, com uma boa oferta de temas apropriados para a abordagem de lápis e massas. Fui ao local, na Kossuth Lajos utca com Ferenciek Tere, duas vezes antes da data da realização, a fim de estudar os temas, ângulos, movimento do local e alternativas em caso de chuva.

Our subjects

Na primeira vez que fui estava um frio quase insuportável, e ainda garoava em alguns momentos. Mas havia uma arcada onde poderíamos ficar em caso de chuva, o que me deixou aliviado. Voltei novamente no outro dia, bem mais agradável e seco, o que me possibilitou progredir nos estudos. Encontrei um tema para o inicio do workshop, onde os alunos deveriam fazer uma leitura da silhueta de uma igreja, não pelo contorno, mas pela sua massa visual. O tema para o estudo principal seria o belo e rebuscado edificio "Párisi Udvar". Felizmente a escolha dos temas foi bastante apropriada.
No domingo, dia 28, o tempo estava firme! Felizmente.
Foram ao todo 20 participantes, um número expressivo que me deixou bastante contente e animado.
Comecei falando sobre meu trabalho, sobre desenho urbano e sobre o grupo Urban Sketchers, o qual muitos já conheciam sendo frequentadores do grupo na cidade. A minha amiga Cecilia Simonyi fez a tradução e mais que isso, me ajudou bastante, já que é artista e urban sketcher.

Was I reciting a poem? Praying for inspiration? Singing? (Picture by Jakab Erdely)

Em seguida fiz uma rápida demonstração, falando sobre os materiais e sobre o primeiro exercício.
Todos pareceram entender bem, pois 'pegaram' a ideia desde o inicio. Alguns comentaram sobre a dificuldade de evitar a linha de contorno, fato muito natural dada a forma como todos aprendemos a representar o mundo físico, quando crianças e mesmo em nosso desenvolvimento artístico posterior.

First exercise going on. (Pictures by Cecilia Simonyi)

Em seguida, fiz uma nova e rápida demonstração da abordagem do 'Párisi Udvar', e os alunos enfim tiveram até o fim da aula para trabalhar nesse tema, com minha assistência e de Cecilia.

Talking about the results. (Picture by Jakab Erdely)

Ao final, espalhamos os cadernos pela calçada e avaliamos os resultados. Eu sempre convido os participantes a comentar seus próprios trabalhos e se quiserem, os dos colegas.

Same subject, same approach, same technique - 20 different works. (Picture by Cecilia Simonyi)

Essa foi uma das aulas que eu mais gostei de realizar. Foi intensa e produtiva e acho que houve uma troca incrível com os participantes. Foi um momento muito especial para mim, realizar um workshop de desenho em Budapeste, capital do país de origem da minha família.

Muito obrigado Budapeste!
Köszönöm szépen!


Conheça o belo trabalho de ilustração de Cecilia Simonyi em seu website.

---

On October 28, I taught the workshop "Graphite is the Matter" in Budapest, as announced.
I have plenty of stories and drawings to share about my recently trip to Hungary, but I'm starting with this workshop.
The workshop was planned by me and the local artist and friend Cecilia Simonyi. It was approved as an official Urban Sketchers workshop and it also had local support by Usk Budapest.
The workshop location, at Kossuth Lajos U and Ferenciek Tere, was a great choice. It had some interesting subjects for a painterly approach with graphite.

I went to the spot twice before it happened to study the location, its subjects, possible angles and alternatives in case of rain.
On the first day, the weather was challenging. It was very cold and wet, which forced me to work quickly and to stop for a coffee nearby. At least, I was relieved as I noticed the existence of a loggia where we could be sheltered in case of bad weather on the day of the workshop.
I came back on the the next day. As the weather improved, I worked peacefully on a few pieces for the demos. I could finally feel well prepared - it was the same feeling of teaching at an Urban Sketchers symposium.
On Sunday morning, the day of the workshop, the weather was just perfect for teaching and drawing.
I started talking about my own work, about urban sketching and the Urban Sketchers organization itself. Cecilia assisted me, and did the translation to Hungarian.
Then, I did a quick demo showing the first exercise, taking the opportunity to talk about the materials and pencil technique themselves.
Everyone seemed to grasp the idea of working with masses, looking at the whole visual mass of the subject, trying to avoid doing contour lines.
After everyone finished I did another quick demo showing how to proceed next. I remember some participants asking what the "next steps" were. I showed then how to keep focusing on the masses, improving the general composition whilst adding smaller shapes for windows, doors, building ornaments, people and so on.
At the end, we put all the drawings on the ground and shared the impressions of the technique, approach and results. People were happy with the experience and so was I!

I honestly believe it was one on the best workshops I've ever taught. It was very productive and the group was eager to learn and to try this approach. For me it was really special teaching at Hungary, the country where part of my family came from!

I'd like to thank Cecilia for her assistance and to help me making this workshop happen. I'd also want to thank Urban Sketchers and Urban Sketchers Budapest!

Köszönöm szépen!

Get to know the beautiful work by Cecilia Simonyi on her website.

Relaxing after the workshop, taking a look at some of my drawings. (Picture by Cecilia Simonyi)

"I'd like to introduce you the kneaded eraser!" (Picture by Jakab Erdely)

Thinking with the students (Picture by Cecilia Simonyi)

Participação na Semana Design Essencial 2016 do Senac

Nos últimos dias 09 e 10 de novembro, participei da Semana Design Essencial 2016, no Senac Osasco - SP, a convite do colega arquiteto e professor Rogério Novakoski.

No dia 09, proferi palestra com o tema Desenho e Design, onde abordo o tema de Desenho em duas diferentes formas: quando possui um fim em si próprio e quando serve como ferramenta no processo criativo - além de como essas duas formas se complementam.
O slide abaixo resume bem a primeira parte da palestra:

Sigo mostrando como minha atividade de ilustrador se relaciona com a atividade projetual de arquitetos e designers, quando estes me solicitam perspectivas artísticas. Existe, neste caso, uma troca dinâmica entre o ilustrador e o arquiteto, quando um se apoia no processo do outro para desenvolver seu trabalho.
Finalizo comentando como acredito ser muito importante desenvolver o desenho a mão livre como ferramenta de projeto.

Já no dia seguinte, ministrei um workshop de desenho de observação, onde procurei focar na questão da leitura do 'real', pelos olhos não-comprometidos da 'percepção concreta', ou seja, sem a interferência de julgamentos do cérebro viciado em símbolos e padrões. Em outras palavras, mostrei que é preciso desenhar 'o que se vê', e não aquilo que 'acha que se vê'. O exemplo clássico disso é quando o aluno não consegue representar um objeto que está acima da sua linha de visão: sempre o faz como se estivesse olhando-o por cima -  as linhas 'sobem no papel' (a partir das arestas) e nunca 'descem', como de fato ocorre nestes casos. Entre outras coisas, eu mostrei a imagem abaixo para elucidar esta questão.

Agradeço ao Rogério pelo convite e também a professora Indira F. Faria pela ajuda e recepção.
Abraços!

Curso do Bajzek em Brasília!

No final do mês de Abril, fui à Brasília para ministrar o Curso do Bajzek em sua versão intensiva, na Universidade Nacional de Brasília (UNB). Também ministrei palestras "Do Papel Carbono aos Sketchbooks - O Desenho na Vida de um Arquiteto" nesta instituição e na UNIP - Campus Brasília.
Foram 4 dias muito intensos mas muito gratificantes e enriquecedores. Aprendo muito nestes cursos e sempre fico contente de ver o desenho à mão livre sendo valorizado nas instituições de ensino de arquitetura deste país.
Aproveito para agradecer aos Prof. Luana Kallas e Prof. Juan Carlos Guillén Salas que proporcionaram a realização destes cursos e tão bem me receberam em Brasilia.
Um grande agradecimento também a todos os participantes do curso e das palestras!

Alunos avaliando o resultado da primeira manhã - a planta baixa valorizada, onde já aplicam a técnica de marcadores e lápis de cores.

Alguns desenhos reunidos...esse é o exercício de perspectiva com 01 ponto de fuga, focado principalmente na valorização gráfica

Alunos desenhando no campus da UNB na aula de Urban Sketching

Desenho de observação!

Sob forte chuva, arrumamos um cantinho na capelinha do Niemeyer. Espremidos.

Apesar da chuva da última tarde, trabalhamos até o final.

Palestra "O Desenho na Vida de um Arquiteto", ministrada na UNIP

Falando sobre como o Desenho movimentou e determinou toda a minha vida profissional (e pessoal)

Do Papel Carbono aos Sketchbooks, na UNB.

Turma  reunida ao final do curso

Belo grupo...foi demais.

Curso do Bajzek de volta em 2014!

O Curso do Bajzek está de volta!

Estão iniciadas as inscrições da 13º turma.
Em 3 anos de vida, o curso extensivo já atendeu cerca de 120 alunos.

Em sua versão intensiva ou em workshops já participaram mais de 220 pessoas em cidades como São Paulo, São Luis, Fortaleza e no 3º International Urban SketchingSymposium, na República Dominicana. 
Em julho de 2013, participou do 4º International UrbanSketching Symposium, em Barcelona – Espanha, como instrutor do workshop “Straight to Masses”.

As aulas vão de 01/02/2014 a 05/04/2014
São nove sábados, das 09:00 às 13:00hs. (não haverá aula no sábado dia 01/03)

O curso agora conta com uma aula a mais, incluida após pesquisa com os ex-alunos.
O conteúdo passou por uma avaliação também, nessa ocasião.
Informações no flyer.

Maiores detalhes: edubajzek@gmail.com

(ah, restam apenas 09 vagas)