Sketching an Icon

Sydney Opera House

Esther Semmens

Esther did this quick sketch (above) of the Opera House using pen and watercolor. Note how the windows have been inked in to contrast with the light tiles of the facade.

Liz Steel

Liz sketched her version of the scene from a similar vantage point to Esther, but when the light was fading at the end of the day. As she says, with this iconic building “the sketching possibilities are endless.”

Peter Rush

This offers a completely different view of the building on a clear, bright day. Peter found this unusual viewpoint and decided to record what he saw: “It was surprising to glimpse the Sydney Opera House though the narrow gap of these buildings. The very ordinary and the remarkable all at once!”

Alissa Duke

This striking sketch by local Sydney sketcher Alissa Duke (above) was completed in just ten minutes, using watercolor pencil. There is fabulous use of negative space—and what an amazing colored sky! It provides a perfect backdrop to the complex roofscape of one of the world’s most famous architectural landmarks.