I bought a Sailor fountain pen and decided to give it a whirl at Mazza Gallerie, in the Friendship Heights neighborhood of Washington, DC. I brought along a waterbrush so that I could create ink washes -- diluted areas of ink used for shading and blending. I started in the lobby area, which features big comfy chairs. Lots of people flop in them to snooze or, more commonly, to use their phones.
Geoff Watson, "Man at Mazza," ink and wash on paper, about 4" x 6," 2018.
The fellow below didn't notice me, but his companion did. They liked my drawing.
Geoff Watson, "Another man at Mazza," ink and wash on paper, about 4" x 6," 2018.
Here are a couple more guys with phones.
Geoff Watson, "Man on phone," ink and wash on paper, about 3" x 5," 2018.
Geoff Watson, "Mazza phoning," ink and wash on paper, about 4" x 6," 2018.
I then wandered over to a nearby McDonald's and has a small order of fries. While eating, I sketched a group of boisterous friends at the table next to mine.
Geoff Watson, "Friends at McDonald's," ink and wash on paper, about 5" x 7," 2018.
I also sketched people waiting in line to order.
Geoff Watson, "Waiting in line at McDonald's," ink and wash on paper, about 4" x 6," 2018.
Then I wandered into TJ Max and sketched a few folks shopping. Shoppers move around more than I expected, so this was more of a challenge. Here's a shoe-shopper.
Geoff Watson, "Shoe shopping," ink and wash on paper, about 4" x 6," 2018.
Finally I wandered back to my starting point and sketched one more person in a chair. It was a nice afternoon!
Geoff Watson, "Lady at Mazza," ink and wash on paper, about 4" x 6," 2018.