On a practical level, because the artist is unimpeded
by the weather when sketching an interior, whether of
a house or of a ship, train or aeroplane, he or she is free
to examine it in closer detail. Hence, one’s critical
judgements are often sharper with regard to interiors than
with any other architectural subjects. Added to this, the
artist can sketch while enjoying a cup of coffee, for
instance, or listening to music, and the leisurely pace
engendered by mixing activities means the act of drawing
becomes more enjoyable.
Since we spend most of our time in interiors we are
often more aware of their shape and mood than that of
city streets. Thus our drawings of interiors should be
accurate with regard to both proportion and perspective.
However, precisely because we are so used to occupying
such spaces means that we have a tendency to sketch
them in an instinctive fashion, without proper regard to
the rules of perspective. If a room is regular in plan, the
lines of the walls must be running to a single vanishing
point even if it does not feel as though that is the case.
By first establishing the eye level and vanishing
points, the subject will not only be easier and more
rewarding to draw, but the sketch will ultimately be more
valuable as a means of understanding interior space.20.12a and b
This comparison of two cloisters at San Lorenzo, Florence (left) and Pienza
(right) shows the importance of articulating interior spaces.
Interiors 177