Illustrating York Minster - A Work in Progress
I’m currently working on an A3 architectural drawing of York Minster, and I’m almost at the end of the pencil stage. I actually started this at the beginning of December but life has been so busy since then that it has taken me a long time to get to this point!
This piece will be finished in fineliner rather than watercolour, focusing purely on line, detail and structure. I’ve always loved how powerful a building can feel when it’s stripped back to ink and paper; no colour, just form and shadow. I really enjoyed the larger fineliner projects of Edinburgh Castle and Whitby Steps, so fancied doing something similar again!
Why This Angle?
Finding the right reference was actually the hardest part.
I wanted a specific angle of York Minster; slightly less photographed, with a strong sense of height and drama. After searching for modern photographs, I couldn’t quite find what I had in mind. There currently seems to always be a tree in the way!
In the end, I found a vintage drawing of the cathedral with exactly the perspective I was looking for. The proportions and composition were perfect. Using an old illustration as a reference has given this piece a slightly timeless feeling, which feels fitting for such a historic building. I'm using this image for the main structure, and then will use modern photographs for the detail.
The Pencil Stage (Almost There…)
At A3 size, the pencil work has taken time.
With architecture, especially Gothic architecture, accuracy matters. The windows, arches and stone tracery need to feel balanced and grounded. I work lightly at first, building up structure slowly so I can adjust proportions as I go.
I’m now at the stage where most of the main forms are in place. The towers are defined, the large windows mapped out, and the overall composition feels stable. There are still small details to refine before I move to ink, and that part requires patience.
Why Fineliner?
Fineliner drawing feels very different to watercolour.
There’s no hiding once the ink goes down. Every line is intentional. For a building like York Minster, I love the idea of focusing on contrast; light against shadow, intricate detail against open sky.
The stonework and gothic detailing will really come to life through layered line work rather than colour.
What’s Next
Once I’m completely happy with the pencil framework, I’ll begin the inking stage. That’s when the drawing will start to feel alive.
I’m particularly looking forward to defining the windows and adding depth to the shadowed areas as those darker sections give architectural drawings their atmosphere.
I’ll share the finished piece once it’s complete!
If you’re interested in commissioning a detailed architectural drawing of a meaningful building or home, I do take on a limited number of commissions throughout the year.
