Sketches from Peru

Basilica Cathedral of Lima

The Basilica Cathedral of Lima covers one side of the main Plaza Mayor, and has been a key fixture of Lima's architectural history since Lima's founding in 1535.

Convento de San Francisco

This church and monastery complex, just a block from the Plaza Mayor in the historic center of Lima, is an example of Spanish baroque architecture in Latin America. The complex is also known for its network of catacombs, secret passageways and crypts. I used Copic markers for this sketch, and the color, 'Buttercup Yellow', was a close match for the lovely warm yellow of this historic building.

The ornate House of Pizarro, which occupies one side of the Plaza Mayor, serves as residence to the President of Peru. It was originally built as a simple adobe structure by Francisco Pizarro, but the current building was built in 1920.

I used a black Micron pen and warm gray Copic markers to sketch the front entrance to this building.

Convento de Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo Convent is located only a few blocks from the historic center of Lima, and is the oldest church in the city. It is known as the home to Juan Martin de Porres Velázquez, the first black saint, who lived at the convent as a monk. He is known as the patron-saint of mixed races, and racial harmony. I used Light Orange and Sardonyx Copic markers to approximate the lovely warm-pink of the convent.

A River Spider from the family Trechaleidae waits near a river for its prey. Large spiders are very common at night in the Tambopata rainforest, and this unidentified species, measuring several inches in diameter, was common near water.

Peru Moleskine Sketches

The following are my sketches from Peru. This is my active, unedited journal that includes my itinerary, scribbles, sketches, notes and ideas. I sketched this journal with a sepia Micron liner pen and nut brown Winsor Newton ink.