Sketch # 3 - The Fine Arts Building

The Fine Arts Building

I recently went on a wonderful tour of the Fine Arts Building given by the Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF).  This building is the 'The Nations Oldest Artist Colony", and quite a gem.  Designed by Architect Solon Spencer Berman, the FAB was built in 1886 for the Studebaker Carriage Company and then renovated later, in 1898 specifically for artists.  Many famous artists have graced it's halls, including Sculptor - Lorado Taft, William Denslow (Illustrator of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz), and Frank Lloyd Wright to name a few.

The Chicago Cultural Center - Sketch # 2

The Chicago Cultural Center

This was another 'outdoor cafe' sketch, this time at a lovely Parisian style patisserie called Toni's, right on Washington St. across from my subject - the Chicago Cultural Center.  The Architects - Shepley, Rutan & Coolidge are the same Architects who designed the Art Institute. Built in  1897, this was originally the public library.  The building is beautiful inside as well.

Sketch # 1 - where to begin?

Art Institute of Chicago

Thought I'd start at one of my favorite places in Chicago - The Art Institute.

I've always loved the Architecture of the Art Institute.  It was designed by Shepley, Rutan and Coolidge in the Beaux-Arts style for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition.  The beautiful warm Fall weather made it easy to sit 'al fresco' at Bennigan's - just across the street, and sketch for a couple of hours.