June 2022. Fountain pen on watercolor paper.
It’s pretty rare to be able to experience greenery and nature if you’re growing up in an urban setting. However, as a child, this was my norm. I grew up as the only kid in our apartment building in downtown Chicago, and right next door was an expansive park. Our building overlooked the Chicago River, and the park did too. It had a dog run, sunken areas with benches where you could be close to the river, hills, trees, a playground, and endless places to play hide and seek as a child. Until we moved away when I was thirteen, this park was my safe space, and I find myself coming back to it anytime I’m in downtown Chicago. The curved fences, brick walkway, and shrill geese make me feel at home, and when I gained a new affinity for observational drawing this past summer, I knew I had to make another visit. It was easy to pick my spot — I had a good view of the bridge, the fence, and passersby, but I was covered from the sun by a large tree, which makes a small appearance in the upper lefthand corner. I was with my parents and uncle, and though they were rushing me to finish the drawing so we could leave, I took my time on the hatching for the shadows, the tiny windows in far away apartment buildings, and the details of the leaves, to make sure I did the park justice.