Sketching at the Higgins Armory
We’re recently back from the Higgins Armory in Worcester MA where we spent the day painting and drawing historic steel arms and armor. The Higgins is closing its doors at the end of the year – just til the end of December to see their world-class collection of period weapons and plate armor. (Info here.)
Our day at the museum was organized by Greg Shea, a Senior Preparator at the Yale Center for British Art. (His sketch above). Greg was able to bring together an eclectic group of artists including illustrators, game designers, fine artists and muralists. Great fun sketching with these fellows. We were able to watch both fine draftsmanship and bravura painting happening around us.
Illustrator/Author/Educators James and Jeanette Gurney were on hand painting in watercolor and casein. James has links to most of the other artists work on his blog [Gurney Journey], plus, a mini-documentary up on his Youtube.
We had a 6 hour drive from Montreal, so I was a fair bit behind by the time we arrived. I had about 2 and a half hours for my sketch. I knew I would only get one image, so I went right for the most dramatic thing I could find: a pair of jousting knights.
So, that’s it for the Higgins Armory – soon to close its doors forever. At least I got to paint there this one time. I hear some of the items will be acquired by the Worcester Art Museum – but it won’t be the same without the grand hall Higgins built for his armor. I’m sure many SCA re-creators and historical fencers will lift a tankard this new year’s in memory. We did our final salute in the parking lot.
Citizen Sketcher 
Hello,
What brand and model Length (bridge) do you use to paint?
thank you
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Bonjour,
Quel marque et modèle de pied (chevalet) utilisez-vous pour peindre ?
Merci
Hey Erick – I think you are asking about the easel? I have a few different tripods I attach a tray to – it depends on what I’m doing. Here’s a post with some details: https://citizensketcher.wordpress.com/2013/08/18/people-always-ask-about-the-easel/
Do you make prints of the jostling, horse and knight. If so, I am interested in buying one. I need to replace my printer and somewhere you recommended the epson 4900. Is it possible to recommend one half the price? Or is this the one and only. Many thanks for the expressive watercolour classes at Syn Studio, very much appreciated by all.