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18 best places to sketch from around the world
Website Editor • Jun 25, 2019
Working away from the desk; 18 best places to sketch around the world
Most artists can sketch and draw from anywhere, but almost all artists will tell you that the right environment produces the most inspired work. Here is a list of gardens, coffee shops and views around the world that have been heralded for the artistic inspiration they imbue.
1. Chateau de Versailles (Versailles, France)
An important global historical landmark, the gardens display the finest examples of Garden a la francaise in French garden design.
2. Dumbarton Oaks (Georgetown, Washington DC)
This residence contains the gardens of Robert Woods Bliss. The Federal architecture and lush gardens include endless things to look at and sketch.
3. Central Park (Manhattan, New York City)
One of the most famous parks in the country, Central Park is nestled in the center of Manhattan and is a mecca for artists.
4. The Field Museum in Chicago (Chicago, Illinois)
This natural history museum is one of the largest in the world. They offer free admission on certain days so you’re welcome to bring your sketchbook and find inspiration in the exhibitions and events.
5. Gardens of the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild (Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France)
This amazing 20th century villa has 9 different themed gardens for you to explore that all overlook the grand Mediterranean Sea.
6. Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew (Surrey, United Kingdom)
These gardens were established for botanical research and education, so the variation of plants to see are remarkable.
7. Washington Square Park (Manhattan, New York City)
Located in Greenwich Village, the park is almost 10 acres of greenery and architecture. You’ll find it a great place for people watching and street performances.
8. Powerscourt Gardens (Enniskerry, County Wicklow, Ireland)
This enormous estate has lush themed landscaped gardens and waterfalls, perfect for sitting in isolation to draw.
9. The Master of Nets Garden (Suzhou, China)
The gardens contain classical gardens and is one of the smallest but most impressive ones in China. You will find amazing views in the day and folk music at night.
10. Butchart Gardens (Brentwood Bay, BC, Canada)
Receiving almost one million visitors each year, the gardens spread over 22 hectares. You will find seasonal entertainment and food in addition to a great place to be inspired by nature.
11. Griffith Park (Los Angeles, California)
This expansive park includes hiking trails and a museum on the top of a hill overlooking the city of Los Angeles. Countless artists flock to it as a place for reflecting and drawing.
12. Lincoln Park Zoo (Chicago, Illinois)
If you’re interested in sketching animals and wildlife, this zoo is perfect. It is one of the oldest and most respected zoos in the United States with large and interactive exhibits.
13. Villa d’Este (Tivoli, Italy)
This garden displays impressive and historic Renaissance architecture and the style of Italian Renaissance gardens.
14. Baratti & Milano Caffe (Torino, Italy)
This coffee bar was founded in 1858. It has a rich historical history that you can feel just sitting in it. The some of the original architecture and designs remain.
15. Caffe Florian (Venice, Italy)
This cafe is the oldest one in the world and is situated in the heart of Italy. If you love sitting, sketching, people watching and drinking exquisite coffee in historical buildings, this cafe is for you.
16. Pedrocchi Cafe (Padova PD, Italy)
The Pedrocchi was founded in the 18th century. Each room is decorated in different styles in a beautiful and eclectic architectural ensemble, giving you so much to look at in one sitting.
17. Caffe Greco (San Francisco, California)
This beautiful cafe has both indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for people watching.
18. The Elephant House (Edinburgh, Scotland)
This write/reader-friendly cafe is famous for creative inspiration striking, as it’s where JK Rowling wrote many of the Harry Potter books.
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