56: New Drawings and Timeless Architecture
Some daily sketchbook pages, a new book celebrating Cecil Baker, and an invitation to join me in upcoming art workshops.
First, I want to thank you for your enthusiasm for Draw Your Adventures! It truly means so much, and I can’t wait to share more as we get closer to publication on July 15th. If you missed it, you can read more about the book in my previous post.
This week, I loved spending time with my friend
on Zoom, drawing markets from around the world (a drawing and painting session she hosted with her subscribers). Mostly, I listened and observed while painting the piece above from a photograph I took a few summers ago in Amagansett. My market scene was much simpler than the intricate images others chose to paint, so I assumed it would be easier. But I was wrong—what seems simple is often more complex. The perspective, depth, shadows, and the countless pieces of fruit in their baskets proved to be a challenge. I spent the entire session working on the page.(Charlotte and I are co-hosting a session open to all—you’ll find the link below under Workshops and Events)
I shared a detail of the page above in my notes, captioning it: “Drawing my world means drawing this bridge again and again—and it never gets old.” This idea of returning to the same subject over and over really seemed to resonate. One person even shared a poem with me in the comments, and it’s now one I’ll keep and use in my teaching.
One of the most important lessons I try to instill in the people I work with is that you don’t always have to search for a subject. Drawing what’s right in front of you—or something you love—again and again, with fresh eyes, new thoughts, and deepening appreciation, is more than enough. Growth happens through repetition. As I write in Draw Your World, try drawing the same subject three ways: from life, from a photo, and finally, from memory. At this point, I can draw the Brooklyn Bridge from memory—because I’ve done it so many times.
I am so excited to share that there is now a whole book dedicated to my father-in-law’s work! A beautiful new volume has been published (in a limited quantity for now, but available for pre-order) celebrating the life’s work—so far—of Cecil Baker, a visionary architect who has helped shape Philadelphia for over five decades.
In the 1980s, when I was in middle school and later high school in the late eighties, I already knew the name Cecil Baker. Growing up in Philadelphia, his work was well-known, especially around Rittenhouse Square. Some of my friends’ parents knew him, and I remember hearing his name in conversations about architecture and the city. Long before I ever met my husband, I was aware of Cecil’s influence. But knowing him as family has been even more meaningful. He is as kind and brilliant as his work suggests—soft-spoken, wise, and endlessly thoughtful.
This stunning 400-page book captures his career through striking imagery, personal stories, and heartfelt testimonials. More than just an archive of his work, it’s a tribute to the lasting impact of his vision—not just on the city, but on the people who have had the privilege to know him.
After coming to the U.S. to study at Williams College and later earning his master’s in architecture at the University of Pennsylvania under Louis Kahn, Cecil built a career defined by elegance, modernity, and a profound understanding of space and light. His buildings, found throughout the city, are thoughtful and timeless—structures that feel both contemporary and classic. When I walk around Philadelphia, and pass his houses and buildings, to say I am proud is an understatement!
Here is a piece in The Philadelphia Inquirer that shares a bit of Cecil’s story after stepping away from his firm after 40 years.
Workshops and Events:
• The next subscriber meetup will be on March 11th with Charlotte Hamilton. We are co-hosting this session, and have decided to open it up to everyone! If you were considering upgrading to either of our Substacks, you will be able to see what the drawing and painting sessions are all about. This time we will be drawing and painting some of our favorite images from our trip to Mexico. The link to register was shared in the chat! But you can also click here to register. Note: the recording will only be shared with paid subscribers.
• Draw & Paint Brooklyn with Samantha Dion Baker and Ohn Mar Win
ONLY TWO SPOTS LEFT on Thursday, May 8th!
You can choose from either Thursday, May 8th, 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM or Friday…
(Friday is currently sold out, but if that’s the only day you can do, please message us and we can add your name to the wait list).
Creatively Wild Art Studios 98 Water Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Click here to learn more!
• Draw Your Adventures - A two-day workshop in Apex, NC. May 30th-31, 2025 Limited spots left! Click here to learn more!
Ambassador and Affiliate Codes
If you’d like to try out Blackwing pencils or just order some new items, please shop using this unique link: blackwing602.com/sdionbaker. When you purchase using my link, there’s no additional cost to you, and I earn a small commission. I appreciate your support!
Most of my Skillshare classes feature my favorite Caran d’Ache art supplies. My relationship with the US distributor, Creative Art Materials, started back when I wrote Draw Your Day in 2018, and they saw how heavily I featured their art tools—many that I have been using since I was in grade school. Click here to find some my favorites on the Orange Art website.
All Canvas lights and accessories are 10% off with my discount code: SDB10.
The shadow of the bicycle is haunting.
I love how you overlap scenes in your paintings ... the doll and windowsill with the bicycle shadow. Also, congratulations to your father-in-law and his retrospective book. How exciting it that!