Why I Draw Pictures of Historic Places

I can almost guarantee that your hometown has a historic district with overlooked gems in the form of historic buildings. I like to draw these gems.

I've always had an interest in architecture, and not just because there's a really, really famous architect who shares my last name.

Famous architect Mario Botta. Maybe we're related?

By looking at historic buildings in your town, you can learn not just about architecture, but about your town's history. Learning one bit of information makes you want to learn more. There's a Mason St. in Pittsboro, N.C. and a Masonic temple that was built in 1838. It makes you curious about how the Masons contributed to Pittsboro's history. Visit your local library: The reference section is sure to be full of fascinating facts about your hometown's story as told in its historic buildings.

Masonic Temple, Pittsboro, N.C., built in 1838.

But it isn't just historic places that I like to draw. I also draw places that are historic to me. I'm grateful that I drew pictures of a local coffee shop where I loved to sketch, meet people from widely different backgrounds, and feel a real sense of community. All that changed when it was transformed into a swanky restaurant. But I still can visit the coffee shop through my drawings!

I brought my sketchbook here every morning.

All the furniture was removed when the coffee shop was turned into an upscale eatery.

The great thing about the coffee shop was that it felt like a real community. I met people from all walks of life there, people I would never have otherwise crossed paths with.

A sketch of one of my friends at the coffee shop reading the New York Times.

Drawing pictures of historic and "historic to me" places helps me express the connection to the past which I have always felt. (Speaking of the past, here is a drawing of a house that I did in the eighth grade. )

I drew this house in 8th grade art class. I think that's a lawn mower.

I hope what I've written about why I draw historic places will inspire you to look more closely at the historic buildings in your hometown, and encourage you to have a greater appreciation for those places which, though not technically historic, still have a personal meaning that makes them historic...to you.