Drawing Inspiration: Walter Frederick Osborne (1859-1903)

Merrion Row, Dublin and Tracton House from Saint Stephen's Green, 1895/1900

This loose pencil sketch captures so much of this Dublin street in just a few lines. Osborne filled many sketchbooks with drawings of scenes from Dublin’s streets and alleys. Among his subjects were fish sellers, flower girls and a variety of other city characters at market stalls. He would use these studies as references for his oil paintings. He did not rely exclusively on sketches, however, but also made extensive use of photographs, a distinctly modern and popular resource.

Activity idea

Many of us are more familiar than ever with our local area. Why not take a pencil and paper with you on your next walk and make some quick sketches of your neighbourhood or park?

You'll find more information about this drawing by Osborne in our online collection.