Color Perspective Renderings for San Francisco Architectural Projects
Aaaah–San Francisco….Home Sweet Home ! Such a wonderful place with such natural beauty ! Today I’m going to feature many of the illustrations I have done in recent years of architectural projects in and around San Francisco, California….
In fact all of these renderings were commissioned by one architectural firm located in San Francisco, Van Meter Williams Pollack LLP….Usually working directly with Rick Williams, one the principals of the firm, I have actually worked with Tim Van Meter and Fred Pollack, the other two principals….Van Meter runs the VMWP office in Denver, Colorado, which I visited in 2014….Their architectural work is mostly of an urban nature, from single-story to multi-story residential, located either in the urban centers, or occasionally outside in more suburban locations…..VMWP partners with affordable housing organizations to create residential projects that provide much-needed housing for low-income families and seniors with home insecurity….Sometimes the purpose of these drawings is to communicate the design to the client, and other times their purpose is to show the governing authority (City, County, etc.) the aspects of the design that may not be adequately expressed by the plans and elevations that the architect provides….One of the great attributes of perspective renderings is that they engage the viewer on a much more basic level….This is primarily because perspective views are a lot like the actual experience someone has when looking at architecture….most often you see a building from the sidewalk, or from across the street, or while driving your car or bicycle….Although plans and elevations are great tools for the architect to generate, they are not very useful or inspiring for the client or the public….The next time you are presenting a project, you should think about arriving with some colorful perspective illustrations that will bring out the “ooohs and aaahs” from the crowd….and get them excited about all the hard work you’ve put into your design !
Architectural Renderings for California Central Valley
Within the last year or two I have had the opportunity to work on several architectural projects located in the Central Valley of California. I am featuring these renderings in this episode of my blog. They involve the California communities of Visalia, Bakersfield, and Sanger (Fresno area). The first rendering shown here is an exterior view of a new commercial building located in the Sanger downtown area on a major street. 
I was commissioned by the architect, Frank Areyano. Frank’s concept was to create a modern facility that would fit in with the older, traditional streetscape of Sanger–such as the existing building shown on the right in the rendering. The second project shown here is a homeless community proposed for Visalia, California. Envisioned by an organization called Salt & Light, this housing facility was designed with the help of Self-Help Enterprises of Visalia, California. As shown here, I created two perspective views of the design–one indicating the Central Park area, a common area within the facility for open space and recreation, and another view of the Memorial Garden within the facility, which would honor those in the community who had passed away. The project would be made up of manufactured residential structures that could be transported to the site more or less intact, and permanently installed along interior roads within the complex. 
The third project for which I did illustrations was also addressing the homeless population. Located in an industrial part of Bakersfield, the site would provide temporary housing and support services for people in the area experiencing homelessness. I was commissioned by Bruce E. Keith, Architect of Bakersfield, California who was working with members of an organization involved with helping to solve the homeless situation in the Bakersfield area. As mentioned in the beginning of this article, I, Jeffrey Michael George, Architectural Illustrator, have welcomed the opportunity to be involved in these projects for the benefit of the Central Valley communities of California.
Watercolor Sketch of Future Architectural Towers
Here is a sketch I did this afternoon just for fun….kind of an architectural fantasy of sorts….mostly done subconsciously….I forced myself to draw and paint without any preconceptions on this one….basically just start drawing and see what becomes of it….it’s small–at 5″ x 8″ on a watercolor tablet….two hours start to finish….keep moving–don’t think–just paint….force yourself to start without a plan, then make all decisions on the fly–implementing them immediately, without evaluation or second-guessing….colors, shapes, composition–all instantaneous decisions….keep a dry paper towel handy modify the live work in front of you….graphite sketch first with some texture, some darker tones to get the composition somewhat set (most of this is painted over although some shows through in the end)….Limited palette, using just orange, violet, pthallo green, manganese, and black….Architecturally, these are towers linked together–sort of “It Takes A Village” in architectural terms…..Structurally, the difficulty of building tall buildings is keeping them strong and upright and stable….but if they have help from others through buttressing and triangulation, they can get much stronger–so the towers work together to create a structural network–a network that could also provide a means of circulation–going from one tower to the next….Another thought expressed here in this painting–and I believe it to be futuristic–that future existence and urbanization will be more concentrated and focused, with less urban sprawl….Think of it as a smaller footprint on the earth….We leave much more of the land untouched by going vertical with towers springing from a very small footprint….and we need to travel or commute less, because everything is right where we live….Idealistic ? Yes ! Unrealistic ? I don’t know–it could happen….It’s more of a rough concept–like a goal to strive for, maybe….I can’t help but think it would be better than the mindless sprawl we have now, which only seems to stop if we run out of physical space to ruin….Like all great things, it will take people working together toward a common goal….
`Interior Watercolor Illustrations of Lakewold Gardens Renovations
Here are a couple of watercolor illustrations I did very recently for a place called Lakewold Gardens near Tacoma, Washington. I worked with the Architect Gerald Eysaman in developing the views shown here. He was the interface between me and the Friends of Lakewold, which had commissioned the drawings. With a lot of inside “sprucing up” and many other technical issues to address with this renovation, Gerald took the reins in figuring out the architectural design and also building a rough Sketchup model to work from on the perspectives. It’s a historical carriage house on a gorgeous property called Lakewold Gardens which contains much bucolic scenery with many native trees and plants in coastal Washington. 
The first view shows the downstairs converted garage space with sliding doors to the outside. Added ceiling lighting and ceiling fans and wall sconces make the space more functional as a flex space, able to stage flower arranging classes or gardening talks, or the like. I suggested showing an evening flower arranging class on a crisp autumn eve–warm inside, but open to the great natural beauty outside the carriage doors. Work tables and chairs, a flower sink, art gallery wall on left, and restored cubbies on the back wall for display items and storing of supplies, garden tools, personal effects, etc…..People having a good time exploring their creativity and creating, talking….The second view we show is a much smaller, intimate space on the second floor that would be suitable for small groups gathering to hear from an author, or listen to an entomologist present, or maybe a poetry reading….The space is modest, but could be quite charming with natural cedar siding perhaps–an older wood floor sanded and finished…..A few exposed wood beams, ceiling fam, some new lighting, and again cubbies for books and personal effects storage….A large picture window is centered on the back wall with an LED screen to support presentations if desired….We wanted to show a diverse group of attendees involved in an intimate setting–in this case, maybe a butterfly specialist and discussion….I hope you enjoyed these renderings–they are fun to create and I enjoy the work immensely !
Watercolor of Brewery Scene by Jeffrey Michael George
Fascinated by the machinery and visual imagery of a working brewery, I created this watercolor sketch….Keeping the color palette subtle and somewhat somber, I tried to capture a simple impression of the worker experience returning to the warehouse from break time….It’s part homage to the cold hard brewery itself and part homage to the hard-working folks that keep the machines and products rolling….They both work hard together toward a common goal–efficiency and production of their products….As for the elements in the painting, the large massing of a brewery consists of huge prismatic forms like cylinders, funnels, tubes, pipes, and rectangular buildings for the most part….Heavily determined by their function, the elements are largely unadorned and utilitarian….This painting is a rendering of sorts–instead of depicting a new building underway, this rendering shows an existing building and environment–not literally, but figuratively….And since I generally illustrate buildings yet to be constructed (with architects as my clients) it’s refreshing to draw and paint something different–more whimsical and imaginary, less defined and exact….As a watercolorist, I’m learning….lately trying to keep the shapes and strokes fresh, simple, and unencumbered….you have to fight yourself sometimes with that….sometimes deciding not to do more–to let it be….let it dry, and see what transpired with the medium….it can be a fascinating experience….and it gets more rewarding when you have done enough watercolor to predict the general outcome when you “let it go”….and, of course, you never really know, but there’s an excitement in that as well….I think watercolor as a medium is unique in that it’s almost like you are partners with the paint….You both contribute to the painting–the painter is leading the dance, but the paint itself is a silent partner that follows–one that adds tis own influence and nuance to the final artwork….
Color Architectural Illustrations for Oakland, California Project
The feature of this blog is a series of four color illustrations I did for an architect in 2020. Rick Williams is the architect and his San Francisco architectural firm is Van Meter Williams Pollack LLC. The project is a re-thinking of key areas of an existing college campus , Mills College, in Oakland, California. These renderings are conceptual in nature–and the content was derived mostly by Rick from his vision to enliven and update various spots in and around the campus. 
I do not have significant input here, but occasionally I contribute a bit to the ideas and images–especially if asked to do so. Rick is particularly good at surveying the needs of a facility after touring the existing conditions. And these images are basically the result of what Rick believes to be the most important improvements the College could make. On the aesthetic look of these renderings, however, I do have a lot of input. I usually offer color pencil or watercolor as the techniques to choose. The architect and I usually are in agreement on which “look” is best for a particular project. Color pencil was the right choice for this project, and pretty loose in character. We just wanted to show an indication of scale and architectural style, without getting into too much detail because the details are not important at this point. The first rendering shows a modernist straight-line design with flat roofs, white stucco, and horizontal wood siding accents. The second rendering shows a contemporary farmhouse sensibility for the Growers Market and housing. The third rendering takes its architectural clue from the existing campus gate and more historical, Early California feel. The fourth rendering has emphasis on the “neighborhood feel” of the single-family houses for the faculty–and there are va
rious styles shown therein.
Watercolor of Foggy Setting in Brookings, Oregon
This is a simple painting….
Brookings 1, Watercolor by Jeffrey Michael George, 2021
While waiting for a custom sweatshirt to be printed at a seaside shop, I was struck by the effect of the fog rolling in from the Pacific Ocean. To explain the simple approach to painting this scene, I would offer this: Nothing is “penciled in” or laid out, you just start painting. Light gray sky first with some rough tree silhouettes establish the composition and allow you to further refine the perspective. Next, some intermediate ground plane (brownish areas) to define the coastline. Throwing some gray on what’s left over in the foreground completes the scene–and since I’m standing in a parking lot, I’m not going to add detail to this area, because it’s inconsequential. The essential goal of this painting is to capture the fade-out effect of the fog in the atmosphere–the way it obscures more and more the further you look toward the horizon. Just as in reality, the painting shows the distant landscape and ocean horizon barely discernable. As trees, land forms and buildings get closer to you, they begin to gain slightly darker values, with the closest tree having the darkest value in the painting. Two brushes used: a wide flat and a pointed round. Ultramarine, sepia, phthalo green, a little manganese are the only paints. Size is 5″ x 8″. I like paintings such as this because the goals are simple….and the end effect is clear and true to the initial intent and inspiration…no need to accent with cars, colorful buildings, or any other extraneous detail–things that would detract from the essential point being made. Just an ode to the intrinsic beauty of nature in a tender moment. And as an artist, I could not explain the simple joy of painting a scene like this–it’s cathartic and soothing and makes you feel at ease!
Watercolor Rendering of Villa Savoye by Architect Le Corbusier
Watercolor Renderings for Large Mixed Use Project Planned for San Jose
The subject of this blog is a series of eight watercolor renderings I did for a large mixed use project planned for San Jose, CA. designed by Ken Rodrigues + Partners of Mountain View, and KTGY Architects….Weingarten Realty is the developer of the 18-acre property, which is the current site of an older commercial shopping center named Cambrian Park Plaza….As the illustrations show, the project features many different building types including apartments, condos, a hotel, an assisted living facility, restaurants, and single family homes….Garnering lots of community input over the past four years, six acres of the site is dedicated to open space, including a large central park with bicycle and pedestrian walkways, fountains, an amphitheater, and a community plaza which defines the 6-story apartment buildings….The hotel is five stories, and the assisted living facility is 3 to 4-stories in height. All have underground parking. The plan is built for people with pedestrian paseos knitting the village together, including a central promenade running from the entrance to the village at the corner of Cambrian and Union through the community plaza and central park to the existing neighborhood to the east. The village plan is designed for people – not cars – with walking promenades connecting acres of public open space, including a central park with amphitheater next to a community plaza surrounded by small commercial shops, restaurants, and outdoor seating. There are housing opportunities for everyone with apartments over retail, townhomes, and single family houses along with four additional dedicated parks areas for a playground, fitness, dogs, and community gardening. As the artist who has drawn many of these architectural projects over the years, drawing and painting a series of renderings that are all done by hand, and that all relate to one another is the perfect way to showcase a project of this nature….Please enjoy the illustrations, and consider contacting me to create beautiful renderings like these for your project !
Color Architectural Rendering of Woodside and Atherton Residences
There’s nothing like a hand-drawn color illustration to describe your project and get the approvals you need ! Here are some of the renderings I have done recently for residential projects in Atherton, Woodside, and Los Altos Hills, CA…..Designed by Pacific Peninsula Architecture of Menlo Park, CA, each of these projects are in the development or construction phase….I am commissioned by the architect to create this artwork to show the City or Town what materials and colors are to be used in the final design….They can therefore review and comment on the design and the selection of materials if they choose to do so….I can work in several different capacities when producing these renderings….If necessary, I can generate the 3D perspective model which is developed in order to get this view of the proposed building….Once the architect gives me the design drawings–plans and elevations–I input that data into a Sketchup model, from which the perspective angle can be viewed….If the architect already has a 3D model of the home, I can start from that point, and don’t need to generate my own model….Usually these homesites have existing trees which will remain, so one of my tasks is to show these trees accurately with respect to the new structure….Google Earth, an illustrated site plan, or a site visit are the best ways to gather info on the existing trees….Then it’s part of my job to show the trees type, location, and character truthfully and accurately in order to demonstrate that the developer is mindful and responsible with regard to the existing trees and landscape….Aside from the fact that many of these cities and towns on the peninsula south of San Francisco actually require a color rendition of the proposed home design as part of a submittal, there is really no better way to portray the architect’s design….I have created a great many of these illustrations over the years for the communities of Atherton, Woodside, Los Altos, Portola Valley, Menlo Park, Saratoga, Los Gatos, and Los Altos Hills….
Recent Comments