Portable Alchemy

The last of my sketches at the Spring Moot 1118AF. Time spent in the Alchemists Guilds proves to be challenging as always

An Invitation to the Herbalists Ball

A chance meeting with a friend had raised a request to visit the Alchemists Guild to sketch the herbalists ball. I always enjoy my time spent sitting amid the bottles, scrolls and specimens at the guild and needed no real persuasion to call in again. I hope I have managed to capture the essence of the skill he has shown in creating this ball of herbs.

The Alchemists Bottle Off.

One of the challenges set by the Alchemists at the GEF was the creation of a bottle to form a suitable vessel for a potion. I did not have the materials to take part in this competition but I could at least make a sketch of an entry I enjoyed.

A Horned Skull in the Alchemists Guild.

After finishing my first sketch I walked over to visit the Alchemists Guild. I always seem to feel spoiled for choice with the array or bottles, apparatus and scrolls ready to be drawn. On this occasion my attention was caught by the horned skull sitting on the floor as if ready for the eager nib of a worn pen to pass the image on to those who take the time to glance over this book.

The Alchemists Challenge.

I did not intend for this sketch to be the last for the fayre but events overtook me a little. I returned to the alchemists to see if I could find another scene to test my sketching. On the floor of the guild was a chest scattered with small potion bottles and test tubes, all holding coloured liquids. The scene was a test of eye, mind and perception. By the time I had finished my eyes were struggling to focus and I steadied them by looking to the distance and resting both mind and sight. The Alchemists do indeed make powerful concoctions when they can cause this effect before you even sample one.

The Alchemists Table.

As mid morning rolled around and the weather seemed to set itself for a pleasant day I strolled up to the guild tent. The guilds had obviously spent time rearranging themselves and I found I was able to step into the alchemists guild with ease and without the feeling I was intruding. To the left side of the alchemists guild area was a table filled with potions, bottles, bells and a mortar and pestle amongst other things.

I settled into my chair to sketch an area of the table. It became a challenge of composition, forms and a balance of symmetry. It seemed the alchemists had found a game just for me to play at the fayre and I appreciated it.