How to Draw a Stylized House

First let’s get to know our subject.

Established in 1903 the Bengal Natural History Museum in Darjeeling was first located in this building. When my father was posted in Darjeeling this was our home. The top floor was the residence while the ground and underground floors housed the museum.

As kids my friends and I were very captivated by the mystery and charm of this house. The pretty insect specimens, spooky snakes in jars, the huge crocodile exhibit, the tigers and birds exhibit, we never got tired of exploring them. The wood paneled walls and floors and the wooden staircase connecting all the three floors creaked with each step while the attic rented by the pigeons was always chaotic. Every part of this house, to our young minds, was so mysterious and mythical. We would tell ghost stories or make fantastical scenarios when playing. This house has and always will hold a special place in my heart.

In 2022 I was able to visit Darjeeling after almost a decade. This Building has now been converted into office for wildlife division and the Museum has now been shifted to Darjeeling zoo. I wasn’t able to go inside but the old memories, stories, and laughter still echoed through the air. It was like meeting an old friend and reminiscing about old times.

When stylizing this house I want to bring some of the mystery and charm from my memories into my drawing. So let’s get started.

Lets analyze the image to see what elements look interesting.

Look for elements that add interest and character to the building like :-

• The wires on the front.

• The hanging balcony on the right.

• The drainage pipes.

• The front white paned glass window room.

• The flag pole.

• The windows.

• Textures on the wall.

• Sloping roof.

Next we make a sketch to understand our subject better. I will pay attention to the positioning and structure of the elements I am interested in. I will also keep perspective in mind.

Adding watercolor helps me get an idea of color, light and what textures I would like to create.

Now lets sketch.

Once I am happy with the sketch I will re-analyze what elements worked and what can be done better.

• really like the hanging balcony.

• definitely keep the pipes.

• sloping roof.

• white pane glass room.

• the flag pole.

• the texture also enhance it.

Re-Analyzing

Lets make sketch thumbnails

Final sketch

I drew this as my fourth thumbnail but I really liked the outcome. There is still scope for improvement but that's for the next time or if I decide to make this on watercolor sheet in a bigger size.

I used 0.3 mechanical pencil for the sketch since its easier to add details in small working space and used 0.05 micron pen for the lining. I made the house a bit wonky, old and unstable by adding the beams under the house and exaggerating the elements that I finalized from the thumbnails.

I chose the lighting direction and made a rough idea in my head before I start painting.

Final Result

Optionally I also like to enhance the light and shadow digitally.

Next I make small sketches to see how I would like to push the structure and what I think works towards my vision. I usually make 2 to 3 thumbnails and then make a final sketch.

Analyzing the completed artwork greatly helps me understand what I need to improve and also how much I have improved.

I like to shortlist 3 points each in both good and needs improvement category.

I will try to implement these on my next artwork or if I decide to make a bigger version of this artwork some day.

Good :-

• The worn out textures.

• play with light and shadow has improved.

• I like the rickety structure of the house.

Needs Improvement :-

• PERSPECTIVE!!

• Mixing of colors to makes lights and shadow better

• Less detail and saturation in bg to make hose pop.

Thankyou I hope you enjoyed my drawing process.

See you in the next one.

Final Result Analysis

• Scholar SQ. Decor Sketchbook 150gsm.

• 0.3 sakura Mechanical pencil.

• 0.05 Micron Pen

• paint brush no 1 and 2.

• watercolors camel and sakura koi

Materials Used