Sketching a slice of Transylvania – a drawing tutorial by Dan Hogman
by Dan HogmanSep 18, 2019
•make your fridays matter with a well-read weekend
by Dan HogmanPublished on : Sep 25, 2019
The Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles sits inside the historic fabric of United Artists Building – the one that was built as a flagship for the maverick film studio, and was once the tallest structure in the city post its construction in 1927, by architect C. Howard Crane. The 2014 refurbished hotel features Gothic-inspired architectural elements with ornate details and spires inspired from the ornament extravagance of Spanish castles and cathedrals. Today, it stands as an expression of the decadence of 1920s Hollywood glamour and democracy of modern minimalism.
This week, our columnist Dan Hogman seeks inspiration in the façade of this building that manifests elegance through its impressive terracotta and cast stone cladding. He zooms into the lower three storeys, and sketches beautifully its symmetrical design and details, which include Gothic tracery, double-wide arched windows, capital columns, and decorative human figures that alternate between the piers.
Watch this space every Wednesday for more tutorials by Dan Hogman.
by Bansari Paghdar Jun 10, 2026
STIR spotlights the best of conversations spanning landscapes, heritage, housing and grassroots climate action from the annual conference and summit held at MoMA, New York.
by Pranjal Maheshwari Jun 09, 2026
STIR picks the best exhibits, talks and more from this year's LFA programme, returning for its 22nd edition, that best engage the city’s multifaceted architectural and cultural fabric.
by Pranjal Maheshwari Jun 03, 2026
The Mexico-based design studio conjures eponymous serpentine forms through traditional English masonry systems to commemorate and anchor the pavilion’s 25-year legacy.
by Bansari Paghdar Jun 02, 2026
Plasma Studio transforms an industrial structure on Mount Elmo into a centre for art, regional culture and sustainability, honouring the celebrated climber and explorer.
surprise me!
make your fridays matter
SUBSCRIBEEnter your details to sign in
Don’t have an account?
Sign upOr you can sign in with
a single account for all
STIR platforms
All your bookmarks will be available across all your devices.
Stay STIRred
Already have an account?
Sign inOr you can sign up with
Tap on things that interests you.
Select the Conversation Category you would like to watch
Please enter your details and click submit.
Enter the 6-digit code sent at
Verification link sent to check your inbox or spam folder to complete sign up process
Sketching the face of Ace Hotel Los Angeles – a drawing tutorial by Dan Hogman
by Dan Hogman | Published on : Sep 25, 2019
What do you think?