Sketching the Powell Library, Los Angeles – a drawing tutorial by Dan Hogman
by Dan HogmanApr 08, 2020
•make your fridays matter with a well-read weekend
by Dan HogmanPublished on : Mar 11, 2020
The Farmers and Merchants Bank from Downtown Los Angeles is globally known as one of Southern California's finest examples of the early 'temples of finance' and a key figure in economic development of early Los Angeles, the US.
This time Dan Hogman sought his subject in this seeming 'Roman Temple' while he was on a visit to the city in April 2019. Post the creative unwind, he sketched a vignette revealing a glimpse of the building's fascinating Classical Revival style architecture. In quick strokes and earnest precision, our columnist brings to paper the two-story landmark that still stands in its glory even after being constructed more than 100 years ago, by local firm Morgan and Walls.
Bit by bit, the building takes shape in the video, revealing elements of its front and side façade, which are punctuated by monumental Corinthian columns and a pedimented roof.
As final touches, Hogman adds depth to the sketch by filling solid ink around the arched door, vertical windows and roof’s underside – giving us a rather realistic avatar of this historic building.
by Bansari Paghdar Sep 23, 2025
The hauntingly beautiful Bunker B-S 10 features austere utilitarian interventions that complement its militarily redundant concrete shell.
by Mrinmayee Bhoot Sep 22, 2025
Designed by Serbia and Switzerland-based studio TEN, the residential project prioritises openness of process to allow the building to transform with its residents.
by Zohra Khan Sep 19, 2025
In a conversation with STIR, Charles Kettaneh and Nicolas Fayad discuss the value of preservation and why they prioritise small, precise acts of design over grand erasures.
by Thea Hawlin Sep 18, 2025
An on-ground report in the final few weeks of the ECC’s showcase this year draws on its tenets and its reception, placing agency and action in the present over future travails.
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
by Dan Hogman | Published on : Mar 11, 2020
What do you think?