Sketching the Farmers and Merchants Bank, LA – a drawing tutorial by Dan Hogman

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.