Sketching the Gamble House, California - a drawing tutorial by Dan Hogman

From historic landmarks revealing buildings old and new, to everyday sights capturing a moment of peace out of our animated cities and neighbourhoods, Dan Hogman brings to paper architecture we know and yet not know, in utmost detail and impeccable style.

Often seeking inspiration in iconic residences, this week our columnist turns to sketch the spectacular Gamble House in the city of Pasadena, California, illustrating its exterior with his signature strokes.

Deemed as a masterpiece through America’s Arts & Craft movement – an international trend between 1880 and 1920 that recognised beauty of traditional craftsmanship using simple forms and folk styles of decoration – the three-storey house stood out for its landscape enmeshed interiors, a natural material palette, and striking Japanese aesthetics. The design speaks volumes of Gamble’s affinity for nature where he brought vignettes of the countryside setting - the flowers, trees, water-worn stones of the dry riverbed of Arroyo Seco – as pictures in wood, metal, glass and semi-precious stones within the interiors.

A strong influence of traditional Japanese architecture permeates the house where elements such as abstraction of clouds and mist applied across doors, beams, windows, chairs and lanterns reflect the emphasis of effortless yet beautiful nature inspired forms, textures, and patterns.

The Gamble House, which stands today as a National Historic Landmark, was inhabited by David and his wife Mary Gamble until their deaths in 1923 and 1929, respectively.

Watch this space every Wednesday for more tutorials by Dan Hogman.