With her humble pencil in hand, British artist Minty Sainsbury Captures Italy’s grand architecture one square Inch at a time.
After discovering her impressive drawings on Instagram and playing message tag for months, Minty and I were finally able to connect this winter so that I could learn more about her art practice and its particular interest in Italy. Below is an interview as well as images of her meticulous artwork.
Prints and original drawings are for sale on her website: www.mintysainsbury.com
Artist Minty Sainsbury
What drew you to architecture?
I always loved drawing and art as a child and as I grew up I became interested in historic buildings. I’d make scrap books of places and buildings ripped out of magazines. I loved drawing maps and plans of my house and garden and enjoyed rearranging the furniture in my bedroom on the plans I drew. This then moved onto designing hutches for my chickens which got quite elaborate! When it came to deciding what I wanted to study at university I put together this love of making things, designing, drawing and historic architecture and it lead me to architecture. It doesn’t surprise me though that now rather than designing new buildings I’m drawing old buildings as it was historic architecture that I was first interested in.
Duomo, Florence
Do you have a favorite architectural period or architect?
I don’t have a favourite period of architecture. If anything I actually really like the coming together of different styles and time periods in buildings and cities. It’s beautiful to see the coming together of different additions and alterations in a building which shows the passage of time. But if I had to pick I’d probably lean towards Renaissance architecture.
What has been your favorite building to draw?
One of my favourite buildings to draw has been the Guinigi Tower in Lucca which I’ve drawn twice now from different angles - It’s really playful with the trees on top.
Guinigi Tower, Lucca
Has there been a particular moment in your Italian travels that stands out to you?
In the autumn of 2016 I was lucky enough to spend 10 weeks in Italy with my boyfriend. We bought an ancient Ford KA car, put my drawing board in the back, and drove from London to Umbria stopping off at different locations along the way. We could both work remotely so during the week we were working and then exploring at the weekend. It was great travelling during the quieter months and staying a bit longer in places which allowed me time to properly explore, sketch and take photos. We stayed in Bergamo, Mantua, Bologna, Florence, Citta della Pieve, and Turin, with lots of trips around Tuscany, Umbria, and the Le Marche at the weekends.
What is the most surprising thing you discovered during the creation of your artwork?
I have probably been most surprised by my patience when drawing. I don’t particularly think of myself as a patient person but when I’m working I’m so focused and time just flies past and I’m totally in the zone and committed. I would really recommend people trying out a bit of drawing if you haven’t done it in a while as it’s really relaxing and surprising calming.
St. Peter’s Dome, Rome
What will be your next subject?
My next subject will most likely be something from Venice as there are just so many buildings to draw there! I did a series of reflection drawings trying to capture the movement of the water, so maybe I’ll be tempted to do another of those.
Canal view, Venice
Favorite wine?
I’ll have a Campari soda when I’m in Italy, but apart from that my drinking is very minimal.
Favorite region of Italy?
This is a really tough one as everywhere is stunning. I’ve travelled extensively in the country, the only regions I’m yet to go to Molise, Calabria and Friuli Venezia Giulia. If I had to pick I’d go for Le Marche.
Something on your bucket list?
Urbino and exploring more of the hilltop towns in Lazio.
Something or someone for which you are grateful?
Coffee! Every morning when I have my coffee I take the time to really appreciate it and be grateful for the small joys in life.
Canal view near the Arsennale, Venice
You can find more about Minty and her available prints and original drawings on her website here. You can also follow her on Instagram: @minty_sainsbury
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