Water-brush, dilute Lexington grey ink, watercolour, gouache, A5 – 30 minutes 

Back in the Harem section of the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, this time looking through to the Black Eunuch’s Courtyard, with direct sun on the columns beyond. One of the times when a tiny tube of gold gouache was useful. The guard watched me sketching while guided tours streamed past, and then asked me to draw him. Here he is…

…and here’s another Istanbulu who wanted me to draw him, this time while I was sketching this. Both seemed pleased with the results, signing and photographing them. I recommend keeping these sort of portraits very simple and slightly flattering…