Stephen and I arrive at the Chicago Theater only to find that the entire ground floor is roped off and the management refuses us permission to draw from the central balcony on the mezzanine floor, or indeed to walk around the foyer to select the best view. The project is not abandoned, despite these constraints, because the lavishness of the interior is in marked contrast to the N. State Street exterior. Stephen squats in front of the box office and draws the interior of the foyer from the only angle possible. The splendid theatricality and architectural fantasy, reflecting the celluloid illusion, has been renovated after many years of neglect. The baroque boisterousness of this magnificent interior - formerly a movie palace - is caught. Pencil and pen shading convey depth and provide movement. Note the deft, suggestive pen strokes to convey the grandeur and richness of the central chandelier.
Original Drawing of A lavish interior at the Chicago Theater measuring 420 x 297mm (A3), created and hand drawn by the artist.