Book Review: Barcelona Sketchbook: Homage to Catalan Architecture by Graham Byfield

Graham Byfield is back with another large format hardcover watercolour sketchbook. This time it features Barcelona of Spain.

I've been to Barcelona before so the places that I've been to and are featured in this book evokes nostalgia and reminds me of the fun times I had while I was there. This sketchbook is a nice addition to the many other Spain sketchbooks that I already have.

Graham Byfield's usual style of pencil and watercolour is on full display again. This book has 96 pages and almost every page is filled with those beautiful watercolour sketches. There's probably around a hundred pieces of work included. Some are large and printed across two pages. Some pages have several smaller pieces. Just like other Graham Byfield's sketchbook, the paper used here is watercolour paper-like.

I like that the book doesn't just cover the popular and touristy places but also features lesser known places. These are the chapters and places covered:

• Gothic District
• The Rambla and the Ravel
• Antoni Gaudi
• Port and Waterfront
• Barceloneta
• Ciutadella Park Area
• Eixample and Modernism
• Montjuic
• Parks
• Barcelona Heights
• Upper Town
• Civic Splendour

The first few pages of the book covers the history and culture of Barcelona. Since I've been to Barcelona before, I can definitely feel a deeper sense of appreciation after reading the text. The artworks are also accompanied by short captions. Text is written by Marcus Binney.

If you love sketchbooks, travelogues or Graham Byfield's work, this is a book not to be missed.

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This review copy is provided by book seller and distributor APD Singapore (website | facebook). You can get the book from them and major bookstores in Southeast Asia.

Barcelona Sketchbook: Homage to Catalan Architecture is available at Amazon (US | CA | UK | DE | FR | IT | ES | JP | CN)

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