Friday, January 06, 2012

Queuing for Leonardo









This morning my friend Paola and I shared standing in line for the Leonardo Da Vinci exhibition at the National Gallery. Tickets online have been sold out for ages and the only possibility to see it is to queue for 4-5 hours early in the morning. Paola was there at seven in the morning and I arrived at eight, when she had to leave for work. Finally at 11.30 I had our tickets for this evening in hand. The first people in line had arrived as early as 4.30 am, can you imagine! But I am sure it was worth it and I am very much looking forward to seeing it. A nice couple from Italy in line behind us, had already waited yesterday without success and came back again today, determined to see "Leonardo!". They were good company and held my place for me while I went to buy a Chai Latte (hmmm) around the corner. So all in all it wasn't really all that bad having to stand there that long.
Plus, although it was fairly cold, I managed to do a few sketches while waiting. As you can see, everybody was trying to keep warm with scarves and hats.

ink on paper - tinte auf papier - encre sur papier
15 cm x 15 cm / 5,9" x 5,9"

10 comments:

Anthony Duce said...

Like the sketches. I'd have waited in line too for this show.

Nancy Colella said...

I love this post. Another example of why we are so lucky to be artists! Great sketches. What a great way to spend time waiting in line. Let us know about the show!

Pam Holnback said...

Can't wait to hear about the show!

Barbara Muir said...

Wonderful sketches. So much character and great line. I don't know if people would line up like that here. It's great to live somewhere so cultured. Yay for you and for London.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxBarbara

Anonymous said...

Good use of time, both the sketches and staying in that line.

You will post on the exhibit experience? My favorite Old Master.

Elaine Hurst said...

Wonderful sketches. Hope you enjoyed the show. I hope it comes here to our National Gallery in Washington.

Sheila Vaughan said...

Love the sketches Liza! And it's so cold at the moment!

Unknown said...

Great sketches...bet Leonardo did a few of his own while waiting. Lucky you to see the exhibit.

SYLVIANE said...

Bravo pour les skteches et ta patience!

Liza Hirst said...

Thank you all for leaving your kind comments! It was definitely worth waiting to see Leonardo's beautiful work - see my new post for more...