detroit
Why I Draw the Back Alleys of Detroit, Not Its Skyline
An illustrator explains why the painted back alleys of downtown Detroit, like The Belt, hold more truth than the postcard skyline.
James Whitfield
Detroit Drawn One Sketch at a Time
The JW Blog is a personal blog about Detroit, told through original illustrations and straightforward writing. Each post covers a real place, moment, or piece of the city, from street corners to local events. No sponsored content, no filter, just a sketchbook and a city worth documenting.
Latest posts
View all
detroit
What Eastern Market Taught Me About Color and Light
A Detroit illustrator on how the painted produce sheds and murals of Eastern Market rewired the way I mix and trust color.
James Whitfield
art deco design
What the Fisher Building taught me about Art Deco linework
Walking through the Fisher Building's halls, I discovered how geometric patterns and clean lines define Art Deco design. The building's details taught me that great linework balances beauty with pu...
James Whitfield
sketching
I sketch at Belle Isle every Sunday for a year
One artist sketched at Belle Isle every single Sunday for a whole year. You'll discover how drawing the same place repeatedly teaches you to see details you missed before. Learn the practical tips ...
James Whitfield
illustration
Why I Keep Coming Back to Spirit of Detroit
The Spirit of Detroit statue hits different when my ideas run dry. I'll share why staring at that massive fist in the sky actually helps me finish my work instead of getting stuck.
James Whitfield
detroit art scene
What the Cass Corridor scene got right about client work
Detroit's Cass Corridor art scene thrived on community and bold experimentation. Learn how those core principles still drive successful creative work with clients today.
James Whitfield
Browse the latest posts to see what has been drawn and written recently, or head to the About page to learn more about the blog and how it started.