The Beginner’s Complete Guide to Urban Sketching
Urban sketching has become a wildly popular art form, attracting new artists every day to document and explore the energy of cities around the globe. This comprehensive guide covers everything a beginner needs to know about getting started in the fun, rewarding practice of urban sketching.
What is Urban Sketching?
Urban sketching is essentially drawing outdoors in urban spaces to capture the constantly changing landscape and life of cities. It revolves around on-location drawing rather than relying on photographs. Urban sketchers convey the architecture and energy of city environments through quick, impressionistic sketches, often completed in 10-30 minutes. It combines observation with improvisation to tell a visual story.
Getting Started with Urban Sketching
Getting into urban sketching is easy. All you need are some simple portable art materials and a willingness to practice. Here are some tips for beginners:
- Start with a pocket-sized sketchbook you can easily carry around the city. Hardbound books hold up better.
- Gather basic drawing supplies like graphite and charcoal pencils, ballpoint pens, markers. Anything lightweight.
- Bring a range of tools to produce both fine details and bolder strokes.
- Include a light folding stool or chair so you can sit comfortably on-site.
- Pick a convenient shoulder bag or backpack to hold your supplies.
- Don’t worry about an easel. Sketching on your lap or a tabletop works fine.
Choosing Urban Sketching Subjects
The world is your oyster when it comes to cityscapes, scenes, and subjects to capture. As a beginner, try sketching:
- City streets and iconic landmarks
- Public squares, fountains, and monuments
- Cafes, stores, markets, and interesting facades
- Bustling public transit like trains, buses, ferries
- Street performers and musicians
- Parks and captivating views
- Anything that visually tells a story about the city
Observe and Interpret the Scene
Urban sketching requires careful observation. Spend time looking at your subject and take note of:
- Shapes, angles, lines, and negative space
- Light, shadows, and contrast
- Colors, textures, and patterns
- Perspective and sense of depth
- Movement and gestures of people
- Change over time as light shifts
Don’t simply copy. Make interpretive choices to capture the essence of the scene.
Develop Your Own Style
Urban sketching allows room for your own artistic style. With practice, you’ll start to develop techniques like:
- Loose, quick strokes
- Minimal use of detail
- Emphasis on contrast and prominent shapes
- Strong perspective
- Creative use of mixed media like pens and watercolors
Find a style that feels free, spontaneous, and uniquely your own.
Tips for On-Location Sketching
Keep these tips in mind when out urban sketching:
- Arrive early to avoid crowds blocking your view.
- Work quickly before the lighting and scene changes.
- Focus first on compositional framing and perspective.
- Capture prominent shapes and details. Leave some portions unfinished.
- Use quick strokes and shorthand to indicate movement and gestures.
- Situate yourself discreetly without disturbing the scene.
- Interact respectfully with locals who ask about your work.
- Take breaks to avoid fatigue. Your sketches don't need to be perfect.
- Consider weather conditions like rain, wind, and harsh light.
Add Finishing Touches Later
Don’t feel pressured to finish a sketch completely on-site. It’s fine to take an incomplete piece back home to refine and add finishing touches like:
- Precise ink lines
- Watercolor washes
- Color and shading
- Collage elements
- Notes and details from memory
This allows you to perfect your artwork without the time pressures of urban sketching out in the field.
Finding Your Urban Sketch Community
Another rewarding aspect of urban sketching is connecting with other artists who share your passion. Seek out both online and local sketching communities by:
- Following #urbansketchers on social media
- Joining the International Urban Sketching Forum online
- Searching for urban sketching groups in your city
- Participating in worldwide urban sketching events and meetups
- Sharing your own sketches on social media and blogs
The urban sketching community is incredibly welcoming to beginners looking to learn from fellow artists.
Now Go Start Sketching!
Grab your sketchbook and drawing tools. There’s a whole cityscape out there waiting to be captured through your unique artistic lens. Embrace the challenges and rewards of on-location sketching. Allow your creativity to flow. Make urban sketching a fun ongoing practice for seeing and engaging with your surroundings in new ways.
Urban sketching has become a wildly popular art form, attracting new artists every day to document and explore the energy of cities around the globe. This comprehensive guide covers everything a beginner needs to know about getting started in the fun, rewarding practice of urban sketching.
What is Urban Sketching?
Urban sketching is essentially drawing outdoors in urban spaces to capture the constantly changing landscape and life of cities. It revolves around on-location drawing rather than relying on photographs. Urban sketchers convey the architecture and energy of city environments through quick, impressionistic sketches, often completed in 10-30 minutes. It combines observation with improvisation to tell a visual story.
Getting Started with Urban Sketching
Getting into urban sketching is easy. All you need are some simple portable art materials and a willingness to practice. Here are some tips for beginners:
- Start with a pocket-sized sketchbook you can easily carry around the city. Hardbound books hold up better.
- Gather basic drawing supplies like graphite and charcoal pencils, ballpoint pens, markers. Anything lightweight.
- Bring a range of tools to produce both fine details and bolder strokes.
- Include a light folding stool or chair so you can sit comfortably on-site.
- Pick a convenient shoulder bag or backpack to hold your supplies.
- Don’t worry about an easel. Sketching on your lap or a tabletop works fine.
Choosing Urban Sketching Subjects
The world is your oyster when it comes to cityscapes, scenes, and subjects to capture. As a beginner, try sketching:
- City streets and iconic landmarks
- Public squares, fountains, and monuments
- Cafes, stores, markets, and interesting facades
- Bustling public transit like trains, buses, ferries
- Street performers and musicians
- Parks and captivating views
- Anything that visually tells a story about the city
Observe and Interpret the Scene
Urban sketching requires careful observation. Spend time looking at your subject and take note of:
- Shapes, angles, lines, and negative space
- Light, shadows, and contrast
- Colors, textures, and patterns
- Perspective and sense of depth
- Movement and gestures of people
- Change over time as light shifts
Don’t simply copy. Make interpretive choices to capture the essence of the scene.
Develop Your Own Style
Urban sketching allows room for your own artistic style. With practice, you’ll start to develop techniques like:
- Loose, quick strokes
- Minimal use of detail
- Emphasis on contrast and prominent shapes
- Strong perspective
- Creative use of mixed media like pens and watercolors
Find a style that feels free, spontaneous, and uniquely your own.
Tips for On-Location Sketching
Keep these tips in mind when out urban sketching:
- Arrive early to avoid crowds blocking your view.
- Work quickly before the lighting and scene changes.
- Focus first on compositional framing and perspective.
- Capture prominent shapes and details. Leave some portions unfinished.
- Use quick strokes and shorthand to indicate movement and gestures.
- Situate yourself discreetly without disturbing the scene.
- Interact respectfully with locals who ask about your work.
- Take breaks to avoid fatigue. Your sketches don't need to be perfect.
- Consider weather conditions like rain, wind, and harsh light.
Add Finishing Touches Later
Don’t feel pressured to finish a sketch completely on-site. It’s fine to take an incomplete piece back home to refine and add finishing touches like:
- Precise ink lines
- Watercolor washes
- Color and shading
- Collage elements
- Notes and details from memory
This allows you to perfect your artwork without the time pressures of urban sketching out in the field.
Finding Your Urban Sketch Community
Another rewarding aspect of urban sketching is connecting with other artists who share your passion. Seek out both online and local sketching communities by:
- Following #urbansketchers on social media
- Joining the International Urban Sketching Forum online
- Searching for urban sketching groups in your city
- Participating in worldwide urban sketching events and meetups
- Sharing your own sketches on social media and blogs
The urban sketching community is incredibly welcoming to beginners looking to learn from fellow artists.
Now Go Start Sketching!
Grab your sketchbook and drawing tools. There’s a whole cityscape out there waiting to be captured through your unique artistic lens. Embrace the challenges and rewards of on-location sketching. Allow your creativity to flow. Make urban sketching a fun ongoing practice for seeing and engaging with your surroundings in new ways.
