So you have got all your supplies and inspiration to start urban sketching. Urban sketching for beginners really confused them how to start and where to get started. Don’t worry we are here to help you get on with your journey along with lots of tips and techniques.
In this post, we are going to explore 3 different ways you can experiment with the line and wash technique. By the end of this…
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[by Róisín Curé in Nice, France] This was drawn on the beach of the Baie des Anges, on the French Riviera. After years of posting urban sketches and words to this blog, I’m trying something new. I’m sharing some urban sketches of the south of France in a YouTube video. I know that we as […]
I believe that anyone can draw and in this article I will show you my simple step by step process that will help you get started with sketching,
Read our interview with urban sketcher, Danny Hawk!
Drawing architecture and urban sketching, can make for fascinating art, especially if you follow some easy steps for composition, perspective and process.
Urban sketchers - drawing on location from observation - around and about London
I believe that anyone can draw and in this article I will show you my simple step by step process that will help you get started with sketching,
When is the last time you sat and drew a picture that had people in it? I see. You don't do people. Well, don't be afraid. Jump in and draw. Keep a sketchbook in your purse or briefcase and whip it out when you are sitting in the doctor's office or when you are waiting to have the oil in your car changed. When I have a spare moment (it happens on occasion), I take out my sketchbook and start drawing. Not only is it therapeutic, but it's challenging to capture the gesture of people - especially when you only have a few minutes to work. Sometimes, when I'm drawing a picture of a person, it's a matter of seconds before they move or shift their body position! When that happens, I simply start again. I have a page in one of my sketchbooks that has a drawing of a two-year-old. It's really a compilation of six heads in various positions. He moved around so much that I never had time to sketch the rest of his body. When I draw, I like to use a sharpie marker. It's cleaner than using graphite (pencil) and because I can't erase my errors, drawing with permanent ink causes me to ignore my mistakes. It's a quick capture. You are forced to draw continuously and the moment your pen hits the paper, you have a committed mark. No turning back. Let's talk for a minute about mistakes. If you look at the above drawings, you will see many mistakes - that's what I used to call them. Now, I don't even think about them...they're just there. For example, look at the boy seated with the laptop computer. You can see the computer through his leg. Big deal. Notice the guy seated in the round chair. His head is composed of two perpendicular ovals and a triangle nose. Who cares? Seriously. Sketching is all about the joy of drawing people. Take the challenge. Sit down somewhere and begin to draw. Sketching is like everything else. You get better with practice. Here are some handy tips: People are made of shapes. First, learn to see them - then draw them. Squares, rectangles, circles, etc. See relationships between the shapes. How far is the triangle from the square? How far is it from the hip to the knee and from the knee to the ankle? Is the length similar? Leave out the face. Anonymity has a certain universal appeal. Go for the big stuff like legs, arms and torso. Leave out the details. Keep a piece of blank paper underneath the page on which you are drawing so that the ink doesn't bleed through. Draw on ONE side of your notebook page (not on both sides) Practice. Draw anything: objects, landscape or even people. On occasion people will be aware that I am sketching them. They usually shift their body position and turn away from me. Sometimes they walk over to see my sketch. Once in awhile they say, "It doesn't even look like me." You get all kinds of reactions. Try to respond to them politely. Most folks don't mind if you draw them, but some do. If I am going to render a detailed sketch (one that takes more time than a quick gesture), I usually ask the person for permission before I begin. Otherwise, be discreet and try not to let them see you staring. If your drawing turns out nicely, you can email the person a copy of it (get their email address). Don't be afraid of how your drawing looks and avoid comparing your work to other artists. Each artist has their own style; their own interpretation of what they are seeing. Here's Picasso... And Matisse... You will have your own style too. It's like a signature - unique and original. Buy a small sketchbook and a good pen. Keep them nearby so that when you have some time in your schedule, you can practice drawing people, or for that matter - anything! Drawing images of people is daunting at first, but it's a learned skill that can be rewarding. Mostly, sketching is just plain fun! Why not try it and see what happens?
Concert of "Hunting Island“ in the "Juction Bar“ in Berlin Kreuzberg. Good and swinging singer-songwriter musik on a Thursday evening. -> "Drummer" - Siebdruck/silkscreen print
Drawing and painting in cities, towns and villages comes with its own set of difficulties. Here are some mistakes I made over the years, so you can avoid them.
Practical beginners guide to urban sketching with everything you need to know about the Urban Sketchers organisation, art materials, how to practice, inspiration and advanced tips.
At last month's meeting of John Muir Laws workshop we were challenged to draw 16 trees before the next meeting. It was a great way to really see the trees in the neighborhood. Here are a few of my 16.
Bring colour and life into your sketches: get all your toys out and try different urban sketching techniques, using watercolour, pencils and fine liners.
Drawing on location, in cities, towns and villages is all the rage these days, and for good reason. Find out why it's so popular and how you can join the movement.
Quickly sketching human figures is an essential skill for any architect or hobby sketcher in order to make sketched spaces more understandable and relatable. Here are 3 reasons Why integrating human figures in architectural sketches & drawings is important. Click through to watch a video and
[by Róisín Curé in Nice, France] My parents bought an apartment in Nice ten years ago so that they could escape the dreary Irish winter. They’ve done this in admirable style since then: my mother brought impeccable taste to the apartment, furnishing it just as it should have been. Over the last decade, I’ve been […]
