Urban Sketching

Have you heard of urban sketching?

An email from Blick Art about their “Urban Sketchers” challenge piqued my interest!  As I read the details of the challenge, I learned that there are core principles behind the art of urban sketching which is stated in urbansketchers.org, a non-profit organization that was formed in 2007 by a global community of urban sketchers who created an online network and forum for sketchers who love to draw the cities where they live and visit, while on location, never from a photo or memory.  Drawing enthusiasts from all over are inspired to sketch in the spirit of this manifesto:

1. We draw on location, indoors or out, capturing what we see from direct observation.
2. Our drawings tell the story of our surroundings, the places we live and where we travel.
3. Our drawings are a record of time and place.
4. We are truthful to the scenes we witness.
5. We use any kind of media and cherish our individual styles.
6. We support each other and draw together.
7. We share our drawings online.
8. We show the world, one drawing at a time.

Intrigued by this art form, I started to research books and workshops on how I can learn the skills for urban sketching.  I took two classes on Skillshare: Let’s Draw Some Doors by Julia Henze and Urban Sketching: A Beginner’s Guide as well as read Quick & Lively Urban Sketching by Klaus Meier Pauken.

Urban sketching is a great way to capture vacation memories from your travels.  Different from photography, a sketch will truly be from your perspective and an interpretation of a particular scene that may or may not be reflected in a photograph.  

Here are a few of my initial sketches.  Technically, urban sketching should be done on location, but since I’m still learning, I referenced my photography.   When I travel, one of the things that I’m always fascinated with is doors! There are so many unique and colorful doors to be inspired by!  

Mastering this new art form requires lots of practice and I will continue to do so!  Next on my list is to learn the fundamentals of one-point perspective in urban sketching!