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Everything You Need To Get Started With Urban Sketching Techniques

Jeremy Cook

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Published in URBAN SKETCHING FOR BEGINNERS: Everything You Need To Get Started With Urban Sketching Techniques

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Urban sketching is a great way to capture the essence of a city and its people. It's a portable and affordable hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. If you're interested in getting started with urban sketching, here's everything you need to know.

What is urban sketching?

Urban sketching is the art of drawing on location, in a city or town. It's a way to capture the unique character of a place, from its architecture to its people. Urban sketchers use a variety of techniques, including line drawing, watercolor, and pen and ink. The goal is to create a quick and accurate sketch that captures the essence of the scene.

URBAN SKETCHING FOR BEGINNERS: Everything you need to get started with urban sketching techniques

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What are the benefits of urban sketching?

There are many benefits to urban sketching, including:

It's a great way to relax and de-stress.
It helps you to observe your surroundings and see the world in a new way.
It's a portable and affordable hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels.
It can help you to improve your drawing skills.
It's a great way to connect with other people who share your interest in art.

What do you need to get started with urban sketching?

To get started with urban sketching, you don't need much equipment. All you need is a sketchbook, a pencil, and a pen. You may also want to bring along some watercolors or other painting supplies if you want to add color to your sketches.

When choosing a sketchbook, look for one that is small and portable so that you can easily carry it with you. You'll also want to choose a sketchbook that has thick paper that can withstand being drawn on with a variety of materials.

For pencils, you'll want to choose a variety of hardnesses. A soft pencil (such as a 2B or 4B) will create darker lines, while a hard pencil (such as an H or 2H) will create lighter lines. You can use different pencils to create different effects in your sketches.

For pens, you'll want to choose a pen that is waterproof and fade-resistant. This will help to ensure that your sketches will last over time.

How to get started with urban sketching

Once you have your supplies, you're ready to start urban sketching! Here are a few tips to get you started:

Start by choosing a scene that you find interesting. It could be a busy street, a quiet park, or a historical landmark.
Once you've chosen your scene, take a few minutes to observe it. Pay attention to the details, the light and shadow, and the overall composition.
Start by sketching the basic shapes of the scene. Don't worry about getting everything perfect at this stage. Just focus on capturing the overall impression of the scene.
Once you have the basic shapes sketched in, you can start to add details. Pay attention to the shadows and highlights, and the different textures of the objects in the scene.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques. You can use different pencils, pens, and watercolors to create different effects in your sketches.
Most importantly, have fun! Urban sketching is a great way to relax and de-stress, so don't take it too seriously.

Tips for improving your urban sketching skills

If you want to improve your urban sketching skills, here are a few tips:

Practice regularly. The more you practice, the better you'll become.
Try to sketch different scenes and subjects. This will help you to develop your skills in different areas.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques. There are no rules when it comes to urban sketching, so experiment until you find what works best for you.
Get feedback from other artists. This can be a great way to learn new techniques and improve your skills.