Blog
Urban Sketch Course
Inside our Chester Workshop
Here are some of the things that we learned from our first in-person workshop with Ian and some memorable moments from our week in Chester.
Finding Time to Sketch
We’ve compiled 4 ways to help you find time for your art, so that you can make sure that you can incorporate sketching into your routine and find the time you need to nurture your artistic skills.
How to Choose the Right Watercolour Paper
Need help navigating the world of watercolor paper? Look at what expert urban sketcher Ian Fennelly uses, and consider some important factors and explore some of the most common types of watercolor paper and their qualities.
How to Find and Develop your own Art Style
Developing your own artistic style can be a challenging and rewarding experience, But how do you get started?
Free Online Sketching Course
Even if you haven’t heard of or tried urban sketching before, we’ll talk you through exactly what urban sketching is and what to expect from our free online sketching course.
6 Ways to Silence Your Inner Art Critic
Being self-critical is something that most of us face at some point whether we’re a beginner or a more seasoned artist. Here are a few ways to not let your critical brain take over and stop you from creating.
The Benefits of Sketching Outside
Ian Fennelly’s top tips and ideas for sketching outdoors. Keep reading to discover some of the benefits, practical considerations, and techniques you can use to improve your art skills.
How to Photograph Your Artwork
Capturing a great photo that shows off your sketch can sometimes be challenging. We’ve compiled our top 4 simple tricks that will help you to take professional photos at home.
Urban Sketching Kit
Having the right tools can go a long way in making your on-location drawing fun and rewarding.
5 Tips for Sketching Animals
Learn Ian Fennelly’s top tips for sketching animals. Discover how to use interesting facts, quick sketching techniques and consider animals in their own habitat.
Finding Inspiration For Art
Finding inspiration can be a challenge for any artist, so what can you do to get them creative juices flowing again? We’ve delved into Ian’s Fennelly’s new book to find out!
How to put emotions into your sketching
Ian shares a few ways to use your emotions when sketching and how to express yourself when creating. There’s lot of ways that emotions can be used to choose locations, objects and colours.
How to find a scene in urban sketching
Ian shares a few ways to find your scene, from choosing elements, features and getting to know the landscape.
How to make an urban sketch scene your own
When urban sketching, it can be tricky to know how to make the scene your own and whether or not to remove and change the things in front of you. Ian shares a few ways that you can manipulate the scene whilst still being true to your vision.
How to build confidence when starting to sketch
Finding confidence to start something new can be challenging, we’ve all felt that imposter syndrome when wanting to take on a new venture. Ian is here to help and talk you through urban sketching step by step. Here Ian shares some of his top tips for building confidence when you’re just starting out.
How to choose and sketch an angle or perspective
Choosing angles and perspectives when urban sketching is important. There are lots of external factors to consider especially when on location. Watch as Ian shares a few things to consider when choosing an angle and perspective.
How to start urban sketching
You’re in the right place! Ever wondered how to get into urban sketching? You can find lots of useful tips throughout our website and in our courses made especially for beginners. Ian shares his advice and top tips!
How to choose colours when sketching
Find out some useful advice and tips from Ian in our new ‘How to’ guide.
Ian shares a few ways to choose and apply colours whilst creating a sketch.
The Secrets of Urban Sketcher Ian Fennelly
The Secrets of Urban Sketching Q+A With Ian FennellyDiscover some of Ian Fennelly's best sketching...
How to Give Constructive Feedback for Urban Sketchers
Feedback should be positive and constructive, however delivering that all-important news without causing offence isn’t the easiest
How to Take Feedback on Your Sketches
Knowing how to take feedback when you receive it on your sketches is a positive experience, or at least it should be.
Sketching Feedback Gallery
The Urban Sketch Course gallery is a wonderful hub of daily motivation, inspiration and most importantly of all – feedback.
Subject vs Sketch
Ian Fennelly’s use of shapes, distortion, richness and choice of colours impresses me in Module 2 of the Urban Sketch Course.
Understanding Ian Fennelly’s Sketching Approach
Ian Fennelly often displays his work on the Urban Sketchers’ website. One piece of work prompted me to comment that he had transposed a complex architectural setting into a vibrant scene.
5 Tips For Creative Wellbeing
Urban Sketching can be a versatile, challenging and effective form of therapy that can help people of all
ages. Here are just 5 of the ways that being creative can help your wellbeing in a positive way.
The Art of Suggestion
Urban sketching and the Art of Suggestion to anyone starting out is a difficult thing to get your head around…