The Beauty of Diversity in Urban Sketching

After an incredible 4-week sketching experience with Ian Fennelly and the Urban Sketch Plus community, it’s been truly inspiring to see how differently everyone has approached the same scene. Sketching the same locations side by side, we’ve witnessed how unique each artist’s style can be, and it highlights one of the most beautiful aspects of urban sketching: no two perspectives are ever the same.

sonja h – Urban Sketch Course — Sketch by student Sonja Hoglund

carmen B – Urban Sketch Course — Sketch by student Carmen Bauer

Student artwork by Gill B – Urban Sketch Course — Sketch by student Gill Bloxham

Student artwork by Hannah C – Urban Sketch Course — Sketch by student Hannah Clements

Student artwork by Kai J – Urban Sketch Course — Sketch by student Kai Jenson

Karen Beaney – Urban Sketch Course — Sketch by student Karen Beaney

Student artwork by Rita VM – Urban Sketch Course — Sketch by student Rita van Miltenburg

Carrol Higson – Urban Sketch Course — Sketch by student Carrol Higson

The Joy of Individual Expression

When you look at the sketches from our sessions, it’s like seeing the world through many different lenses. Some participants leaned into vibrant, expressive colours, while others captured the scene with delicate lines and subtle shading. Some chose to focus on the bold shapes of buildings, while others honed in on the intricate details of textures and patterns. Each interpretation was a reflection of the artist’s personality, preferences, and journey — a reminder that there’s no “right way” to sketch.

Sketch by student Jan Kelly – Urban Sketch Course — Sketch by student Jan Kelly

Sketch by student Michael Hughes – Urban Sketch Course — Sketch by student Michael Hughes

Sketch by student Alison Davis Morris – Urban Sketch Course — Sketch by student Alison Davis Morris

The Power of Community

Sketching alongside a community of like-minded creatives amplifies the experience in ways that are hard to describe. The encouragement, shared insights, and gentle critiques from fellow sketchers help each individual artist grow. Watching others build their scene in real time can spark new ideas and motivate you to try techniques you may not have considered before. A community provides both inspiration and accountability, making the process of improving your craft much more enjoyable.

“I just found the entire workshop great. If I should highlight something in particular, it was sketching together with the entire group, which was very motivating.”

– Anja Saalberg

Building Confidence, One Sketch at a Time

For many participants, stepping into a public space to share your sketches can feel daunting at first. But as the weeks went on, the guidance from Ian and the supportive atmosphere of the group helped everyone build confidence. Each sketch became an opportunity to learn and grow, and even the occasional mistakes turned into valuable lessons.

"The 4 week live course has been excellent. The format involving a mixture of live critiques, demonstrations as well as videos has been fabulous and even if I wasn’t able to keep up we then had the recording afterwards to do at my own pace! I can’t believe how much I’ve learnt and how happy I am with my finished sketch. Better still, it’s given me the confidence to do sketches from my own travels/experiences to develop my style and I’m so impressed with the results."

– Suzanne Smith

Taking Time to Stop and Learn

One of Ian Fennelly’s greatest strengths as an instructor is his emphasis on observation and taking your time. Instead of rushing to capture every detail, Ian encourages slowing down to really see the scene, breaking it into manageable pieces. This approach not only makes the process less overwhelming but also helps you create more thoughtful and intentional artwork. The focus on foundational techniques, like layering, perspective and working with tonal contrasts, has been a game-changer for many participants.

"Aside from the epic coaching and the critiques (which were super helpful) I liked that the course was extended over a length of time - this allowed for contemplating and extra practice. I also really loved seeing all the sharing and seeing how everyone’s finished picture was so different even though we were given the same instruction. Amazing!!"

– Debbie Milholm

Support from Ian and the Team

Having the expertise of Ian and the Urban Sketch Plus team was a gift that elevated the entire experience. Ian’s way of simplifying complex subjects and making the process approachable resonated with beginners and seasoned sketchers alike. His demonstrations, paired with personalized advice and encouragement, created a safe space for experimentation and growth. The team’s enthusiasm and support ensured that no one felt left behind.

"I think that the feeling of working as a community on a project together was a major plus for me. Despite us all creating our individual pieces and interpretations, there was a real feeling of togetherness. This was especially valuable for me as my personal circumstances effectively prevent me from joining an 'in person' course, so as a means of simulating that experience this was a real pleasure. A word also to Rebecca, and Kayla who were invaluable working alongside Ian to make the online chat sessions work smoothly."

– Keith Scholes

Embrace Your Style

This 4-week journey has reinforced an important lesson: urban sketching is as much about the process as the final result. Whether you prefer bold colors, intricate details, or loose, expressive lines, your style is yours to celebrate. Being part of a community like this reminds us to embrace our individuality, learn from one another, and keep pushing the boundaries of our creativity.

As you continue your urban sketching journey, remember to take a moment to appreciate how far you’ve come. Celebrate your unique perspective, and don’t be afraid to try something new. Sketching isn’t just about capturing a scene — it’s about telling your story.

While the 2024 4 week experience has finished, you can still take the online version in your own time. Alternatively, join us in the summer for our next 4 week experience focusing all on rural landscapes!