1. UNDERSTANDING COLOUR THEORY

Before we dive into the practical aspects of adding colour to your sketches, it’s essential to grasp the fundamentals of colour theory. Colour theory is the backbone of any successful artwork involving colour. It’s a set of principles and guidelines that help artists make informed choices about colour combinations, contrast, and harmony.

Some artists like to have a physical colour wheel to refer to, but you can also take a look at this online colour wheel to get a better idea and to play with complementary colours.

To simplify your urban sketches and maintain cohesion, consider using a limited colour palette. A restricted set of colours can add harmony to your artwork and create a distinct style. Experiment with different palettes to find one that suits your sketching style.

Achieving harmony in your sketches is all about balancing and coordinating colours effectively. Understanding these principles of colour theory will serve as a strong foundation for your journey into adding colour to your sketches.

2. Materials for Adding Colour

Now that you have a grasp of basic colour theory, let’s explore some of the tools and materials used in our online courses that you can use to add colour to your sketches effectively.

Other materials

Some urban sketchers also use coloured pencils or digital tools to add colour to their sketches. With a stylus and tablet, you can explore endless possibilities in digital painting. Software like Adobe Photoshop, Corel Painter, or Procreate offers a wide range of brushes and effects to enhance your sketches digitally.

When selecting your tools and materials, consider your personal preferences, the type of sketches you want to create, and your budget. Experiment with different options to discover which ones best suit your style and needs.

3. Watercolour Techniques

Urban sketching often demands quick and spontaneous use of colour. Watercolours are an excellent choice for this purpose, as they are portable and easy to work with on location.

In our range of colours, Ian shows you how to add watercolour to your sketches step by step.

Let’s take a look at some of his techniques:

Wet-on-Wet Technique – The wet-on-wet technique involves applying wet watercolour paint to wet paper. This method creates soft, blended, and unpredictable effects, making it ideal for capturing the fluidity and spontaneity of urban scenes. To use this technique, wet your paper with clean water using a brush or a spray bottle. Then, apply your watercolours, allowing them to mix and flow on the damp surface.

Layering and Glazing – Watercolours allow layering and glazing to build depth and complexity in your sketches. Start with light washes and gradually add layers of colour to achieve the desired intensity. To create depth, glaze complementary or contrasting colours over each other. Be patient and allow each layer to dry before adding the next to avoid muddiness.

4. Considering Balance

Preserving white areas or highlights in your urban sketches is crucial to creating a sense of light and contrast. You can achieve this by using masking fluid or by carefully painting around the areas you want to keep white. You can also try to work up the colour slowly to ensure that you don’t ‘over do’ it. 

5. Experimenting with Colour

Don’t be afraid to experiment with various techniques and materials to find what works for you. Different techniques can add texture and interest to your urban sketches. Colour theory is a great guide to start with, but sometimes it helps to throw the rulebook out of the window and use colour to portray your emotions and mood.

Watch the video below to hear Ian discuss more colour choices: