How to Make Time for Urban Sketching

Finding time for urban sketching doesn’t have to be a huge time commitment.

You may think you need hours of free time to make a meaningful sketch, but the truth is, you can fit sketching into your day – even if you’re short on time.

Ian Fennelly and many other urban sketchers have discovered a few simple tricks to make sketching an easy part of their routine, and we’re here to share them with you.

1. Incorporate Sketching into Your Daily Routine

The best part of urban sketching is that it doesn’t have to be a separate activity. You can carry a small sketchbook with you and sketch wherever you are. Whether you’re waiting for an appointment or sitting in a café, there’s always a moment to take a quick sketch.

You’re already observing the world around you – why not participate in it by drawing what you see?

2. Make It a Habit, Not a Chore

The key to getting better and making time for urban sketching is consistency. You don’t have to commit to hours at a time – often, just 15-20 minutes is enough.

Whether you’re sketching in the morning or squeezing in a quick session during lunch, regular practice helps you improve and makes sketching feel less intimidating.

3. Start Small

Starting with small, quick sketches takes the pressure off. The idea is to capture the essence of a scene, not a perfect, detailed drawing. Even if it’s just a simple sketch of a street corner or a flower pot, the goal is to practice and enjoy the process, not aim for perfection.

4. Use Your Waiting Time

Waiting doesn’t have to feel like wasted time. Think about all those moments you’re standing in line or waiting for an appointment.

These are perfect opportunities to grab your sketchbook and get a little drawing done. Urban sketching isn’t about finding the “perfect” location – it’s about finding inspiration everywhere, even in the moments where you’re simply passing the time.

5. Focus on Observation First

The act of observing is often the first step of any sketch. Before picking up your pen, take a few minutes to really look at what’s around you.

Notice the shapes, the colors, and how the light interacts with the objects. Observation is what sparks creativity and will help you capture the essence of the scene in front of you.

6. Don't Worry About Perfection

It’s easy to get caught up in making every line perfect. But doing so misses the point. Urban sketching is about expressing your view of the world, not creating a flawless copy of it. Remember, mistakes are part of the process. Let go of perfection and enjoy the sketching journey.

7. Make it Fun!

Urban sketching is all about exploration and playfulness. Try different techniques, experiment with colors, or even sketch in new environments. The more fun you have, the more likely you’ll make time for it, without feeling like it’s a chore.

Your Turn To Try It

The key to becoming a better sketcher is making sketching a regular part of your life, not just a one-time event.

By building the habit of sketching, you’ll start to notice more and develop your skills faster.

Here’s an overview to help you begin to weave sketching into your everyday routine:

Carry a small sketchbook and sketch whenever you have a moment
Start with short, quick sketches – no need for long sessions
Observe first – take time to notice the small details around you
Use waiting time as an opportunity to practice
Focus on expression, not perfection
Have fun and experiment with your style

Remember: Sketching is not about perfection – it’s about expressing your unique view of the world.

So, grab that sketchbook, and let’s get started 🙂

Ready to learn more?

All of our online urban sketching courses are designed to help you build a solid sketching routine without overwhelming you. But if you’re pushed for time, then one we can highly recommend is Ian Fennelly’s Urban Quick Sketching Course. In this course, Ian shows you how to capture stunning black and white sketches in less than 30 minutes.