Sketch with Confidence
Have you ever sat in front of a blank sketchbook, paralysed by the fear of making that first mark? It’s a feeling every artist—beginner or experienced—faces at some point. That hesitation, the worry of getting it wrong, can be overwhelming.
But here’s the good news: you’re not alone, and there’s a way forward. By shifting your mindset and following a few simple techniques, you can push past the fear and dive into any sketch with confidence.
In this post, we’ll explore practical steps to help you break through that initial resistance and get your sketching journey started.
Start with Pen Placement
Before making any marks on the page, try a simple pen placement exercise. Ian Fennelly encourages this in all his courses, and it’s a game-changer for tackling blank-page anxiety.
So, what is pen placement? It’s as easy as arranging your pens on the paper in a way that represents the general layout, shapes, and angles of your scene. Imagine you’re using your pens as a substitute for the first lines of your sketch. Move them around, experiment with positioning, and get a feel for how the composition will sit on the page.
This might seem like an insignificant step, but it does two crucial things:
- It mentally prepares you to sketch by giving you a visual starting point.
- It takes away the fear of making a mistake because nothing is permanent yet.
By using this method, you can create an initial plan without the commitment of ink or pencil—making that blank sheet feel far less intimidating!
Use Simple Tools to Build Confidence
Once you’re ready to begin sketching, choosing the right tools can make all the difference. Start with soft pencil lines—something like a 4B or 2B works well. These allow you to sketch lightly, making it easy to adjust and refine your shapes.
If you’re feeling bold, you can skip the pencil and go straight in with a mid-grey Tombow brush pen. This adds a dynamic energy to your sketches while keeping the pressure off—after all, lighter tones are more forgiving than solid black ink!
The most important thing to remember here is that your first lines don’t need to be perfect. They’re simply a foundation to build upon later. Think of them as rough guidelines, not the final artwork.
What to Sketch First: Simplify the Scene
One of the biggest hurdles for beginners is getting overwhelmed by all the details in a scene. The secret? Ignore them—at least for now!
Instead of trying to capture everything at once, break the scene down into basic, recognisable shapes. Ask yourself:
- What are the dominant forms?
- Where is the largest shape in the composition?
- What elements provide the overall structure?
For example:
- A building might start as a simple rectangle.
- A fountain could be a circular shape.
- A tree canopy might resemble a cloud-like mass.
By sketching these larger shapes first, you create a structured framework that ensures everything will fit together properly as you refine the sketch.
Establishing an Anchor Point
Once the big shapes are in place, Ian Fennelly often suggests starting with an anchor point—a fixed element in the scene that helps with scaling and placement.
An anchor point could be a lamp post, a doorway, the corner of a building, or even a bridge. Once this key element is in place, you can use it to determine the size and placement of other features.
For example, if your anchor point is a bridge, you can compare its size to a nearby building to ensure proper proportions. This technique helps create a natural sense of perspective and cohesion in your composition.
Embrace the Process, Not Perfection
One of the most common traps that artists fall into is the pursuit of perfection. But here’s the truth: sketching isn’t about getting every line right—it’s about capturing the essence of a scene.
Think of your sketching process as a series of stages:
- Pencil Stage – Roughly sketch out the basic forms and structure.
- Pen Stage – Define the most important lines, leaving room for loose, expressive marks.
- Colour Stage – Add depth with watercolours, markers, or coloured pencils.
- Detail Stage – Enhance areas of interest with texture, contrast, and highlights.
By viewing sketching as a gradual process, you remove the pressure of having to “get it right” from the start. Each stage builds upon the last, allowing you to refine your work naturally.
And most importantly, give yourself permission to make mistakes! Every misjudged line or uneven shape is a learning opportunity that brings you closer to improving your skills
The Power of Progress: From Hesitation to Confidence
Every successful sketcher started with the same fears:
- Am I good enough?
- What if I make a mistake?
- Where do I even begin?
The difference? They didn’t let those fears stop them. They kept sketching, trusting the process, and focusing on progress rather than perfection.
Our students have proven this time and time again. Many started out with hesitation, questioning their ability, afraid to put pen to paper. But by following Ian’s techniques, embracing imperfections, and committing to practice, they transformed their confidence and skills.
And you can too!
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the hardest part of sketching is simply starting. That blank page isn’t a barrier—it’s an opportunity. Every mark you make is progress, and every sketch you complete builds your confidence for the next one.
The beauty of sketching is that there’s no right or wrong way to do it. Your sketches don’t need to look like anyone else’s. They don’t need to be perfect. They just need to be yours.
So, grab your sketchbook, take a deep breath, and make that first mark. Don’t overthink it—just start.
And if you’re looking for extra inspiration or a confidence boost, take a look at our Student Success Stories. Seeing others overcome their fears and grow as artists is a reminder that you’re capable of doing the same.
Your journey starts now. Happy sketching!
Ready to learn more?
Learn the art of urban sketching with Ian Fennelly in our Beginner’s course as he guides you through 47 easy-to-follow lessons, with practical exercises, that transform you from complete beginner to skilled urban sketcher!
