A Leap into the Unknown: Deciding to Attend
Rita’s urban sketching journey had always been a personal one—something she enjoyed quietly, without formal training, sketching from the comfort of her home. Like many artists, she found herself drawn to the vibrant world of urban sketching, but the thought of participating in an in-person workshop felt daunting. Was she skilled enough? Would she be able to keep up? What if she felt completely out of place?
These were the questions swirling in her mind when she first considered joining an urban sketching workshop in Leiden. Encouraged by her boyfriend, Frank, and reassured by the supportive online community, she took the plunge. “Frank kept telling me, ‘Go to Leiden, do this for yourself.’”
That push gave her the courage she needed to take the first step. Little did she know that this decision would be a turning point in both her artistic journey and personal confidence.
The First Steps: Meeting the Community
The experience began even before the workshop officially started. Through a WhatsApp group set up for participants, Rita was introduced to her fellow sketchers.
The conversation flowed, introductions were made, and a dinner was planned for the night before the first session. This small but significant act eased the nerves of many, including Rita, making her feel like part of a group rather than an outsider.
Upon arriving at the workshop, Rita was greeted by a diverse group of artists from different backgrounds and nationalities. The sense of community was immediate—no judgment, no pressure, just a shared enthusiasm for sketching.
From the very first morning, the ice was broken, and Rita realised that she wasn’t alone in her initial anxieties. “Take time to connect with visitors and the locals,” someone had advised, and she quickly saw the value in doing just that.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Sketching on Location
The first day of the workshop was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. Standing in front of a bustling street scene with her sketchbook, Rita felt the familiar pangs of self-doubt. What if she made mistakes? What if others’ work was significantly better? However, under the guidance of the workshop instructor, she was encouraged to focus on the process rather than the outcome.
Every line doesn’t have to be perfect
That simple statement was liberating. Urban sketching, as Rita soon realised, isn’t about photographic precision; it’s about capturing the essence of a place. “Life’s too short to count windows,” a fellow sketcher joked, reinforcing the idea that she didn’t need to get every detail exactly right.
With that realisation, she loosened her grip on perfectionism. She embraced the use of Tombow pens, allowing herself to make bold strokes without the safety net of an eraser. She found herself immersed in the activity, no longer concerned with whether her work measured up but rather enjoying the sheer act of sketching.
Learning Through Community: Shared Challenges and Triumphs
One of the most valuable aspects of the workshop was the camaraderie among participants. Each person had their own struggles—some wrestled with perspective, others with colour application. But instead of isolating themselves in frustration, the group learned from one another.
Rita particularly recalled a day when she struggled with the intricate details of a bridge’s structure. She attempted it several times, each time feeling unsatisfied. Then, a fellow sketcher shared a simple tip: “Just get the stones in, don’t worry about the perspective.” That small insight transformed her approach. She focused on capturing the feel of the bridge rather than its exact proportions. By the end of the week, the same challenges that once seemed overwhelming became opportunities for growth.
Gaining Confidence: The Turning Point
As the days progressed, Rita noticed a shift in herself. She became more comfortable sketching in public, no longer preoccupied with passersby glancing at her work. The initial hesitation gave way to excitement. With each completed sketch, she felt a growing sense of accomplishment.
One of the defining moments came on the last day. Sitting in front of a charming street scene, she felt entirely present. “You like that house better, so you put it there—that’s urban sketching!” someone remarked. It was a perfect summary of the creative freedom she had come to embrace. She no longer worried about the ‘right’ way to do things. Instead, she relished the act of interpreting the world around her through her unique artistic lens. The self-doubt that once held her back had given way to a quiet confidence—one that extended beyond sketching and into other aspects of her life.
Reflection: The Lasting Impact of an In-Person Experience
Looking back, Rita realised that the workshop was more than just an artistic exercise; it was an experience of personal growth. “Stop and realise where you are, what you’re doing—because this is special,” someone had said, and she took that advice to heart. She had faced her fears, immersed herself in a community of like-minded individuals, and emerged with not only improved sketching skills but also a newfound self-assurance.
Urban sketching workshops aren’t just about improving technique—they’re about embracing imperfections, learning from others, and, most importantly, allowing yourself to grow.
You don’t have to copy what you see in front of you. You make it what you want it to be.
That lesson stayed with her, not just in sketching but in life.
For Rita, what started as a leap into the unknown ended as a defining chapter in her creative journey. She returned home not just with a sketchbook full of beautiful memories but with the confidence to continue exploring the world, one sketch at a time.
Conclusion
For those contemplating an in-person urban sketching workshop but feeling hesitant, take Rita’s experience as encouragement. “If you can do it, why not go? Now is the time to learn.” The biggest breakthroughs often come when you step out of your comfort zone and embrace the process. You might just surprise yourself.
Ready to learn more?
Joining an urban sketching retreat can elevate your artistic skills! Led by renowned artist Ian Fennelly, these immersive experiences will enhance your use of colour, composition, and storytelling as you sketch alongside fellow creatives.
You’ll build confidence sketching on location, develop a more expressive style, and connect with a welcoming community of artists. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your technique, sketching retreats are the perfect chance to learn, grow, and find inspiration in every scene.
