How Pre-Sketching Transforms Your Urban Sketches
Why Does Ian Fennelly Pre-sketch?
Pre-sketching Allows You To:
Capture Texture & Form – The rough, cracked skin of a rhino, or the delicate wrinkles around an elephant’s eyes – all of these details became clearer through quick sketching in the moment.
Understand Light & Shadow – How does the light bounce off a giraffe’s long neck? How does the shadow curve around a lion’s muscular form?
A photograph flattens these elements, but pre-sketching helps record how light moves across a subject in real time.
Choose the Right Materials – A zebra’s bold stripes might call for crisp, confident pen strokes, while the softness of a red panda’s fur could be better expressed with loose watercolor washes.
Pre-sketching gave Ian the chance to test out what materials would best suit each subject.
The Takeaways
Notice the little things – Pre-sketching gives you time to observe details you might otherwise overlook – like the texture of bricks, the curve of a lamppost, or the way light filters through leaves.
Decide what matters – A quick pre-sketch helps you figure out what to include and what to leave out, so your composition feels balanced and intentional.
Stay connected to the moment – Sketching on location isn’t just about drawing – it’s about experiencing the place. The sounds, the light, even the feel of the breeze all inform your work in ways a photo never could.
Keep it simple – Use a pencil or a brush pen and start with loose, light lines. No pressure to “get it right.”
Focus on one detail – If the whole scene feels like too much, pick one thing that catches your eye – a doorway, a tree, or a bench – and start there.
Let it guide your next steps – Use your pre-sketch to figure out the structure of your final piece. You might exaggerate certain details or simplify others for balance.
So next time you’re out with your sketchbook – whether it’s in the city, the local park, or at the zoo – give it a go! You will be surprised how much more you notice and how a simple pre-sketch can transform your final work.
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!
