Anja Saalberg

Anja Saalberg, an intermediate-level urban sketcher with one to three years of experience, was drawn to Urban Sketching by her fascination with its unique blend of liveliness and color. Despite having some prior art experience, she struggled to capture city scenes effectively until she discovered Ian Fennelly’s courses. A free workshop became her gateway into a world of creativity, and now sketching has become an integral part of her life.

Urban Sketch Course Experience

Anja has taken several courses with Ian Fennelly, each offering opportunities to develop her artistic voice and skills. These courses have been essential in transforming her from a casual sketcher into a confident and continuous practitioner.

The dynamic and colourful style of Ian’s sketches captivated Anja. Eager to learn how to bring similar vibrancy to her work, she decided to take a chance on a free workshop. That initial experience proved transformative, igniting her passion for Urban Sketching and embedding it as a cornerstone of her creative life.

"Urban sketching has fascinated me for a long time, something that I really wanted to be able to do myself. Ian's sketches impressed me so much, I couldn't let go of the liveliness of the lines combined with wonderful colors, so I really wanted to find out more about them. I had nothing to lose, so I just tried the free workshop. And now I'm addicted."

– Anja Saalberg

Urban Sketch+ Membership

As a dedicated UrbanSketch+ member, Anja’s sketching has flourished thanks to the platform’s sketching training, critiques, and live events. These resources have provided her with both technical insights and creative inspiration, fostering a sense of community and continuous learning.

Urban Sketch+ has transformed Anja’s approach to art, helping her move beyond simple pencil drawings to create sketches that tell compelling stories. With these skills, she’s been able to capture city scenes as vibrant souvenirs of her travels, all while enjoying the process and expressing her creativity. The joy she finds in sketching is evident in the liveliness of her work.

"I really enjoy drawing with a pencil and have tried to capture a city scene in my sketchbook as a souvenir while on vacation, but without much success. Through urban sketch+ I learned how to tell a really interesting story with my sketch and, most importantly, how to have fun while sketching. I think you can see from the sketches how much fun it was."

– Anja Saalberg

These sketches highlight Anja’s journey from her early attempts to the expressive and vibrant works she creates today, reflecting her growth and dedication.

"When it comes to drawing the details, I can sink into it and let everything go, it's pure relaxation. I managed to sketch regularly and continuously improve my skills, especially thanks to the monthly training program for plus member. I never thought I would be able to do something like this."

– Anja Saalberg

Anja’s story is a testament to the transformative power of persistence, learning, and community. She hopes her journey inspires others to take a leap, pick up their sketchbooks, and discover the joy of Urban Sketching.

Start Sketching for Free

Inspired by Anja’s story? Join a FREE urban sketching course with renowned artist Ian Fennelly! Gain skills and confidence through easy-to-follow lessons, hands-on exercises, and step-by-step guidance. Capture your surroundings with style and personality—don’t miss this rare opportunity to learn from one of the world’s top urban sketchers, completely free!