There’s something magical about seeing a city through fresh eyes. Not tourist eyes. Not even local ones. But sketcher’s eyes. The kind that pause at a crooked chimney or a splash of light across cobblestones.
That’s exactly what happened on Day 2 of our Edinburgh urban sketching retreat with Ian Fennelly.
This wasn’t just another sightseeing day, it was a transformation in progress.
From “Where do I even start?” to “I know what to look for.”
You could feel the shift in the air. On Day 1, there were nerves. Pens gripped tightly. Sketchbooks opened with hesitation. A few unsure glances between participants.
But by Day 2? People weren’t just drawing, they were seeing. Noticing how shadows tucked themselves under stone window ledges. Watching how lamp posts leaned slightly, not perfectly upright, but all the more charming for it.
As one student put it over lunch:
“I used to just see buildings… Now I see shape, tone, contrast, movement. I see a story.”
Scene by Scene: Ian’s Guided Process
- First came the structure: big shapes, major lines.
- Then the ink: careful lines to define, refine.
- Then came colour—selective, expressive, never overdone.
- And finally: brush pens and storytelling details—an open door, a forgotten sign, a shadow across a wall.
Not Just a Sketch...A Memory on Paper
Urban sketching isn’t just about learning technique (though you’ll get plenty of that with Ian).
It’s about capturing a feeling. It’s about being present. It’s about slowing down long enough to notice the beauty most people walk right past.
And as many retreat participants shared, it’s about proving something to yourself, that you can do this. That it’s not too late to learn something new. That you don’t have to be “perfect” to make something personal and powerful.
Remember: progress doesn’t always shout. Sometimes it shows up in quieter ways. A sketch you actually like, a stranger peeking over your shoulder and smiling, a moment of stillness captured in line and colour.
And the best part? This is only Day 2.
Ready to learn more?
If you love the idea of intensive training but can’t make it to one of our in-person retreats, Urban Sketch+ is the next best thing. You’ll get monthly training designed by Ian Fennelly, live workshops, personal feedback, and the same sense of friendship and community that makes our retreats so special – all from the comfort of home.
