How to Start Urban Sketching

Ever wondered how to get into urban sketching? You’re in the right place! You can find lots of useful tips throughout our website and in our courses made especially for beginners.  

Start Urban Sketching

Have you ever wondered how to get into urban sketching? If so, you’re in the right place! Urban sketching is an incredibly rewarding art form that allows you to capture the essence of your surroundings while honing your skills as an artist. Whether you’re completely new to sketching or looking to refine your technique, our website is a treasure trove of useful tips, resources, and inspiration tailored specifically for beginners.

Think About Why

Before you take your first steps into the world of urban sketching, it’s important to reflect on why you want to pursue this art form. Urban sketching offers so many benefits that go beyond simply putting pencil to paper. For many, the main motivation is the sheer joy of creativity and self-expression. It’s a fantastic way to have fun, allowing you to immerse yourself in your surroundings while capturing moments that resonate with you.

outline – Urban Sketch Course
Outline
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Watercolor
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Tone

Think About What Inspires You

It might be worthwhile to have a look at some other artists to see what inspires you. See what kind of sketches they make, what their style is and how they use colour. This can really help to give you a better idea of what you want to create.

“Think about what it is you want to do; think about the types of cityscapes and landscapes that you find interesting. Maybe find some artists whose work you admire that you would like to get some support from. Whether you do a workshop with them or go off online and copy what they’re doing.”

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Detail Part 1
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Detail Part 2
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Detail Part 3

Connecting with the outdoors and with others

Connecting with others and engaging with the outside world through urban sketching offers a multitude of benefits that enhance both our artistic experience and personal growth. One of the most significant advantages of urban sketching is the opportunity it provides to foster a community. Joining local sketching groups or Urban Sketch Plus allows you to meet fellow artists who share your passion for capturing the world around you. This sense of belonging can be incredibly rewarding, as you exchange ideas, techniques, and constructive feedback.

Moreover, urban sketching encourages you to step outside and immerse yourself in your environment. This interaction with the outside world fosters mindfulness, as you learn to observe details that often go unnoticed in our busy lives. The act of sketching becomes a form of meditation, allowing you to slow down, appreciate the beauty of everyday moments, and capture the essence of a scene in a way that feels both personal and meaningful.

“Personally, I think it’s the most social art form that there is because you’re not already working in isolation, you’re outside, you’re discovering the landscape or cityscape and meeting likeminded people. Just be mindful that your studio is the outside world, and you are going to get to interact with people and just see that as part of the parcel of this wonderful creative experience. “

Student artwork PRAS1146 – Urban Sketch Course community gallery
Watch the full video as Ian Fennelly gives some advice to those starting out in urban sketching.
How to Start Urban Sketching

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Ian Circle 2 – Urban Sketch Course

About the Artist

Ian Fennelly focuses on capturing urban spaces and environments by drawing the places where people have been without actually including them.

His process involves layering watercolors, brush pens, and liners to build depth, texture, and detail, allowing them to fully immerse in the scene while adapting to changes in their surroundings.

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About Urban Sketch Course

Our mission is to connect you with the world through the art of urban sketching

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