FAQ
Urban Sketching is sketching on location in the cities you live in or travel to.
It isn’t limited to large cities. The most important thing is that we’re sketching on location. Find out more on the Urban Sketching website – and see the Urban Sketchers Manifesto and Vision. And a lot more.
It’s easy. Go to the Urban Sketchers website – UrbanSketching.org
Scroll down to see a lot of good information, and answers to many questions you may have.
You can search for chapters too — Scroll down to the button Join Us and you can search for chapters near you.
By the way, I also search for chapters in cities I want to travel to.
Good question. There are a number of books written by Urban Sketchers. Check your local bookstore or online.
There are also many, many videos on YouTube. Simple search for Urban Sketching or Urban Sketching Tutorials.
Some of my favorites are:
- Liz Steel
- Alan Ramiro
- David Drazil
- Alex Hilkurtz
If you can draw a line, a circle and a triangle, you can do urban sketching.
Sketching is not the same as doing a drawing or a painting.
Urban sketching is capturing moments that catch your attention, on location, using any materials you want to use.
If you’ve never done anything like this, check out some YouTube videos of people talking about and doing urban sketching. They’re easy to find. In fact, you can be overwhelmed. Watch a couple. You’ll see that it’s easier than you may think – PLUS, you don’t have to show your sketches to anyone.
Start with a pencil and paper or sketchbook. Your first one doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive. Draw your cup of coffee or tea. Draw what you see in front of you. A chair, a table, a tree outside, your car.
Do the same thing tomorrow and the next day. Or every few days. Keep on sketching. You’re not looking for perfection.
There are also courses that you can take – both online and live, in-person.
No. You can start with a pencil and sketchbook – or piece of paper.
An eraser is OK, too.
If you’ve already done painting or drawing, you may have some additional supplies on hand – like markers, colored pencils, watercolor pencils or watercolors. That’s fine, too.
There’s no one way to do urban sketching – the best way is your way.
See the section on this blog about supplies to get started for more ideas.
You’re not alone! Yes, sometimes people come up to watch you when you’re sketching. They’re curious, and in my experience, they’re more interested in learning and not being critical of your sketching.
If you’re uncomfortable, find a place to sit or stand where your back is toward a wall, or in a corner. That way, it’s not as easy for people to gather around you.
Your sketches are a record of travel or special moments you’ve experienced.
When your sketchbook is full, buy another one and keep on collecting those special moments.
You can also post them on social media – Facebook, Instagram, and in Urban Sketchers groups.
Or not show anyone. They’re your own sketches.