Beginners - Sketching the World

Urban Sketching for Beginners

Where to Start

Early Sketches by Jan Wallen – AM color, AM Boulder

My first sketches were done in a fairly stressful situation, when I was in Boulder, Colorado when my mothers health was declining. I found a way to carve out specific times that I could count on being quiet, with no demands on my time. One of those times was for coffee and breakfast at the Afterwords Café at the Pearl Street Mall. I look back at those sketches and the pleasant (thought stressful) memories come back to me. I can recapture the pleasant moments of calm and quiet, and remember exactly where I was sitting.

At that time, things had to be simple. Really simple. I always had a pencil and paper with me, and starting putting a sketchbook in my bag.

pen and watercolor sketch of tabletop with tools and plant by Jan Wallen

One day, I started sketching the things that were in front of me while I sat outside drinking my coffee. I did that several times during the summer I was in Boulder.

Where to start with urban sketching? There are things all around you. Start with what’s on your table, or desk. Or in a favorite place.

Remember, your sketchbook is private. No-one has to see it, unless you want them to. Your first sketch may not be “perfect” – in fact, it’s likely to not be perfect if you haven’t done this before. That’s OK. You’re the only one who sees it, and every time you sketch, it becomes easier, and your sketches improve. Sketching doesn’t have to be “perfect” – ever.

Another way to start urban sketching is to take classes or workshops.

Go to Urban Sketchers and find a chapter near you. Look for workshops.

Go to Google and YouTube and search for “Urban Sketching” and “Urban Sketchers”. On YouTube you’ll find many sketchers giving demos and teaching techniques. Notice the styles and sketchers you like, and Follow them. Watch more of their videos and check them out on Instagram.

A quote from Les Brown comes to me: “You don’t have to be great to get started; you have to get started to be great.”

With urban sketching, you can go as far with it as you want. Simply get started.