Urban Sketching

When you travel, you most likely rely on your photo camera to record beautiful architecture, but what if you could capture it in quick-hand in a sketchbook? Sketching can be one of the most satisfying experiences of your trip, especially if you learn to sketch quickly and effortlessly. It is even more gratifying if you are able to capture it in your own style. You may be surprised to know that sketching truly reveals your style - it is as much *you* as your handwriting.

The details of an urban scenery such as historic facades, coffee shops, food carts, and kiosks contribute the texture to the city’s special flavor; and you will learn how to capture all these features in quick hand while minding perspective. The instructor will introduce basic perspective so no matter your art experience, you'll be able to construct your drawings with confidence. When you are comfortable with sketching, even a view from your hotel window becomes a welcome motif, a great option especially if it’s raining/snowing. Urban sketching makes the busy world stay still.

Each week, you'll practice a new Urban Sketching technique so by the end of the 6-week course, you'll be equipped with plenty of exciting approaches for when you venture outdoors.

You will learn how to: 

• pick which art materials to bring along
• choose a motif to sketch
• mind perspective while sketching a city
• draw in pencil, pen and ink, watercolors, and mixed media
• populate your sketches with instant rendition of people
• sketch fast and with confidence

Several students from our previous Urban Sketching sold their works when they shared them on Instagram. Two of them were beginners! People are drawn to sketches because sketches are so authentic.

This skill of quick sketching is handy for an illustrator, writer/storyteller, teacher, architect, designer, marketer, engineer, or art lover. Who doesn’t want to be able to record their own impressions?

Some drawing experience is helpful. Not sure about your ability to draw? Start with our 12-lesson Essential Drawing Course for Beginners and learn the foundation skills prior to taking Urban Sketching.