Urban Sketching or the art of capturing life in sketches
Urban sketching is a growing movement that inspires people to capture the world around them with pen and paper. Whether in busy cities or quiet suburbs, urban sketching allows artists and hobbyists to capture the beauty and character of their surroundings. But what exactly is urban sketching and why does it fascinate so many people around the world?
What is Urban Sketching?
Urban sketching is drawing on location, usually in urban areas such as towns and villages. The idea is to capture daily life and architecture as you see it. Unlike photography, urban sketching requires direct observation and interpretation by the artist. It is not just about depicting buildings and streets, but also the atmosphere and feeling of a place.
The origins of urban sketching
The urban sketching movement was started in 2007 by Gabriel Campanario, a Spanish illustrator and journalist. He founded the Urban Sketchers, a global community of artists who share their sketches online. The Urban Sketchers have simple but inspiring mantras, such as: "We show the world, one drawing at a time" and "Our drawings tell the stories of our surroundings, the places we live and where we travel."
Equipment
The great thing about urban sketching is that you can start with minimal equipment. A sketchbook and a pen are enough. However, many urban sketchers expand their arsenal to include watercolors and various brush pens. The mobility of the equipment is an important factor, as it allows you to draw anytime, anywhere. And this is where ink and fountain pens come into play: fountain pens with waterproof pigment ink are often used for initial sketching - such as the Platinum Sketch-Art Pen or the TWSBI Eco fountain pen . And instead of a watercolor box, many dye-based inks are also suitable: since these are mixed together from different dyes, they react when watercoloring with a variety of colors that you can't even imagine when writing. Artists like Nick Stewart in particular can create entire pictures with just one color of ink.
If you want to paint your drawings in watercolor, you should make sure you use thicker paper. The Rhodia Goalbook Creation has 200 gsm paper.
The technology
Urban sketching doesn't require any special training or skills. It's more about drawing what you see and incorporating your personal perspective and feelings into the sketch. Here are some techniques that are often used:
- "Quick Sketching:" Urban sketching is often time-bound, so quick, loose sketches are preferred.
- "Contour Drawing:" Many urban sketchers start with the contours and then add details.
- "Watercolor:" Watercolor paints or inks are popular for quickly adding color and life to sketches.
- "Texture and Shading:" Adding textures and shading creates depth and realism.
The benefits of urban sketching
Urban sketching offers numerous advantages:
1. "Improved observation skills:" By constantly observing and sketching, Urban Sketchers sharpen their perception and attention to detail.
2. "Creative expression:" Urban sketching is a form of artistic expression that allows you to share personal stories and impressions.
3. "Relaxation and Mindfulness:" Drawing can be very meditative and helps reduce stress and live in the moment.
4. "Community:" The urban sketching community is global and very supportive. Sharing sketches and meeting other sketchers creates new friendships and networks.
Urban Sketching in Practice
You don't need expensive equipment or formal art classes to start urban sketching. Here are some tips to get you started:
1. "Start small:" Start with simple scenes in your immediate environment.
2. "Regular practice:" Draw regularly to improve your skills.
3. "Share your work:" Share your sketches online and become part of the Urban Sketching community.
4. "Explore new places:" Take your sketchbook with you when you travel or just for a walk around the city.
