Are you looking to get started in ink and watercolour urban sketching, but don't know where to start?

Or perhaps you're looking for a simple structured approach to your sketching, to help you move your art to the next level!

If so then this might just be the class for you.

Urban Sketching Using Line and Wash / Ink and Watercolour Painting

This class is all about making urban sketching simple, providing you an easy framework to approach any scene and have fun using ink and pens, along with watercolour paints.

There are lots of different names for this type of sketching, including line and wash, ink and watercolour, pen and paint.

We’ll be working on a flexible five step process that is a brilliant way to get started in urban sketching, taking you all the way from the right supplies and setting your scene to applying those final touches, vibrant colours, and producing something you are proud of.

Using compositional devices

Getting your composition right makes life so much easier, it's the first hurdle to creating a great sketch.

In this class we have a focus on that composition, looking at the rule of thirds and the Fibonacci spiral to consider how we might use them in our sketching to get that composition spot on.

Having the basics ‘mastered’ makes it easy to break the rules

In this class I really wanted to show you how I start with a super simple sketch, focussing on shapes and big or key features. Even from this simple sketch the scene starts to take shape.

The next steps gradually build up these big shapes, and we don’t need to shift our focus towards details and splashes of brilliance until the last couple of steps.

In fact, in watercolours, the biggest mistake I personally make and see people making is rushing to quickly towards details, and not getting the foundation of their sketch solid first.

This is the approach that I try to take myself, and teach to others!

Why sketch with this structure?

My urban sketching is all about taking a loose and lively approach, which means having fun and making the process enjoyable. I want to capture the life and energy of scenes around me, I'm not after photorealistic colours and details, instead I want a fun and lively scene that reminds me of the important aspects of a scene, experience or memory.

Having a simple framework for my sketching gives me the confidence to then be experimental, to let loose and bend or break the rules.

Without this framework, I find things can get out of control, and be a little too wild – paintings and sketches can then become overworked, and feel unfinished no matter how much effort I’ve put in.

What will we be doing?

We will going step by step, in detail, through my simple process for urban sketching, using a reference photo I’ve supplied (check out the class resources!).

As well as this, I’ll give tips on the type of supplied I use, and why – and simple but often overlooked things like how to set up to start your painting.

We’re sketching a lighthouse in the class, but these are the same techniques I use for any scene (even rural and non-urban scenes!) – if you’d like to try a different sketch or scene, or use your own reference photo then I think that would also be great!

Is this the best way to paint and sketch?

For me, it definitely is – because it fits my style, my temperament and my skills! That doesn’t mean it has to be perfect for you, of course.

Personally, I love to find out about other artist’s techniques, hear their personal tips and tricks and stories, and then develop my own style from there. Sometimes you will love what they do and want to emulate it, sometimes you might think their work is great but recognise the process isn’t for you!

I do, however, think you can always learn something important from understanding other’s processes so, whilst this may or may not be the best way for you to sketch I’m still absolutely delighted to share it with everyone who wants to watch and learn something new

Audio Credits

"Apero Hour" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Credits:

Made with Wondershare Filmora

Julie Horn

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