Learn to create bold and expressive urban sketches using watercolor, fineliner, and colored pencils!

In this class, I’ll guide you step by step through my favorite sketching technique - combining loose watercolor washes, dynamic inking, and colorful pencil textures to bring a charming Dutch building to life. This technique is one of my go-to methods for capturing the spirit of a place with energy and personality.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sketcher looking to loosen up your style, this class is designed to boost your confidence and encourage playful experimentation.

What You’ll Learn:

How to plan a balanced and vibrant composition using thumbnails
How to work in layers with watercolor to build up depth and light
When and how to use ink lines for structure and style
How to add final shadows and detail using brush pens and colored pencils
Why color contrast and texture can turn a simple sketch into something expressive

What You’ll Need:

Watercolor paints in your favorite colors
Colored pencils (soft brands like Luminance or Lightfast work best)
Watercolor brushes (including a large flat brush and a round brush size 12)
A5 watercolor paper (100% cotton recommended)
Fineliner (0.3–0.5) and a black brush pen
2B graphite pencil, kneaded eraser, paper towels, masking tape, jar of water
Draft paper for thumbnails

* Colors I use in this class are listed in the materials PDF and include my favorite Luminance and Lightfast shades.

Helpful Resources:

For more tips on colored pencils, watercolor supplies, and sketching techniques, check out:

This class is perfect for anyone who wants to learn a dynamic approach to urban sketching and start creating expressive, joyful artwork.

I’ll help you take the pressure off and just enjoy the process, and by the end, you’ll have a finished sketch full of color, texture, and life.

Wendy-Lee Strydom

Teacher, Artist, Art teacher

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