Class Link:

https://skl.sh/2BcUt2E

Class Description:

In this class we will be going over exercises that will help you tackle your first urban sketch. Some of the supplies that will be helpful to have:

Watercolor Paper
Watercolor Paint
Ink pen (one that's waterproof)
Pencil
Reference photo of some architecture that inspires you!

While you can still complete the class with only pencil and paper, you will gain the most knowledge and skill if you have the supplies above.

Urban Sketching - image 1 - student project

Some of the supplies I am using in the class are:

Platinum Carbon Black Ink
Lamy Safari Fountain Pen (medium nib & fine nib)
Daniel Smith Watercolors
Round brushes and square wash brushes

We will begin the class by practicing a blind contour; a technique that will help you improve the way you see! Then, I will go over some composition tips & tricks for figuring out how to plan out your first sketch. I also demonstrate how to break a sketch down into shapes before you begin drawing. Lastly, I demonstrate sketching a cathedral in Prague through a time-lapse.

Urban Sketching - image 2 - student project

This is the perfect class for you if you are new to the world of urban sketching and feel intimidated on where to get started. In the future I will bring you more specific urban sketching classes, based on understanding perspective, how to find your style, and more!

For your class project, I would encourage you to start with a few blind contours to loosen up. Whether it’s from a photo or real life, this is a great exercise to make part of your daily sketching routine. Next, I want you to tackle an urban sketch – from life! It’s a different experience drawing from life, and this is the essence of the urban sketchers motto: Sharing the world around us, one sketch at a time. Remember to start by breaking your subject down into shapes, working from your shape outlines to details and structure.

Samantha Nielsen

Watercolor Artist | Urban Sketcher

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