Urban Sketching: Take to the Streets with a Pen and Brush

Art in Motion

People at work, play, or rest. Huge markets, public transportation, cafes, museums, jazz clubs, street artists. When you draw outdoors, nothing holds you back.

And if you don’t live near a major city, don’t worry. There are no rules about what is and isn’t urban sketching. Every town, city, or even village has its architectural gems, interesting places, or simply buildings surrounded by people.

13 Urban Sketching Tips for Drawing Outdoors

Here are 13 tips to help you gain experience sketching urban areas. Want to spend your time productively and, above all, have fun? Grab your sketchbook and get outside!

Keep It Simple

A pencil or pen, a journal or sketchbook, and a small watercolor set make a perfect starter kit for any artist. Over time, though, you’ll find out what works best for you. So don’t be afraid to switch up your techniques and supplies to discover what you enjoy working with most.

Here are our tips for the supplies you’ll need:

The Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolor Field Box. It fits in your pocket. Literally.

A pad of French ARCHES watercolor paper that can stand up to the whims of the weather

Pens with exceptional archival ink - SAKURA Pigma Micron

A handy watercolor marker from the German brand KREUL: Solo Goya Aqua

The famous White Nights watercolors, surrounded by stories of master artists

Always be prepared

Heading outdoors or traveling somewhere? Don’t forget to pack your sketchbook! Inspiration won’t wait, so keep it close at hand.

Draw what you see

This is the golden rule of learning to draw. Draw what your eyes see, record it as studies, and gather observations about your surroundings. Never stop learning from what you can see with your own eyes.

Flexibility

Sometimes you leave your sketchbook at home, and there’s a beautiful monument in front of you that you need to capture. Don’t despair. Draw it on a paper napkin or a piece of cardboard with a borrowed pen or pencil.

Draw what speaks to you

Don’t look for inspiration. It will find you.

Find a companion

Some artists don’t like to create alone. So find a patient companion (ideally an artist) to spend time sketching with you.

Sometimes you need to ask for permission

When drawing strangers, it’s sometimes necessary to ask permission. Not everyone may be as open to art as you are.

Always stay alert

Pay attention to what’s happening around you.

Keep a low profile

If you don’t want passersby to notice you, wear dark glasses or a wide-brimmed hat, avoid sitting in the middle of the square, and simply don’t draw attention to yourself.

Don’t worry about the final result

Focus on the process, not the result. You’re in the learning phase, so don’t expect every sketch to be a work of art. Not every sketch has to be perfect or technically flawless.

Experiment with techniques

Experiment with a wide range of techniques and materials. Don’t want to take all your supplies outdoors? No problem. Rework a quick pencil sketch at home to suit your vision.

Sometimes less is more

This advice applies to techniques and tools, as well as the amount of time you spend drawing outside. Let simplicity shine through in your sketching, and be sure to give yourself some time to rest.

Discover the rich, varied life of the city

Not all urban sketchers are architects, and not every city sketch has to be made up of complicated architectural drawings. Look around and notice the people, fountains, fences, sidewalks, and cars.

I often head outside for inspiration, whether in the city or in nature. It’s a great way to relax and learn at the same time. If these tips helped or gave you confidence, don’t hesitate. Grab your sketchbook and head outside.

See you next time,

Your friend, Sabína.