Urban Sketching

I haven’t produced any urban sketching since my art college days. They sent us out on the streets of Wrexham with a fineliner and sketchbook to draw buildings and street scenes.

I squatted down on the corner of a road, drawing spontaneously and very quickly without concern of perspective or accuracy but with as much detail as possible. I was put off working outside once as it made me cranky with the wind blowing the corner of the pages up and lack of enthusiasm for the environment I was in.

I recently joined the Facebook Group “Liverpool Urban Sketchers” which ran on a Saturday with a different venue every month in Liverpool or Southport.

It was a warm February at the Albert Dock and I had a great time choosing what viewpoint or scene to draw. While others chose buildings I liked the pink donut van on the pavement.

I liked the colours and vintage van look and wanted to practice the perspective and angle of the van. Some people painted a whole masterpiece, but for me it was the experience.

I could hear the sounds of the merry go round and Dutch street organ, observed a sense of 3D and spatial awareness.

Later we had the “throw down” of all the artists’ sketchbooks with about 25 books displayed. A friend comes regularly and also artist Ian Fennelly was there. Other venues with the group I have been since are Liverpool Museum (just before Lockdown), and Brink bar and Walker Art Gallery.

I also produced some work in Porec, Croatia.

The equipment I use is preferably a ringbound sketchbook, Daler Rowney Aquafine travellers paint box, or Derwent Inktense pencils

and Kuretake water brushes.

During the 3rd Lockdown, I’ve been trying Google Drop sketch idea by Youtuber Dan Beardshaw . Dropping in to Street Level and finding the an interesting spot. The world’s your oyster!