Drawing Tips

URBAN SKETCHING TIP: HOW TO CREATE IMPRESSIVE TEXTURES

4 min read

URBAN SKETCHING TIP: HOW TO CREATE IMPRESSIVE TEXTURES

Learn how to create impressive textures in your (urban) sketches: the general principles, the necessary tools and expert sketcher's tips!

DRAWING EXERCISE FOR BEGINNERS: HOW TO DRAW LONG STRAIGHT LINES

Julia Henze

2 min read

DRAWING EXERCISE FOR BEGINNERS: HOW TO DRAW LONG STRAIGHT LINES

Learn to draw long beautiful lines with these simple exercises. Read the tips and watch the video. Improve your sketches now!

NEGATIVE SPACE IN URBAN SKETCHING: A QUICK TIP FOR IMPRESSIVE SKETCHES

Julia Henze

2 min read

NEGATIVE SPACE IN URBAN SKETCHING: A QUICK TIP FOR IMPRESSIVE SKETCHES

As easy way to use negative space in your urban sketches. Leave parts of of your sketch white to bring out the most important objects!

SKETCHING FROM REFERENCE PHOTOS: A SIMPLE TRICK TO GET THE PROPORTIONS RIGHT

Julia Henze

3 min read

SKETCHING FROM REFERENCE PHOTOS: A SIMPLE TRICK TO GET THE PROPORTIONS RIGHT

A simple technique for measuring and drawing proportions when using reference photos. Perfect for urban sketchers and amateur artists.

5 WATERCOLOR MISTAKES ALL BEGINNERS MAKE AND HOW TO AVOID THEM

Julia Henze

4 min read

5 WATERCOLOR MISTAKES ALL BEGINNERS MAKE AND HOW TO AVOID THEM

Avoid these common beginner mistakes with watercolors: tweak your sketching habits to ensure amazing results.

HOW TO USE A COLORLESS BLENDER MARKER: 2 EASY TECHNIQUES FOR SKETCHING

Julia Henze

2 min read

HOW TO USE A COLORLESS BLENDER MARKER: 2 EASY TECHNIQUES FOR SKETCHING

How to use a colorless blender marker correctly to create smooth gradients and new colors. Tips from an experienced sketcher.

CREATING A THUMBNAIL TO PLAN YOUR SKETCH: WHY EVERYONE SHOULD DO IT

Julia Henze

5 min read

CREATING A THUMBNAIL TO PLAN YOUR SKETCH: WHY EVERYONE SHOULD DO IT

A thumbnail sketch is a small rough drawing that can help you plan the composition and color scheme of your sketch and prevent mistakes.

5 ARTIST-TESTED TIPS: HOW TO STOP PROCRASTINATING AND START SKETCHING

Julia Henze

3 min read

5 ARTIST-TESTED TIPS: HOW TO STOP PROCRASTINATING AND START SKETCHING

Tips for artists on how to beat procrastination and resistance without digging deep into psychology. Easy steps to regular art practice.

BEGINNER-FRIENDLY TUTORIAL: HOW TO DRAW A COLORFUL HOUSE FRONT WITH MARKERS

Julia Henze

8 min read

BEGINNER-FRIENDLY TUTORIAL: HOW TO DRAW A COLORFUL HOUSE FRONT WITH MARKERS

A foolproof method for drawing a house front with alcohol-based markers and fineliners. Suitable for beginners and experienced sketchers.

MAGICAL POWER OF TURQUOISE: HOW TO INTEGRATE BOLD COLORS INTO YOUR SKETCHES

Julia Henze

4 min read

MAGICAL POWER OF TURQUOISE: HOW TO INTEGRATE BOLD COLORS INTO YOUR SKETCHES

Practical tips for using turquoise in urban sketching: pre-made paints, markers, pencils; mixing your own colors. Inspiration and examples.

AN EASY METHOD TO CREATE A SENSE OF DEPTH IN YOUR DRAWINGS

Julia Henze

3 min read

AN EASY METHOD TO CREATE A SENSE OF DEPTH IN YOUR DRAWINGS

Create depth in your urban sketches by fine-tuning four aspects of your drawing: contrast, color, size, and details. Tips for beginners.

CARAN D'ACHE LUMINANCE 6901: MY FAVORITE COLORS FOR SKETCHING

Julia Henze

3 min read

CARAN D'ACHE LUMINANCE 6901: MY FAVORITE COLORS FOR SKETCHING

Caran d'Ache Luminance 6901 pencils for sketching. Which colors do you need? Combine colored pencils with gouache for expressiveness

Julia Henze

4 min read

SKETCHING ON LOCATION: WHY AND HOW?

Sketching on location: tips and tools for beginners. The benefits of joining an urban sketching group. Useful resources for sketchers.

Julia Henze

4 min read

HOW TO MIX GREENS WITH WATERCOLOR

This article explains how to mix greens with watercolors, when and how to use pre-made greens, and how to use greenery in urban sketching.

HOW TO BLEND ALCOHOL-BASED MARKERS | STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTION & TIPS

Julia Henze

2 min read

HOW TO BLEND ALCOHOL-BASED MARKERS | STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTION & TIPS

Learn how to blend alcohol-based markers properly (a step-by-step instruction and tips).

WATERCOLOR TIP: HOW TO MAKE YOUR SKETCHES LOOK BRIGHT AND VIVID

Julia Henze

1 min read

WATERCOLOR TIP: HOW TO MAKE YOUR SKETCHES LOOK BRIGHT AND VIVID

Do your watercolor sketches look dull? This very simple tip will help you make them look vibrant and engaging.

TUTORIAL: HOW TO DRAW DOORS AND WINDOWS IN ONE-POINT PERSPECTIVE

Julia Henze

3 min read

TUTORIAL: HOW TO DRAW DOORS AND WINDOWS IN ONE-POINT PERSPECTIVE

In this step-by-step tutorial, you will learn how to avoid the most common mistakes beginning artists make with one-point perspective