Urban Sketching

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!

PAPER: THE MOST IMPORTANT SKETCHING INGREDIENT

Julia Henze

2 min read

PAPER: THE MOST IMPORTANT SKETCHING INGREDIENT

A guide to choosing paper for urban sketching: watercolor, mixed-media, sketching, and marker paper.

Julia Henze

3 min read

GRAPHITE PENCILS: CHOOSING AND USING

Beginner-friendly guide to graphite pencils: how to choose graphite (lead) pencils for urban sketching. Key characteristics and uses.

COLORED PENCILS I USE IN MY (URBAN) SKETCHES

Julia Henze

2 min read

COLORED PENCILS I USE IN MY (URBAN) SKETCHES

Colored pencils for urban sketches: what kind of pencils to use, how to choose and how to use. Read the posts or watch the video.

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.

NEW YOUTUBE TUTORIAL: HOW TO DRAW A COMPLICATED COLUMN

Julia Henze

1 min read

NEW YOUTUBE TUTORIAL: HOW TO DRAW A COMPLICATED COLUMN

In this tutorial, you will learn how to draw an ornamented column with a pencil and how to add shadows to it.

7 MORE GREAT GIFT IDEAS FOR ARTISTS AND CREATIVES FOR THE UPCOMING HOLIDAYS

Julia Henze

5 min read

7 MORE GREAT GIFT IDEAS FOR ARTISTS AND CREATIVES FOR THE UPCOMING HOLIDAYS

Gifts any sketcher and artist will love: markers, watercolor paper, pencil cases, books, viviva colorsheets, brush pens and inks.

WHY I LOVE DRAWING ON LOCATION: A PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE ON URBAN SKETCHING

Julia Henze

5 min read

WHY I LOVE DRAWING ON LOCATION: A PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE ON URBAN SKETCHING

Aspects of urban sketching that many artists can relate to: challenges and rewards of sketching on location.

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.

HOW TO STORE GOUACHE ON A PALETTE: A GENIUS SOLUTION!

Julia Henze

2 min read

HOW TO STORE GOUACHE ON A PALETTE: A GENIUS SOLUTION!

Tips on how to store gouache on Mijello foldable palette, which protects gouache from leaking and drying. Ideal for urban sketching and home

STEP-BY-STEP TUTORIAL: MIXED MEDIA TECHNIQUES FOR URBAN SKETCHING

Julia Henze

5 min read

STEP-BY-STEP TUTORIAL: MIXED MEDIA TECHNIQUES FOR URBAN SKETCHING

A tutorial on using metallic watercolors together with regular watercolors on black paper for unusual effects in urban sketching

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.