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!
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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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Julia Henze
5 min read
INK DRAWING MATERIALS YOU NEED TO GET STARTED: MY FAVORITES
All the supplies you need to start drawing with ink: paper, nibs and nib holders, brushes, black and colored inks.
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.
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.
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.
Julia Henze
6 min read
HOT AND COLD PRESS WATERCOLOR PAPER: IS THERE REALLY MUCH DIFFERENCE?
All you need to know about watercolor paper: textures, materials used, manufacturing methods, formats and sizes. Beginner-firendly guide.
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.
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.
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
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.
Julia Henze
7 min read
GOUACHE COLORS FOR BEGINNERS
Learn how two choose gouache paints, and what colors to buy for your urban sketching needs. Learn the basics of color mixing.
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).
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