sketching | Julia Henze

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.

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.

INK DRAWING MATERIALS YOU NEED TO GET STARTED: MY FAVORITES

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.

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.

HOT AND COLD PRESS WATERCOLOR PAPER: IS THERE REALLY MUCH DIFFERENCE?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).