After running across a series of watercolor and ink paintings that I absolutely adored, I’ve spent the last few weeks using them as inspiration to create my own. As I struggled to draw people and cars while mimicking the loose, flowy line art, I went down an internet rathole.
To my surprise, I discovered that there is an entire movement dedicated to this style of art. It’s called urban sketching. There’s an international organization, local chapters, thousands of reference sites, materials, guides, tutorials and much more.
I am loving this.
There’s even a Raleigh chapter that meets every month downtown to walk to a place and sketch together. I’m tempted to join them sometime – if I can get past my reluctance to join any group activity.
In the meantime, I’m deep in sketching, painting and learning everyday. It’s become a bit of an obsession for me and has occupied my mind during the day and even into my dreams.
Here are my first few urban sketches.
