Urban Sketching for Beginners - A Step by Step Guide and Simple Demo

[@PlayHookywithMe]

Thank you so much for mentioning at the end about embracing your own style (taste of your own cooking- love that). That's where I am right now. Looking at others artists, loving their styles (and yours, ofc) but never appreciating my own. That really held me back as an illustrator for 20 years , not appreciating what I was bringing to the table. Now, that I'm coming back to drawing and pursuing urban/rural sketching those same insecurities are resurfacing. You mentioning that you felt this way encourages me greatly that I'll develop my own style and appreciate what I contribute. x

[@dougjacksonart]

Glad you like that. It's such a common thing amongst all artist and I've found some nationally renown artists who make a good Iving from thier art who just hate the way they draw. Also with practice the way you mark make will always change and evolve. Happy New Year 🎉🎉

[@PlayHookywithMe]

@@dougjacksonart Happy New Year ! 🎊 👏🏻

[@hollyblossomWH]

I've been artistic since I was a little girl, but as I've grown up I realise that I spend sooo much time studying procedure or how I want to showcase the finished result that I forget to just get on with it. This video has really helped me to get going. What you said at the end was an eye-opener, so I thank you for that! I look forward to more videos. I've watched so many where I get annoyed with the person's 'dramatics' and trying to be cool. It just makes me turn the video off, but yours was different. I like your calm explanations. Thanks so much for this wonderful tutorial...it's been time well spent! 😊

[@sharonolsen6579]

just noticed your comment ... I actually am subscribed to your channel as well as this one ... I had no idea you were also an artist. ! just wanted to say hi ... LOL... Probably see you back at your channel later today.. 😁

[@PlayHookywithMe]

@@sharonolsen6579 oh that’s so neat! 😆 Hi, Sharon 👏🏻 Yes , during the crisis back in 2020 , my assignments were “postponed” and I started the channel as a hobby until things went back to normal. But I fell in love with working for myself and now the drawing is the hobby 😂 Great to see you here … and there . 😀 Doug is an amazing teacher as I’m sure you agree . I’m so glad he has started this channel 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻💕

[@DotyML]

I really like how you broke down your equipment for sketching. I do agree we need to cal it something beside urban sketching since you should just sketch what you love about your environment ( urban, rural, household , garden, anything).

[@dougjacksonart]

Yep that's so true, I love sketching loads of different things and often try and sketch things I don't want to as I know secretly I'm scared too. 😳 🤣

[@artdavisstudios]

Yes. What speaks to me and captures my imagination most often is a dilapidated old out building on a farm etc..

[@UJB123]

Yep. Apparently "urban" can mean any environment. Whether done outside or from a photo. 21st Century plus COVID kinda changed things. We should just name it 'line & wash'.

[@dawnsheart316]

For the love of God, Doug! Oh you and your style MOST DEFINITELY have value!!! I’m also SOOOO flipping glad you embraced your dance and now share it with us. I used to be great with words and spot on. One thing I just discovered, and something I call “treasures of darkness” bc you wouldn’t find them unless you’d been in the dark, is that I don’t have to have words. I haven’t lost my full of life self, nor my silly & light hearted style. It is never just me watching you do art. There’s just something priceless, & of immeasurable value, about you. I’ve already watched several parts over and over again. It just hit me. I kept backing it up because I didn’t want it to end. I find myself, midway through your video, thinking “don’t end!” I’ve been so discouraged that it was this last year (the 15th) that I felt the severity & hell I’ve been THROUGH. It was only after I found myself following everything you said, including the whoops, that I realized I was so relaxed. Not frantically trying to write down everything you said, as if in class. Nope. I successfully sang & danced my way through the unimaginable. So much of what’s made the last 15 years so difficult have been major mistakes and dismissals when more attention to detail was essential. Even though several were ones that brought me the closest to a b-line to heaven, and it’s those mistakes that have made the ‘right now’ so in need of miracles….I’m SOO glad I remained true to me. Instigated “Operation Bling Your Sting” and went to town on my can’t and unused hospital toilet. They were EPIC! So, my 💡is this. I’m gonna remember my purposeful hilarious responses & the joy I was able to bring to so many people & forget the ones who made mistakes. Mistakes can be fixed or provide an even greater masterpiece. So I’m gonna find some fun lounge clothes that are ME, infise 3x daily at home for now and watch you. And, just like today, I’ll rest & smile from the inside out, while it’s like I’m sitting there and you’re breaking down the fear of “MISTAKES” and see them for how truly minimal they are. Oh I’m very sure something amazing will come out of this. You’re the best, Doug. Promise me. Don’t ever stop being you. Talk as much as you want to. They’re what makes me feel like you’re actually helping me slay those dragons before I even pick up my pen. AND I won’t look at all the painting and creating that used to come so easily. I’m mot what happened to me and I’m not my art. I think the one creating is the best part. So cheers 🍻 ❤

[@dougjacksonart]

Ahh thanks so much for the kind words and sharing your story. I'm so moved that this channel connects with people. It gives me so much joy. 😁

[@johnharkness6304]

Well written sister 👍🏻

[@trishscheres6419]

Agree re rural 'Urban' sketching...here in New Zealand we have a lot more rural landscape to draw and not so many character old buildings so I find I enjoy the landscape sketching as much as urban pen and ink. Love your style and picked up some great tips and ideas 👌

[@dougjacksonart]

Yep a fair bit of the UK is pretty rural and I often prefere sketching in the peacefull countryside. I love NZ and a did an epic motorcycle tour of the South Island several years ago. Glad your enjoying the vid and thanks for commenting 🙂

[@kathynavarro-sochel755]

Thank you for showing us something simple today. As a beginner, I need to know that simple is OK. I appreciate how you also demonstrated making mistakes and what to do with those. I need to learn how to loosen up and have fun and enjoy myself rather than allowing perfectionism or other techniques to hold me back. You explain things really well and I am now subscribed to your channel because of this video. Thank you very much again. Ta for now.

[@dougjacksonart]

You are so welcome and thanks so much for taking the time to comment! You are also pretty much my ideal viewer so please feel free to give me any feedback and requests. Thanks again Kathy 😁

[@kathynavarro-sochel755]

Do you offer online courses?

[@dougjacksonart]

@@kathynavarro-sochel755 I am in the process of designing them now. I need to post a few to launch but it will be soon. 😁

[@susanhale5058]

I’m so enjoying these tutorials since they just appeared on my radar. Thanks very much! I also appreciate your sense of humor, narrating style and great tips on keeping things simple and just relishing the ride!

[@dougjacksonart]

You are so welcome!. 😁😁😁😁

[@iainmiller798]

Really enjoy your sketching style and the industrial design influence engrained throughout your work and would be very interested to see this in a rural sketch video.

[@dougjacksonart]

That's a very good idea 💡. Thanks for the suggestion and your comment 😀 👍

[@mitchpearce8540]

Thanks for this. I've only been urban sketching for a couple of weeks, but I'm really happy with the way this turned out. Your style and narration works. Much obliged man!

[@dougjacksonart]

Glad I could help! Loads more vids on this channel too but any questions just get in touch. 😁

[@artdavisstudios]

Another great one. The technique of making the lines bolder on the near side of windows walls and doors is brilliant. Also different ways to do windows. Both great topics,

[@dougjacksonart]

There are so many ways to draw everything and I'm learning by playing all the time. I'm playing with new fountain pen this week and I'm learning so much 😁😁

[@jayirwin]

Dots!! Oh my gosh, why didn't I think of that?? Love your relaxed approach to "rules" like perspective and details. This is so freeing. I also never thought about including garbage cans and traffic cones, but why not?? They are of their time, and can provide a fun pop of color. Thank you for sharing these tips!!!!

[@dougjacksonart]

Glad it was helpful! I do like bins and signs but pick and choose a bit. Pleased you liked it and loads more to view. Thanks so much for commenting. It really does mean a lot and always makes my day. 😁😁

[@TheWildSouth]

It looks so light, happy and easy. I love watching but i don't dare to try it myself, my ocd would go crazy 🙈

[@dougjacksonart]

I feel your pain but its only paper. Give it a go.💪😄

[@lisacapri4837]

I love the idea of using the dry time of one to sketch in another sketchbook! Ultimately, if you do this for the entire time, you’d likely end up with TWO sketches done and painted in one session. 🎉

[@dougjacksonart]

Double the fun!

[@gentlerdaysofgardensofpaper]

I like your diverse sketchbook. I enjoy an eclectic 'style'. A really helpful video, thank you, Pabi 😃

[@dougjacksonart]

Me too! I never understand how people can just do the same thing again and again and not loose intreast. I love the freedom to play in a sketchbook

[@mathewfines8727]

Nice tutorial! Very informative. Thank you!

[@dougjacksonart]

Most Welcome Matthew

[@juliemcmann475]

As an absolute beginner I really appreciate how you broke down the process step by step. It made me more aware of the pieces that fit together. Love how you think aloud and explain why you do what you do. Very very helpful! Thanks so much!

[@dougjacksonart]

You're very welcome!

[@simon3030able]

I love your sketchbook run throughs, I could watch a lot of them, it's cool to see the range of subjects and techniques you use.

[@dougjacksonart]

Thank you so much! Yes I love doing different stuff and experimenting. Have a fab weekend buddy. 😀

[@josebueno52]

Excellent work.I love the way you explained it. I t motivate me to keep sketching daily.

[@dougjacksonart]

Yep sketching regularly is a great way to learn fast and can be a great way to have a little relaxing time for yourself.

[@aprilezell3784]

This is my second video and I appreciate you walking through what you are doing. It helps a lot! I'll admit I didn't get the whole 'if a fly is walking across and then goes away " that's where you draw the lines? Lol! But, seriously, thank you for making these videos!

[@dougjacksonart]

That's my style of teaching 50% incoherent rambling and 50% sheers genius. It all averages out in the end. Thanks for your lovely comment 😀 😊

[@jda974]

Thank you so much for what you do, I love your videos.

[@dougjacksonart]

You are so welcome!

[@timothywilliams8907]

Love this work. I'm just getting started using watercolor, and I just recently decided that I'd like to work on urban and city landscape pieces. I noticed a few of your marine works in your sketchbooks, and I'm eventually going to get to a few of those as well. I really appreciate some of your insights and thoughts on the work with the pen, as well as the use of your color choices for building the layers in the piece. I'll be checking out a few more of you videos for sure for inspiration. Keep up the good work, and this video definitely earned a thumbs up from me.

[@dougjacksonart]

Thanks Timothy. Yes we'll over 100 vids in the back catalogue. Check out my play lists.

[@mermaid01]

Love it! Urban sketching is my direction. I particularly like the window tips (never thought of just darkening them) I have only just 'found you' and am now subscribed ready to work through your previous lessons, hints and tips as you have such an easy voice to listen to. 🙏🏻💐

[@dougjacksonart]

Ohh that's very kind of you to say. Enjoy 👍

[@simonblackbirdart]

Great content as always Doug! Can I join the rural sketching movement? I prefer the countryside, mountains or seaside places to cities.

[@dougjacksonart]

Absolutely you can. It's funny how these movements take hold 🤔 I guess the most important thing is to keep playing and learning and you can call it whatever 🤣🤣

[@johnharkness6304]

Thanks a million for that Doug. New years resolution, get back to drawing and painting. Happy New year to you and yours.

[@dougjacksonart]

Happy New Year to you and yours also. That's a great resolution to have. So much fun stuff to learn and lovely relaxing time to do art and literally nothing to loose. 😁😁

[@keithmcintosh8367]

Just discovered Doug’s fantastic website & KZbin channel, as someone who has only just got going with sketching etc since leaving school in the 60’s I am really enjoy Doug’s simple & easy going approach with his very helpful & informative lessons & sessions 👏👨‍🎨👏

[@dougjacksonart]

Awesome, thank you!

[@mariabergman3813]

Very helpful watching your demo especially since you are using an overhead camera with a straight on view. You also have a voice that is soothing and not distracting. Thank you! Will be back for more!

[@mariabergman3813]

Forgot the most important! A great instructive video!

[@dougjacksonart]

Glad it worked for you Maria

[@johnosborne489]

Brilliant - just what I wanted. I feel that sketching this way is really fun and exciting with lots of techniques to explore. Thank you

[@dougjacksonart]

Glad you enjoyed it! Great that you took the time to comment.

[@stephenking7128]

Thanks for this great video Doug. Been trying urban sketching but rural sketching would also be wonderful. So glad you mentioned that. Many rural scenes here in Alberta, Canada. Happy New Year, cheers.

[@dougjacksonart]

You're very welcome! Have a fabulous New Year to and thanks for stopping by 🥳😁

[@karenharmer519]

I just found your channel, and really like your calm attitude, i look forward to seeing more of your channel, i'm not on Facebook or Twitter or Instagram, i do what i can with KZbin videos. Kind regards, thanks for sharing. Karen.

[@dougjacksonart]

Welcome aboard! I have a fair few videos so please have a look at some of the previous ones if you like. Thanks

[@hulamunki]

I learned so much from you while watching this!!! Glad I found your video. Love what you said about our own individual style. You are a great instructor as well as an artist, and very inspiring!

[@dougjacksonart]

You are so welcome!And with super flattering comments like that you can come back anytime.. 😆🤣🤣

[@johnmorris4970]

Enjoyed a lot. Am new to urban sketching and it has given me the confidence to ‘do my own style’.

[@dougjacksonart]

That's great! Celebrate it!!

[@margaretpinsent6388]

This is so good, thank you. Ive only just got into sketching and, yes, watching All the videos. I'm going to treat this one as a lesson, and follow, see what happens.

[@dougjacksonart]

Have fun!

[@peterplantec7911]

That was fun. I learned some stuff…leaving that gothic window hanging drove me a little batty, but I'm a tad OCD.

[@dougjacksonart]

I'm a bit the same to be honest. It's a fine line as I'm trying to keep things nice and simple so as not to put anyone off and yet I don't like doing things too roughly. I feel your pain 🤣

[@phreerun1294]

Outstanding vid my man, really helpful and fun. Thankyou

[@dougjacksonart]

🤣🤣 Thanks Buddy. You can pop back any time. 👍👍👍

[@itcanopus3952]

I enjoyed watching this thx 🥰

[@dougjacksonart]

Glad you liked. There is loads more on the channel too.

[@lisabarnes5340]

Wonderful instruction. Thank you for sharing your time with us.

[@dougjacksonart]

You are so welcome!

[@christianejehanneravallec]

Merci beaucoup 😀🙏

[@dougjacksonart]

Most welcome ☺

[@bine9526]

Danke für dieses wunderbare leerreiche Video. 💝Schön, dass es fast in Echtzeit aufgenommen wurde. Ich habe es mir sogar noch einen Tick langsamer gestellt damit ich mit dem Untertitel mitkam. Die anfängliche Aufteilung der Objekte würde ich mit Bleistift machen. Sonst hätte ich wahrscheinlich schon die ganze Perspektive versaut. Zu hoch, zu breit, zu gerade usw. Ich werde noch viel lernen dürfen - sowohl hier als auch beim Üben. Zeichnen und Malen, immer wieder. Dazwischen Stricken und Häkeln. 😅

[@dougjacksonart]

I appreciate that! Thanks for taking the time to comment.👍😃

[@Barbararba]

I agree too how you broke it down, you make it look simple but the proof will be in my pudding. What make of sketch pad did you use? Ie grade of paper?

[@dougjacksonart]

HAHNEMUHLE : WATERCOLOUR BOOK : 200GSM : 30 SHEETS : A5

[@caroles5258]

Really enjoyed this, thanks

[@dougjacksonart]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@nikkiwells1688]

Lovely… thankyou for the inspiration to embrace my own style ….whatever that is 😂

[@dougjacksonart]

I used to think that 😂😂.. but I found mine. It keeps on changing though.

[@atheransari8038]

Lovely

[@dougjacksonart]

Thanks 🙏😃

[@bevanctulk3877]

Thank you ! That was very helpful.

[@dougjacksonart]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@stanwellback]

Hi Doug Although I enjoyed the subject matter of your video, I have a question about your excellent biplane sketch on the opposite page of your sketchbook. I was under the impression that hatching should follow the direction of the surface being hatched. So, I wondered why… when the underside of the biplane’s wings is horizontal… you hatched vertically. To me the vertical hatching shouldn’t work, but it most definitely does. Is there a reason why you hatched vertically rather than horizontally? Is there a technique involved, or is it simply a matter of occasionally breaking the rules to achieve a desired effect? I hope you can find time to respond. Thank you for your videos. I find them very helpful. 🙏🏻

[@dougjacksonart]

Hi there. Art definitely has some rules of the road but they are all there to be broken. I hadn't even thought about that sketch but maybe the strong horizontal elements means the shadow is a contrast when hatched vertically. I honestly don't think I even thought about it though and I like to play and experiment in my sketchbook.

[@stanwellback]

Thank you for your explanation, Doug. Your reasoning sounds logical to me. 👍🏻 In my attempts at creativity I think I break most of the rules unintentionally… but the outcome is never as pleasing to the eye as when you break them! 😂 Hey ho… I’ll plug away regardless. Helped, in no small way, by your inspirational videos. Thank you for sharing them. 🙏🏻

[@luigicasiean373]

Good!

[@dougjacksonart]

Thanks!

[@guzvier]

So coool

[@dougjacksonart]

Thanks

[@jcyvlog]

What kind paper you used for this?

[@dougjacksonart]

It's a sketchbook. Rhodia Touch 👍

[@Jack_Warner]

Just a word of caution. Don't use a waterproof ink in a fountain pen, use a dip pen. I did this and spent ages unblocking it.

[@dougjacksonart]

In my experience it depends on the ink and how often it gets used. I've used some inks for years and no issues.

[@Jack_Warner]

@@dougjacksonart I have some Indian, and Chinese ink, I don't know if they are a good brand or not, but I have special fountain pen ink made by Dryden Designs, and they are better than the Parker fountain pen ink, which also needs constant use to stop it drying out. At least I can clean the fountain pen ink easier than the waterproof ink.

[@hanishag]

Now, this is the big problem with urban sketching. You have to let that dry before you do the next layer. That's fine. If you're near a cafe..... or ideally a pub. I like how he thinks.

[@dougjacksonart]

I love a pub

[@hanishag]

I'm now picturing hordes of water color urban sketchers lugging around hair dryers.

[@dougjacksonart]

Like guerrilla hairdressers 🤣🤣

[@pammckee2617]

Instead of of calling it Urban Sketching, how about Walk About Sketching. That includes anything you see that speaks to your drawing/painting senses.

[@dougjacksonart]

Great Idea! I struggle with all these silly labels but unfortunately KZbin needs things in categories.

[@sabasworldfamous]

I have an idea why not talk about sketch books you don't recommend? That's a thought. It's a decent 20 minute video.

[@dougjacksonart]

Great idea. Thanks 👍

[@pplsmyl]

🤨😊😊

[@dougjacksonart]

😁😁

[@BurningtunaDC]

Please allow me to play devil's advocate. Why sketchbooks? So much of the work I see in sketchbooks belongs framed and hanging on a wall.

[@dougjacksonart]

To be honest I do alot of art on sheets too. Sketchbooks are a sealed unit in themselves almost like a gallery and for me have a closed rather personal experience. I love doing both but a Sketchbook is always for me and generally I do art for others on loose paper. Different strokes for different folks. Always appreciate a devil and thier advocate. Thanks 😉😁

[@lisacapri4837]

@@dougjacksonartI’ve always thought of sketchbooks as a sort of “wonderland” that is in and of itself a “portable” gallery if you will. All the variety and beauty found in one book that is portable and is such a pleasure to look back on. You can’t very well take all those framed art pieces with you to share with others in any sort of practical way (assuming you want to share with others), or the walls they hang on for that matter! 😅