How to Begin Urban Sketching: Drawing in Taiwan, Step by Step for Beginner Artists

[@artprof]

Prof Lieu's original artworks available! www.etsy.com/shop/artprofclara

[@d12kiem7]

I love how she said to forget details and get the whole scene drawn and "embrace the gesture and holistic quality" of the drawing. I know tons of perfectionist art students who operate the opposite way to their detriment.

[@artprof]

We’re glad you loved the video! We have another travel video about drawing in Guangzhou, China! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpnZlXx5qL1krZI -Marc Stier, Art Prof Staff

[@toney1999]

Great advice, Clara! "Be OK with doing what you're not good at." Stretching out of your comfort zone is the best way to grow.

[@artprof]

Thanks Jeff! Always appreciate hearing your thoughts.

[@63artemisia63]

I love her relaxed, upbeat, conversational teaching style and her enthusiasm. When there’s a student in the video, their interaction is more like a mutual exploration of ideas than a traditional lecture, which definitely has its limitations. I bought some Tombow pens but was just using them to color and letter because I was afraid to try sketching. After watching this, I tried some sketching and was delighted to find that it wasn’t as bad as I had feared. 👏👏🏼👏🏽 🤸‍♂️🤸‍♂️🤸‍♂️

[@artprof]

So glad you got going with the brush pens, they are soooooo fun!! -Prof Lieu

[@annamorgiel]

Even though I'm not an artist, I really enjoy your videos. The narrative is so interesting and informative! Great work and I can't wait to see the next one!

[@artprof]

Thanks so much! That's such a big compliment, because I agree, you don't need to be a practicing artist to be engaged by the artistic process.

[@marquis911]

I took a trip to Taiwan in high school, and I can confirm that it is as awesome as it sounds.

[@artprof]

I know, which is why I’m surprised it gets so few tourists compared to other countries! -Prof Lieu

[@Iamrosewell]

I'm born and raised in Taiwan and I'm a sophomore in RISD. I've been watching your videos since a year ago when my aunt who grew up in America and visited Taiwan for the first time introduced you to me. She was a doctor for twenty years and she said you inspired her to quit her job and follow her dream to be an artist. Art prof was her way to learn art outside of institutional education. I think this channel brings so much more than art schools. RISD might have overlooked and mistreated you, but you have changed lives!

[@artprof]

Wow that is so wonderful to hear, thank you so much for sharing your aunt's experience with me! -Prof Lieu

[@sarahcoleman3598]

This gave me such deep nostalgia. I am an art education and Chinese studies dual degree student and I spent my entire summer studying Mandarin in Kaohsiung as well as other areas of Taiwan and seeing you walk around and draw so many of the places that are so familiar to me such as Liuhe, Jiufen, and even the Kaohsiung metro are places I hold so close means so much. I am currently painting a number of scenes from photos I took while there but didn’t do a whole lot of on site drawing while there and I definitely regret that!

[@artprof]

That's amazing!!! Tysm for sharing your experiences in Taiwan with me! -Prof Lieu

[@beejensen]

“Having fun playing with the marks and seeing what the brush pens could do.” Love it

[@artprof]

Amazing! - Mia Rozear, Art Prof Staff

[@MuTaBIRDIE]

Can’t believe I didn’t find this channel earlier! In terms of painting/drawing, I depend on KZbin so much for the basic info like what’s the differences between all these materials and which to start from and what to buy etc. This channel is such a life saver! Thank you prof Lieu. BTW I’m from Taiwan 🥰

[@artprof]

Coooool!! Thanks for watching! -Prof Lieu

[@hannahmatthews8363]

I’m so happy to have come across this video, it feels like it was tailor-made for me! I’m an American who has lived in Taiwan for a few years now. I’ve been trying to improve my life and on-site sketching, but I’m super shy and self-conscious about my work, and I dread getting approached while drawing. I also have a tendency to get caught up in details and precision, which makes it difficult to work quickly and holistically. Seeing you create all these beautiful and evocative sketches in places that I have visited and of scenes I am very familiar with was so inspiring!

[@artprof]

Omg, we are so happy to hear that!! We're so glad you enjoyed it-- hopefully you feel a bit more inspired to get out there and draw for fun, just like Prof Lieu! - Mia Rozear, Art Prof Share

[@WitchofCrowSummit]

What a beautiful video, in terms of art as well as travel. I love the things you captured. I often draw the small when I am on location too. Otherwise, it can feel too overwhelming to me. It doesn't matter what I draw; the drawing transports me back to the location. I loved the fact that you were newer to the brush pens too. I have never warmed up to them, but I have been given a large set as a Christmas gift. Mostly I tried them for lettering and smaller doodles in my traveler's notebook/journal/planner. But you have encouraged me to try taking them out to try some really loose urban sketching with them. Love the channel! I only just discovered it. I am self-taught and so things like this are so wonderful and important to me. Very inspiring; thank you!

[@artprof]

Thank you for your lovely comments! Yes, take the plunge with the brush pens, they are really fun to sketch with. You might also like our tutorial in Guangzhou, China, which features brush pens with water brushes to create effects similar to watercolor: artprof.org/courses/guangzhou-china/

[@DuffyWybieBigReputation]

I want to draw in public when I see a nice building or interesting scene. I prefer the look of pens and ink rather than graphite but the only thing is that I can’t erase the pen so my drawings always end up looking messy and crowded with no line quality. Do you have any recommendations on how to show depth when sketching with ink or pens because I would normally shade with pencils, and how to minimize the lines when sketching with pens to avoid overcrowding the page? Thanks :)

[@artprof]

Yes, pens/ink are challenging because you really can't go back and erase the way you can with graphite. What help me is to build up very, very light washes with the ink first. I think a lot of people tend to get too dark too fast and then it's too late to make changes. In this tutorial on drawing on site in Guangzhou, China there's a section where I draw ginseng from the Medicine market, that might be helpful to watch: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpnZlXx5qL1krZI The medicine marker segment starts at 23:09 min. For pen work, I would watch Alex Rowe's pen and ink wash illustration for his techniques: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iH-9nIynhZ1nmKc -Prof Lieu

[@lisah336]

I can't decide what I enjoyed the most. The excellent video footage, the useful tips or the hilarious outakes at end.

[@artprof]

Thank you for the support!

[@63artemisia63]

These videos are really a revelation, for me. I was spellbound watching the ginseng drawing evolve from patches of color to a glorious finished piece. I don’t care what you say, it’s magic. And I get to travel ... without losing suitcases or going through customs twice in one afternoon 🎈🤸‍♂️🎈🙏 P.S. I’m an alley lover, too ;o)

[@artprof]

This is such a nice comment, thank you so much! It's always amazing to see pieces evolve in their own way. If you'd like to see more traveling videos, feel free to check this out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mF7Lf2WOp7Wea9k - Mia Rozear, Art Prof Staff

[@WendiWells]

I love using my Tombow dual brush pens. They are very freeing, and allow me to loosen up. I’ve been carrying them around in a gallon water bottle sling/holder (which isn’t as big and heavy as it sounds 😆). It has a cross body strap, a large zippered pocket on the front, and a drawstring closure. To make sure a pen doesn’t fall out I lay a handkerchief (used for cleaning off my water brush) over the top of the pens before cinching it closed. It holds all 108 pens, which I group by hue and separate with athletic wrist bands within the bottle holder sling. While I’m sketching I fold down the first couple inches of the sling’s neoprene top to expose the tops of the pens. I also placed a thick foam disc in the bottom of the water bottle holder sling to lift the pens making them sit closer the top so I can see them better and I can reach them quickly without having to dig around. The zippered pocket holds a couple water brushes, the blending pallet, waterproof brush pens, and other odds and ends. Its actually all fairly lightweight. It’s like a Tombow dual brush pen quiver! I set this all up before the pandemic lock down with plans of on the go sketching, sketch hikes, etc, but it works well at home too! I really enjoyed this video, and I would love to see more videos of you creating with the dual brush pens. 👍🤗💛 PS: My sister-in-law is from Taiwan. So, I shared this video with her 💛🤗

[@artprof]

Wow, that's a great solution for carrying that many pens around! I used to stuff about 60 Tombow pens into a small purse every time I went out, just in case I saw something cool to draw. It wasn't the best solution-- one time, airport security had to examine my bag, and ALL of my markers spilled out onto the floor (not my greatest moment, I totally held up the line trying to pick them all up). Thank you so much for watching! - Mia Rozear, Art Prof Staff

[@Slepnir123]

I still need to push myself and glad to see another method to try.

[@Lem0n42]

I really enjoy your positivity and your video inspires me to try new techniques out. :)

[@artprof]

Thanks! If you're looking for new techniques, we have tons of diverse courses over on our main site: artprof.org/courses/

[@davidbunce7781]

I'm a beginner and the content you put out there is really inspiring to me. This is my favorite . I like the china video too. found the watercolor Utah trip yesterday and enjoying that one as well.

[@artprof]

That's great! Prof Lieu's traveling videos are always the best, haha - Mia Rozear, Art Prof Staff

[@arielle2745]

Wonderful and exciting video. I’ve traveled and done a lot of plein aire sketching. Your simple kit was very effective and your sketches gorgeous and evocative. I love the emotional connection of family, ancestry, and culture. I enjoy my various Tombow pens, but have never thought to use them the way you have here. Must give that a try.

[@artprof]

They are so fun to use on the road! Have fun sketching, thank you so much for watching :) - Mia Rozear, Art Prof Staff

[@haydenpeeples829]

I recently got to try these markers at a friends house and I HAVE to get some, I love them I love the way that they can give loose brushy strokes but also control and just the right amount of detail. This video is great and it only made me love these markers more!

[@artprof]

Fantastic! Keep an eye out for an upcoming tutorial on using brush pens in color, set in China. You can sign up for new course notifications here: artprof.org/courses/

[@Idahadleyart]

I watched this ...again..this morning because I want to use my tombow markers more. Such an excellent lesson and film!!! I appreciate your willingness to share your knowledge and your time! Happy New Year!!

[@artprof]

Tombow markers are SO fun to use! We're so glad you liked the video :) Here's another marker video if you'd like to check it out, we think you'll enjoy it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpnZlXx5qL1krZI - Mia Rozear, Art Prof Staff

[@lisengel2498]

Very inspiring. I love to draw and paint outdoors - and watching this video reminded me at already to choose what to draw is telling a lot about who you are and what you are attracted to - I am always attracted to landscape scenes - especially the atmosphere of a space, the lights, the trees, the sky, the water etc, and certainly the movements of people and animals and the wind- and I really like the spontaneous, gestural approach - but also your beautifull drawings of your family

[@artprof]

Definitely, the process for me begins with simply scanning the area and deciding what to draw, not always easy when you get to travel and experience such amazing places! Thanks for watching and for your thoughtful comments. -Prof Lieu

[@sonnet1862]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us!

[@artprof]

Glad you enjoyed this tutorial! You can see more here: artprof.org/courses/tombow-brush-pens-taiwan/

[@sonnet1862]

Thanks!

[@aleahciarmoli1834]

Your videos are so inspiring! I'm actually interested in trying those brush pens. The marks are so expressive and so beautiful!😍

[@artprof]

Thank you so much!

[@esg2884]

Clara, just found this. I’m from kaohsiung. Now live in Chicago. Nice program

[@artprof]

Awesome! Thank you so much for being here! - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@maryanne6559]

I was searching for tombow tutorials and this art style stood out for using these brushes for realism! Do you have a tutorial of the full process of using these pens?

[@artprof]

We do have a couple videos about portrait drawing with Tombow pens! Feel free to check this one out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b526c36VrbyaepI :) - Mia Rozear, Art Prof Staff

[@abbieread7644]

Really fun video, Clara! thanks for sharing your experience of drawing while traveling with your family. It's impressive you got so much done!

[@artprof]

Thanks for watching Abbie!! Yeah, I'm sort of in disbelief myself that we actually managed to produce this while traveling around Taiwan!

[@neilagangitlog]

The end blooper is so sweet 💕

[@elfychiang8446]

Hello from Taiwan! Love your videos and learning so much from them! Thank you so much for making them.

[@artprof]

Thank you!! You might also enjoy this video we have about drawing on site in Guangzhou, China: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpnZlXx5qL1krZI -Prof Lieu

[@janetc3707]

Beautiful drawings!

[@maylong9163]

Enjoyed your video very much! Loved how you described what you see and what catches your eyes and heart. Learned so much from you... Thanks Prof!

[@artprof]

Thank you!! You might like this tutorial where we drew on site in China: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpnZlXx5qL1krZI -Prof Lieu

[@pixieflower731]

Absolutely love this. Thank you for sharing with us

[@artprof]

Glad you enjoyed the video! You can see all the sketches here: artprof.org/courses/tombow-brush-pens-taiwan/

[@johnfisherart9237]

Very informative video. Thanks. I have a couple of black Tombows but never really used them. Think i will go out and buy a couple of browns and a blender now though.

[@artprof]

Great!! I also use the brush pens, but in color with a water brush in this video tutorial where I draw on site in China: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpnZlXx5qL1krZI -Prof Lieu

[@dandykaufman2]

i love the landscapes and scenes

[@anartist8681]

These types of videos are by far my favorite types, saw you’re are doing one in Utah and I can’t wait

[@artprof]

Cool!! Have you seen the one we did in China? kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpnZlXx5qL1krZI -Prof Lieu

[@anartist8681]

Yes I have! This one is my personal favorite though, I think it gets the perfect balance of a sort of travel vlog style and really good art and advice.

[@geetika6540]

This channel has helped me get inspired to draw again so thanks so much :)

[@artprof]

Yay!!!

[@iffatmeem756]

what a beautiful video! educational & soothing at the same time. love this a lot💜

[@artprof]

Thank you! You might like our tutorial where I draw on site in China: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpnZlXx5qL1krZI -Prof Lieu

[@Slepnir123]

I saw that you have a palette to lighten down your tone. I did not know that Tombow has this. I have quite a few of these markers, so I will need to get one. Thanks.

[@albertabdul-barrwang9436]

Woot. I have roots in Taiwan too! (my relatives are still there)

[@artprof]

Oh nice!!

[@poewi9791]

Thank you so much for this video! I've beat myself up for finding it so hard to sketch from life outside, but hearing you say that it's always a challenge made me feel a lot better! I had been using a light copic before but this inspired me to go out and buy a few tombow pens. I may have missed it, but would you mind saying which colors you used? It was hard to match up the medium brown especially with tombow having so many different browns! Thank you!!

[@artprof]

We're so happy to hear that!! I love Tombow pens, they're so wonderful especially for travel :) I'm not sure about the colors specifically, I think Prof Lieu likes to mix and match colors! - Mia Rozear, Art Prof Staff

[@poewi9791]

@@artprof thank you for the reply!

[@bluoctopus3488]

Hi prof Lieu! I'm Taiwanese and I immigrated to America when I was in 4th grade with my family. It was a refreshing experience seeing how u describe places where I had been to multiple times with from ur perspective! I saw plenty of vlogs about Taiwan and I love how your video shows the lives in Taiwan instead of just tourist attraction. There was this saying that was like "the most beautiful scenery of Taiwan is the people" and thank you for describing them! I found it VERY impressive that you can just sit and sketch... after all, I would die from bug bites and heat lol Also idk if it's a thing but I was always scared to stay more than 10 sec in the presence of those Deities statues, let along draw them. Don'tt you ever get the feeling that they are just watching and judging you? Thank you for sharing Taiwan~ Also a bit of wondering, but how do you like the food there? (I used to live next to an old street and they r famous for their stinky tofu. Did u tried any?)

[@bluoctopus3488]

I rly love about the things u find interesting, when I, as a local, would totally overlook it cuz it's so everyday live

[@bluoctopus3488]

Agh I kept wanting to add stuff. Those trees r 榕樹 and I remember thinking those were the "jungle trees" Tarzan would swing from when I was younger. But as I grew older, my interest in them also decreases and they have been merging into uninteresting backgrounds. Seeing how you described your child loving the trees brought back my childhood memories. Thanks

[@artprof]

Thanks you for your lovely comment! Yes those deities are intense, they’re amazing. LOVED the food, omg I don’t think I ate anything that wasn’t totally delicious. Stinky tofu was good, but not sure worth the stinkiness for me? 😂 btw you might like this video where I sketch on site in China: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpnZlXx5qL1krZI -Prof Lieu

[@bluoctopus3488]

@@artprof I always skipped over the thoughts of drawing deities on-site and only from reference image for some weird reasons. I'm glad you like the food but stinky tofu isn't stinky at all! I had actually just finished watching the Guangzhou video and it's so fun watching you guys have fun (thanks youtube algorithm) Thank you for those videos!

[@d12kiem7]

I appreciate that there is a video to accompany what she drew from life. I wonder...did she also do the video recording too or was it someone else or was it a tripod?

[@artprof]

Hi! Shooting is a combination of myself and my husband: sometimes it's him doing quick handheld stuff (like at the night market) other times he sets up a camera on me and then goes and does something else while I draw. I shoot a ton of the Broll as well. Check out our Drawing in Guangzhou video, I draw on site in China! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpnZlXx5qL1krZI -Prof Lieu

[@a.l.m.o.]

Can the like and unlike ratio be available

[@marquis911]

This brings me back to when I was in Taiwan. I hope you enjoyed your stay. Miss you!

[@artprof]

That's so cool that you traveled to Taiwan too Mona!! Miss you too!

[@tonicobbit6479]

you won another subscriber.

[@artprof]

Thanks for subscribing! We have tons more free content on our main site: artprof.org/

[@lyneqc7805]

Hi ClaraLieu which alcool pen dual brush would you recommend for. Big sets on Amazon thank you

[@artprof]

Tombow brush pens are the absolute best in my opinion! - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@baperistique]

im going to show this to younger generations and tell them this is what ppl do before phones have cameras XD

[@DuffyWybieBigReputation]

I usually don’t mind when people stop and compliment my work, but I always feel embarrassed of my work while I’m in the process of trying to ‘fix’ what I drew. I hate it a lot and when people look at it it makes me scared that they think Im normally that bad at drawing :( I really love this video, it makes me want to try drawing everywhere I go, and this gave me ideas of what materials I can use thanks for this!

[@artprof]

I know the feeling! But I do think when people stop to take a look it's usually out of curiosity and genuine interest, and not about judging your skills. Most people who I have spoken to about my artwork are very nice. (although talking to them does mean getting interrupted a lot and thus getting distracted!) -Prof Lieu

[@neilagangitlog]

I just bought some cheap brush pens, and it's a struggle to work with the garish colors. It's not water soluble, so I don't really know how to tone down the colors

[@artprof]

It helps if you go dark to light! -Prof Lieu

[@neilagangitlog]

Cool! I'll try this

[@jamport5973]

How do you go about drawing during dinner, do you not converse at dinner? Can you talk and draw?

[@artprof]

I can’t talk while I draw so I just eat fast! 😂 Helps to hang out with other artists too, they won’t think you’re a weirdo for wanting to draw at dinner. -Prof Lieu

[@theotauriainen1193]

My art teacher teach us to focus on one part at a time, like I'm doing this tree that basically has an apple instead of leafes (i am really proud of it hehe) and that is not easy to do and i found myself going back to the way i paint cinstantly, today i stopped trying to imitate exactly what he said because it doesn't apply to me and it doesn't work for me. I kinda thought the way i do paintings and drawings are wrong because I usually jump around in them. But then you said that you try to teach your students that and so i guess that it is not wrong, i do think that the way each person do it is not wrong but that it is just what works for them. Idk I am tired and I am getting confused by myself so Imma stop now.

[@artprof]

IMO there literally is no "wrong" in visual arts. What I do tell my students to do is experiment and try with tons of different supplies and techniques and to not write off any material or approach until they have tried it themselves. What works for 1 artist may not work for another, and ultimately you get to pick and choose what works for you. -Prof Lieu

[@jaydan3034]

oo i get that. i love jumping around in my work, it helps me get a better idea of the bigger picture instead of honing down on one specific area. if you need to fix/change something, you can change it before its too late.

[@crewsforchrist762]

so you used no water in these drawings? wow, I find that tombow markers work better without water as well,

[@artprof]

No water, just the colorless blender! I do use the Tombow markers with water in this tutorial where I draw on site in China: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpnZlXx5qL1krZI -Prof Lieu

[@crewsforchrist762]

@@artprof Yea I have trouble using water with these, they seem to eat the paper regardless of the style of paper I use, so I mostly use them without water. Also the Faber castell watercolor markers seem to be better than tombow, they glide on the paper more easily and are more pigmentated

[@umarujalloh2962]

Tombow should pay you !

[@artprof]

I KNOW - Mia, Art Prof Staff