How to begin urban sketching - step by step for beginners

Every like and comment tells KZbin to show this to more people, so please jump in. If you really, really like this content and want to support me you can donate at Kofi. I have just set it up at: ko-fi.com/lizc...
Urban sketching is incredibly popular. It's all about connecting with the place you are in. But how do you get started? I thought I would share my process in this film. It's all about trying to capture lots of information quickly in case it rains, you freeze to death or someone parks a car in the way.
Thanks to my neighbour (Eddie) for letting me sketch their house.
I really enjoy quick sketches and it is just not the same if you work from a photo in the studio. So this is a first for me, I am doing an outside broadcast.
Urban Sketching is reportage - it's drawing or painting on location in the cities, towns, or villages that you live in and travel to. You are capturing a moment in time in a unique way. I saw this lovely quote from Roisin Cure "The essence of an urban sketch is that its primary function is not to be beautiful, but to capture what it feels like to be human. This could be in a man-made building, the hand of man on the landscape, or human beings in action, wherever they are or whatever they are doing."
In this film I thought it would be fun to show you my sketching process on location. It turns out that filming yourself drawing outside is really hard! The trouble is that you cannot check if everything is on camera once you are sitting down. Luckily it was. I did another one and only got half the drawing....
If you want to have a go at this house, I will put a picture on the community tab on this channel. I would love to see what you do.
Don't forget I run a Facebook group which is a great place to meet other artists, get tips and to share your work. You can join here: / watercolourstudiowithl...
If you are interested in learning more about line and wash, I have a really comprehensive course over at www.lizchadert... and my book Line and Wash Painting is available from The Crowood Press and online book shops worldwide.
Of course you can use whatever materials you like to sketch with, but pen and watercolour are very popular, because of the speed you can work at and also that the kit is light and portable, so that you can do a quick sketch while waiting in the car or sitting drinking a coffee. Give it a go and you will see the world in a different light.
Going out sketching on your own can be intimidating. So maybe sitting in a coffee shop is a good place to start and having your back to a wall so no one can look over your shoulder, also helps! Most people are just impressed you are doing it. If they are a painter, they will be supportive and if they aren't an artist, well they will wish they were. So try not to care what people think! There are urban sketch groups around the world, usually organised through Facebook, so there's safety in numbers and perhaps you could go out with them - just search your local area.
#lizchaderton #urbansketching #lineandwash
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[@mhd5826]

I drew along and realised for the first time, that the elements I need to work on are confidence, patience, and relaxation! I often stop a picture very early on because I feel it's already gone wrong, whereas watching this process unfold, I realised it maybe just needed time. Great demonstration and very helpful!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

all sketches and paintings go through a mucky/ ugly phase. It’s worth pushing through. And confidence, relaxation and patience are brilliant. I’d add enjoyment. even if it won’t hang in a gallery, did you enjoy the process?

[@christineriley1295]

Made me chuckle when you said "I'm not putting in every brick". About 40 years ago in art class at school i drew the house opposite from where i live. I put in every brick! My art teacher said, somewhat surprised, "you put in every brick!" 😂

[@LizChadertonStudio]

I admire your patience 😆

[@sdcasbah]

Thank you for this. I find artists make it look very easy, but you bring a different approach, recognizing the imperfections of the process and still making it useable.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

I think how we cope when it goes wrong is really important!

[@mmallow6481]

Lovely! I love the looseness and then tightening the sketch with the markers. Great video.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Thank you so much!

[@bestebassist]

Details in the foreground. Yes!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

gives a sense of depth…

[@bestebassist]

@@LizChadertonStudio yes , and the overall feel gets better. Thanks!

[@Raff_does_Art]

I love your style, it’s just so authentic.👏

[@LizChadertonStudio]

that’s what I was trying to do here - no polish, just reality!

[@mahakranga7093]

This is amazing! I am just venturing into urban sketching and this is the best tutorial I have come across! I am surely trying this in the coming weekend! Thank you!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Glad it was helpful! hope the sun shines

[@TheFragrantMuse]

This is brilliant! I've always wanted to learn how to do urban sketches as I'm fascinated with the shape of buildings. However, I'm abysmal at drawing, especially perspective. I've decided to just begin to draw and do it badly until I do it better! Your videos are fun, easy to follow, not overwhelming and inspiring!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Honestly drawing is a muscle which needs to be trained. The more you do, the better it gets. And perfection is over rated. Todays film is the other half of this house, but done from a photo.

[@malasukhdeo8561]

I’m the same as you and decided the same thing this year.

[@leya73]

I don't know why I expect myself to be a natural at skmething I have never done before. So now I'm doing what you do. Just draw no matter how terrible it is

[@LizChadertonStudio]

@@leya73 the secret is just to do it without judgement and enjoy yourself

[@TerryMcGearyScotland]

I like your attitude! One great piece of advice I have to keep bringing to mind is don’t think you’re trying to draw a “flower”, “house”, “eye” or whatever but concentrate on the shape/shadow etc. Even try drawing your reference picture upside down!

[@Renegade_2023]

I’ve really been enjoying learning from the various artists, yourself included , on you tube, to just let go and have fun with it!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

The experience needs to be fun and it will show through in the end result.

[@AmyGChicago]

Excellent video! I look forward to watching more from your channel!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

I’ve started doing a monthly #sketchwithliz film and prompt you might enjoy

[@swiitchy511]

Love your personality, it's perfect for learning from. If you're not already an art teacher, you would certainly make a magnificent one!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Thank you! 😊 I am not trained as one, but I love it and run workshops and online courses (www.lizchadertonstudio.co.uk). I love teaching motivated adults, NOT children! 😂

[@charitysketches]

what I love so much about this is that it's so effortless and all my old line sketches have a purpose. I really admire this and i'm glad to be trying this out

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Any sketch, however imperfect or unfinished, has a purpose!

[@mariatrapani851]

YOUR SKETCHING IS GREAT, I LOVE THE WAY YOU DO THE BUILDINGS, MARIA

[@LizChadertonStudio]

thank you so much!

[@KarinSebelin]

Amazing scenery ❤️

[@LizChadertonStudio]

thank you

[@deborahgiles8214]

I loved the noisy location and seeing the sketch develop. Don't know if it was a complete pain in the neck to film but the video is wonderful. I adore the finished result. I love the somewhat serendipitous approach that urban sketching demands. I particularly love the life that the watercolours add to the scene. ❤❤❤ Thanks so much for making and sharing this!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Glad you enjoyed it! I have just started doing a series of outside sketches, trying to take the warts and all approach! it’s more about the experience rather than the end….

[@soniabrickell4268]

One of the best tutorials I have experienced. Your attitude to your work is just inspiring . You are so watchable and you made me laugh . 😊thank you I have subscribed . It’s great to watch someone that proves we don’t have to get so hung up in our journey but to enjoy it .x

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Thanks so much 😊 I don’t want perfection to get in the way of action (and enjoyment)

[@itme2223]

Thank you. ❤

[@LizChadertonStudio]

You're welcome 😊

[@jas8815]

I love the looseness of this style. It's something I need to work on developing in the coming year. Thank you so much for sharing this!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

You are so welcome!

[@2tinytreasures]

Can i just say the horse trotting by just makes the video 😂 what a delight. Thank you for sharing your unique corner of sketching in real life.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

😂 you get used to the noise and activity, but listening to the film was quite a surprise. I have a new respect for people filming on location. but I do love a good clip clop….

[@JoyAloha709]

Nice! Loved your narration and written comments. Going to try this.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Hope you enjoy it and I would love to see what you do

[@NavyAssassinOnBLAST]

Gorgeous sketch. I am old enough to remember when phone lines served a purpose 😂📱

[@LizChadertonStudio]

I love adding phone lines and I adore messy electrical connections. Saw some like plates of spaghetti in Thailand!

[@aradhyabiswas5050]

Excellent 😍😍.. Thank you for sharing such a helpful vedio 😍

[@LizChadertonStudio]

My pleasure 😊

[@daved3494]

Wow. That was brilliant. Not only brilliant, but more importantly, inspiring. Thank you.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Wow, thank you!

[@TerryMcGearyScotland]

This ,again, was lovely to watch. Thanks. I love my little paint box too. A few aqua brushes, sketch book and glass of water from the cruise ship bar and away you go!🍻🍹

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Wonderful! Sounds like you have that sorted 😊

[@TerryMcGearyScotland]

Nice to watch again. A nice way to delay getting out of bed on a chilly morning!

[@irenehynes7536]

This is great!i haven’t done urban sketching for a while, and you have now sparked my interest to do it again . I love your technique of the first lines in pen. Very brave! I will try to be brave too.!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Go for it!

[@SkysMomma]

I love it! I will try this. And I had never heard of water brushes. Thank you.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

They are great for sketching. if you are in the UK you can pick them up cheap in Flying Tiger or Hobbycraft

[@roxannekeomaka4754]

You inspired me to get off the couch and got my pen, watercolor box and I began! Thanks for your great demo😊❤

[@LizChadertonStudio]

that’s so good to hear!

[@katherinebuchanan9350]

So helpful to see your process, and to hear how you might address the composition differently - like the ridge cap on the doorway roof. Thank you for sharing your process

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Anders.B]

I enjoyed you showing us your sketch book. Great sketches!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@karenmoss8810]

I love the colors in that palette!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

it’s the Dreweatts line and Wash one. an odd selection!

[@annicakarlsson7428]

Tack!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Thank you very much!

[@vyvyangreen]

Nicely done - moreso with going straight in with the pen.......

[@LizChadertonStudio]

I find a pen focuses the mind!

[@peckerdecker]

Absolutely brilliant. Thank you for sharing. GREAT to see original artwork made in location/ made using 3D (rather than using photo references). Keep sharing.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Thank you very much!

[@emmanem574]

Thank you so much! Your commentary was lovely, and the way you broke the process down really helped to take away some of the more intimidating aspects and inspired me to get out there and try my best! I can't wait to start drawing!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

You're very welcome!

[@neliemeininger]

Lovely thank you for showing us!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Thanks for watching!

[@ritaobrien9093]

Mesmerizing! I want to jump into urban sketching - this video may have jump started that! Thank You!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

I hope so!

[@Utubingdlt]

I have to mention what I can see of your sweater is beautiful :)

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Oh thank you! I had to go back and look at which one it was!

[@geoffmphotography9444]

Just discovered your channel. I got more from this than any 'how to' book. Great. Subscribed.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Thanks and welcome

[@LisaRSArt]

Thank you for the video. ❤😊

[@LizChadertonStudio]

You're welcome 😊

[@Gloria-qf3cg]

Thank you for this❤ and greatings from Germany❤

[@LizChadertonStudio]

You're so welcome!

[@IamGloryfied]

Yes thank you, I try to make it to perfect and stop when I feel I go wrong, but seeing this made me realise to relax and carry on. Looks awesome ❤

[@LizChadertonStudio]

I aim for 'perfectly imperfect' 😀

[@TheRaccoonYT]

Tysm for helping me

[@LizChadertonStudio]

my pleasure!

[@KashiGirl911]

these are lovely

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Thank you so much

Amazing. Lovely and inpiring to see your process. Thank you.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

You are so welcome!

[@Momabearsews]

Your are brilliant! Your tutorials are so very helpful! Thank you.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Thank you so much!

[@tinad4829]

I absolutely love this! Thank you - I am new to watercolor and feel that urban sketching is going to be my perfect creative outlet. One thing I noticed is that I got much more from your video and your instruction when the photograph was on the screen while you drew & painted. It can be smaller if it takes up too much room, but having it there as a reference was extremely helpful. I'll be watching all your vids. Thanks again!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

funnily enough, I asked on the community tab whether people like the photo showing or not. There was quite a mixed response!

[@MoMaryR]

I agree.Would help me if the photo was there while watching the sketching.

[@loon1moon1]

watched this morning and did my first urban sketch this afternoon. it was so fun & freeing! thank you for inspiring me to paint without being stressed about the final outcome.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

that’s brilliant! The very fact of doing it is more important than the end result. keep going!

[@sandragoss62]

Thank you so much. I’ve just purchased my sketching equipment and can’t wait to get started. At 59 I’m a little late in my artistic journey but better late than never. I come from a family of amazing artists and have never felt confident or good enough to have a go. But here I am watching you and absolutely feel I can!! Thank you again 🥰 🧑‍🎨 🎨 ✍️🥰

[@LizChadertonStudio]

it is never too late to start. It can be a blessing or a curse to have artists around you. Try not to compare yourself and do what you want to do.

[@sandragoss62]

@@LizChadertonStudio thank you 😊

[@mikesamovarov4054]

Never late! Enjoy your art! ❤

[@LizChadertonStudio]

@@mikesamovarov4054 100% agree

[@marielouisedavidson4834]

Wonderful video and ideas to get started. thank you!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@PernilleFromHansen]

WONDERFUL video - perfect way to spend lunch time - thank you very much :-D

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Shelia-b2f]

Thank you! Just found this one! I'm intrigued

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Hope you like it!

[@yesitavegaandreu1714]

Enjoyed this so much! Watching from Chile.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

greetings!

[@DebbieJones-e1o]

Great to see each stage so clearly. Very helpful, thank you!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

glad it was helpful

[@lesleyegbert4807]

Thanks so much for the tip on the gray brush pen for windows. Just might have to get one of those!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

well worth it!

[@cathyserafinowicz6374]

Really lovely ,thanks so much. ❤️

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Glad you like it!

[@methical__]

Great video Liz! Really makes me want to pick up the pen and draw again ❤

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Go for it!

[@sheilarawlingson1050]

Love the way you work really enjoyed watching thanks for sharing 💕

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Thanks so much 😊

[@leonidasspanos1938]

Wow!! Just amazing!’👏🏻👏🏻

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Thank you! 😊

[@evanscent4473]

Can’t draw/sketch at all but enjoyed this immensely all the same 👍

[@LizChadertonStudio]

I firmly believe anyone can learn to draw if they want to 😁

[@naturetalkspt]

Really great. Inspiration from this to start. 😃

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Go for it!

[@7775Kevin]

Thanks for this. Lots of good ideas, especially for the tools you use. I hadn't thought of some of those. I like your approach of getting most of the shapes in and adding details later. I appreciate your work putting this video together, I know it's not easy to do.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

yes, filming yourself outside was a challenge. I need a camera operator for sure.

[@rhonda1631]

Really enjoyed this, would love to see more! Thank you

[@LizChadertonStudio]

will do more…. maybe without the traffic and horse!

[@rhonda1631]

Oh! That was the charm! Speaking for me, people want to edit out life. I've notice many who do video's apologize for everything. I don't make video's but it makes me sad if viewers are giving the person who is graciously giving a FREE tutorial. I can understand if we couldn't hear you or quality wasn't good but otherwise, personally, I'm just grateful to you for sharing your talent and advice. Thank you again!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

@@rhonda1631 that’s so kind of you. You would have laughed though. I did a second version and only managed to get half on camera AND I hit time lapse instead of video….so that got deleted! No one wanted to see my knee for that long!

[@rhonda1631]

Lol! You're a true joy!

[@morrisonwatercolors]

Nice walk through of your urban sketching technique. I very much like the splatters from that water brush, wow! :)

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@A_a_m4]

Very helpful thank you ,also very beautiful drawing

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Thank you so much 😀

[@jeanwillis.verycooldude8569]

Really enjoy watching you paint I am just beginning and found it very helpful

[@LizChadertonStudio]

I'm so glad! The more you draw, the easier it will become.

[@jayneyharmony]

That was so wonderful from your gorgeous artwork to your great advice and fun conversation. I wish I was sitting there with you en plein air with it all happening around you. The way you got in he big shapes first your whole art process is really great. I would have gone 🍌🍌too 🤣drawing in all those bricks as well and usually less is more when it comes to bricks 😊. I just found you and will watch your videos. Thanks again and happy art making

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Thank you so much! Glad you’ve found the channel

[@husainlehri]

What a phenomenal sketch ❤️ Thank you for making such awesome content !

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@barbarahoffman2626]

My first time seeing your work. It is lovely and just the style I'm interested in pursuing, thank you!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Thank you so much!

[@TatePuGoy]

Obrigada 👍🏻🌷🇧🇷

[@LizChadertonStudio]

🥰

[@christineriley1295]

Great video Liz, I'm wanting to get into urban sketching and I'm looking for some tutorials. This is fantastic, great advice and tips....also a brilliant sketch! Thanks for sharing 😊

[@LizChadertonStudio]

my top advice is just get out and give it a go! Have fun

[@Roustabout22]

That was excellent. Thank you!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

You're very welcome!

[@mikesamovarov4054]

Awesome video, thank you ❤

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@b.l70]

This was so helpful and fun to watch! I really enjoyed your narration too. Thank you for sharing your process and talent with us ❤

[@LizChadertonStudio]

You are so welcome!

[@KevinS-dx6hh]

Some really nice tips there, thank you Liz 🙂

[@LizChadertonStudio]

You're so welcome!

[@sharonling-LetsArtToday]

Love this ❤

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Thank you so much!

[@madridcsr]

Hi Liz, I just found your channel and thoroughly enjoyed this video. Love your style and step by step explanation. May have to give this a go. Thank you for the inspiration!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Thank you so much!

[@peggyconti1225]

Thank you for sharing your detailed instructions and techniques. Although I never had any inkling of how to draw urban or village sketching. I now have the confidence to at least start with one straight line.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

or in my case, one slightly wonky line!

[@peggyconti1225]

😊

[@lisaraiexox_]

Thank you for this

[@LizChadertonStudio]

My pleasure!

[@AbiNomac]

I love this!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

thank you

[@maryhazlett]

New to your channel and I loved it. I loved your commentary on what you wish you hadn't done or should've done - my brain goes like that! And, I was really surprised/amused by your mentioning of going for coffee. I thought it was always tea, there!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Welcome aboard! to be honest, it is usually tea!

[@patriciamay5521]

Absolutely charming result 😍

[@LizChadertonStudio]

thank you so much!

[@chantalnugues-perrin3631]

I love the way you do it … I wish I could be brave enough to give it a try … thanks again for your tutorials 🙏🏻🤗🤩

[@LizChadertonStudio]

You can do it! start off gently. sit in a coffee shop and sketch what you can see or just your coffee cup….

[@JC-il4or]

You make it so fun! Thank you!!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@anapinac877]

Thks for sharing...You're amazing! I would really love to give it a try. ....

[@LizChadertonStudio]

You should! I don’t know where you are but wait for a warm day. in the middle of storms here

[@crinick9344]

All the background noise was very interesting

[@LizChadertonStudio]

I liked the horse!

[@emusedesigns]

Just amazing. Thank you for sharing. Love to see you sketch!!! I am heading over to get your course!!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Please do!

[@nancytipton2640]

Thank you so much for this sketchbook adventure. I learned so much. Beautiful work!😊

[@LizChadertonStudio]

I'm so glad!

[@hArtyTruffle]

This is really inspiring. I need to constantly be reminded to loosen up. So much so that I am mostly unable to create anything. When you started the sketch I was like “what on earth is she doing!”. Thankfully I stuck with you and I’m currently eating my hat for breakfast. Thankyou 🫶🏻

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Yum, I hope you have toasted hat with Marmite!! All paintings/sketches go through a really ugly stage, but hopefully they make sense in the end. I am doing another urban sketch this week on Sunday too which you might like. Not an outside broadcast - way too cold

[@dianecharest8365]

I love it. You do beautiful work.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Thank you so much!

[@Louvre2012]

Thank you for the excellent tips. Lovely sketch.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

You are so welcome!

[@margaretmaguire3329]

Great lesson thanks

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Glad you liked it!

[@questioneverything2488]

excellent inspiring lesson, more videos, please. Thank you😉😊😇🌼🌻🏵🏵

[@LizChadertonStudio]

More to come!

[@normg2242]

I tried this style before but wasn't that great at it. You helped me to see why - " leave plenty of white!" That's exactly it! Thanks for this very inspiring tutorial!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

so glad it helped!

[@corinne3286]

Totally gorgeous, as usual Liz!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Thank you! 😊

[@mrsCRD]

Beautiful art❤

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Thank you so much 😀

[@thissunchild]

New sub 👍🏾 This is so helpful. I've started urban sketching and watching you draw is very inspiring ❤️

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Welcome 😊Gad it helps

[@judyonody7748]

I love your loose, splashy application of the watercolour paint! Beautiful!❤

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Thank you so much!

[@annicakarlsson7428]

Thank you very much for sharing this video. Beautiful urban sketch. I am a beginner of this and I have now done my first urban sketch. Thank`s again. So inspiring.❤😊

[@LizChadertonStudio]

oh well done. Keep it up!

[@megbowyer6436]

Wow amazing to watch you sketch. Love how this turned out.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

thank you so much!

[@allyw]

Love your urban sketches Liz, thanks again.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

You are so welcome!