How to Simplify in Sketches and Drawings - Buildings, People, Dogs, Cars, Trees

In this video we'll be looking at how to simplify in sketches and drawings. A technique that you can use to simplify all of your art, and reliably simplify anything and everything in your scenes!
In this video we will look at using shapes to simplify our buildings and architecture, to quickly sketch people in an approachable way, and with the same techniques will by able to draw simple dogs. Then of course, trees, cars... is there anything left in the world to sketch?
Simplification is key to art, simplifying our scene is a step that lets us translate a 3D world onto our 2D sketchbook or paper, and quickly and simply sketch and draw it.
Without simplification we can get lost in our scene, and simplification is important not just in minimalist and quick art, but also in complex and long form sketches, drawings and paintings.
But how can we simplify our sketching and drawing? Well, it's not that hard :) In this video I'll show you how to use shapes to think like an artist!
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Audio Credits:
Apero Hour Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons By Attribution 4.0 License
httpcreativecommons.orglicensesby4.0
00:00 Introduction
00:27 What we are doing today
02:18 What is simplification
03:47 Big shapes
06:39 Little shapes
09:55 Simplify people
12:02 Simplify dogs
12:43 And Trees
14:12 And Cars
16:58 Add colours

[@mattc5937]

Toby's simplified shapes and loose line drawing techniques have been so incredibly liberating for me as I have been learning to urban sketch. Ironically, the less I attempt to draw "correctly" the more correct it ends up looking.

[@TobySketchLoose]

Delighted to hear!

[@LugeneDelozier-xl9mg]

When I started sketching, you are the one I started watching. You have made me a much better sketcher. Thank you so much for being such a good teacher. Thank you.🤗

[@miekeberben2424]

Thanks for your free video's. I learned a lot. Especially 'loosening'. I am amazed at the results and that gives me joy and pleasure. I am/was too attached to perfectionism. I am from Belgium and 74 years old.

[@rajeevchari]

Absolutely brilliant. The simplicity of it. Amazing! I am so encouraged to draw more frequently. And with such imperfect beauty!

[@TobySketchLoose]

Thank you so much 😀

[@sujenkins6382]

Thank you so very much . I love your videos and am finally at 67 not afraid to learn to draw anything and even to “ splash “ some paint.

[@TobySketchLoose]

You are so welcome!

[@RoseKeesing-tw3cm]

Thankyou Toby, you're so encouraging and informative, can't wait to give this a go😊

[@terencemhiggins9436]

Word of the day, Simplify. It's been awhile since I've stopped in only to find this. Excellent sir. Thank you.

[@TobySketchLoose]

Welcome back then !

[@cathystaub4645]

I love how you simplify the scene and explain everything so beautifully. I've always had the problem with putting on paint loosely like that because I think that the minute I do that I've messed up the painting. Tho... I can see that it definitely works for you. I guess I better get over my fear of it. 😊. I did a painting yesterday and tried to leave some of the areas undone with paint... But, before I was all through with it everything was painted. 😮

[@peckerdecker]

Great video. Sketch = / rough draught/ an outline :) Many thanks. Merry Christmas everyone HAPPY 2024

[@selentaorr7152]

What an eye opening video! It was a light bulb moment for me and has changed my approach to urban sketching hugely! Thank you so much for your generosity in sharing your knowledge

[@TobySketchLoose]

That's music to my ears, really great to hear. Thanks

[@bonnieh2123]

I can’t draw worth a lick; but, I am immensely entertained as I imagine I could possibly do this. Thank you.

[@TobySketchLoose]

Go for it

[@Asterix34518]

Toby it's fascinating to watch you simplify a complex scene by concentrating on the big shapes and then adding the details with continuous squiggly lines and touches of paint to produce a charming art work. Good exercises and practice to loosen and lighten up . Thanks for the demo.

[@TobySketchLoose]

No problem!!

[@CharlieGurrl2022]

I'm trying to learn by myself. I get so much praise on work based on your teaching!

[@Pattymelt415]

I really enjoy your kind energy and teachings! It really helps with us beginners that might have alot of fear and negative self talk! 🙏

[@TobySketchLoose]

And I love reading your comments :)

[@debbyleiper8367]

Helps to know to begin with the major sized shapes. Also to simplify faces. No window sized noses required lol

[@TobySketchLoose]

:)

[@michaelwilton4545]

Thanks so much for all your videos. I am middle aged and started sketching during the pandemic. I love your tutorials.

[@TobySketchLoose]

You are so welcome!

[@geoffreydowen5793]

I had a stroke in 2020and lost use of my left hand 😢 which stopped me sketching and painting, your enthusiasm is giving me the confidence to start. drawing again. Thank you

[@TobySketchLoose]

Hi Geoffrey - so sorry to hear this. If it helps boost your confidence, I've heard remarkably similar stories from people before on youtube, and whilst they weren't necessarily able to do what they used to do, they were able to have fun and create despite this. I hope, if you want, that you get a chance to be creative again!

[@ihsanoktay6791]

Thank you. I learned to be brave when drawing-painting. Now I draw a little more fine.

[@clarachaves470]

Love this video! I’m going to europe for the first time as a canadian and told myself i wanted to start drawing my surroundings. These videos are so helpful, seeing your process is great

[@TobySketchLoose]

Good luck!!

[@Dibdib35]

Great tips yet again Toby. It’s very hard to retrain your brain to make things simple. Practice practice practice. 😊

[@Bees123Knees]

I agree. It is VERY hard for me to simplify my drawing, too, but I very much want to.

[@TobySketchLoose]

PRactice indeed, but every little mistake and experiment is a step along the road!

[@lstchcglch]

thanks, Toby....I'm enjoying adding people and cars to my own work now....shapes, shapes, shapes....appreciate your work

[@TobySketchLoose]

That's music to my ears, really great to hear. Thanks

[@BobsUtopia]

Before I started watching your videos I didn't think I could draw. Now I'm a fiend and a maniac. 🎨

[@TobySketchLoose]

I think that's probably a good thing haha. Love your name btw!

[@yesemitesam333]

That was brilliant and fascinating. I am trying to loosen up when sketching/drawing and watching this has really helped. Thank you so much for the inspiration.

[@TobySketchLoose]

No worries

[@stephenking7128]

Brilliant Toby. You are really helping and showing me how to make sketching simple.Thank you.

[@TobySketchLoose]

My pleasure

[@mingyzhang]

Absolutely one of the best teaching videos.

[@TobySketchLoose]

So kind, really great to hear it helped

[@JoAnneSmith-di8ok]

This simplifies sketching for me. I was taught this back in the mid 70's in high school and I had forgotten it. Thank you for the refresher.

[@TobySketchLoose]

Pleasure 😊

[@mwk1996]

Thank you for your effort in theses videos! I have learned a lot and I’m enjoying art again.

[@TobySketchLoose]

My pleasure

[@michep.169]

I love the way you simplify all that. Because of your video, I bought a small sketchbook to go out and try to simplify and not do a perfect drawing. Thanks again

[@TobySketchLoose]

Music to my ears 👂 I hope you have fun!

[@blaironeil9235]

Well done toby! Super video... very inspiring... and your comment "Sketching Lose, Sketching Happy, and having fun with our art" - That is well said (and worthy of -t-shirt!) - Thanks for your upbeat presentations... Cheers :)

[@TobySketchLoose]

I've got a book and maybe a mug coming out hehe - T-shirt might be milking it too much

[@blaironeil9235]

@@TobySketchLoose - Good one! Well you could always do a one-off (for yourself via POD ), a few and then "wear them" with you info on the back (logo, website, whatever) and then it will be a conversation starter for you (I am sure people love talking with you)... Anyway, all good fun and good luck with your upcoming book, the mug(s), and all your other courses, etc. Cheers, :)

[@Rudra0141]

Thank you, Tony 🙏. The demonstration really helped me understand the idea.

[@TobySketchLoose]

That's music to my ears, really great to hear. Thanks

[@kathyschober570]

This one video finally turned on the lightbulb for me. So many tutorials talk about shapes, but yours made it clear and simple. Thank you!

[@TobySketchLoose]

Awesome to hear!

[@arlenealennox3136]

That was fun! I sketched along on the smaller things and it worked really well. Thanks.

[@TobySketchLoose]

My pleasure

[@TobySketchLoose]

I also have a SkillShare class published today on this exact subject - join here for free! skl.sh/3KXKzox (50 totally free places!!)

[@accessdirectmailinc5918]

Thank you, can’t wait to practice it. I need to learn how to relax and just look at shapes and not detail.

[@TobySketchLoose]

Have fun experimenting

[@pamelawhittaker1515]

Found this really interesting and encouraging as I think your simplification process certainly gives me confidence to have a go.

[@TobySketchLoose]

That's music to my ears, really great to hear. Thanks

[@pruelowden3536]

I am absolutely loving your lessons. Thank you for sharing your skills and knowledge so generously

[@maureenpeak7751]

So helpful. Thank you so much Toby

[@TobySketchLoose]

My pleasure!

[@roseboss5899]

Wow! I’ve tried urban sketching so many times and given up so many times too! But this video has shown me how to view a scene in such a different way. Looking for shapes, rather than details. I’m keen to try this myself now. Thank you so much for sharing this. I have subscribed to your channel and will be watching more of your wonderful videos. 🙏 thank you Toby

[@TobySketchLoose]

That's music to my ears, really great to hear. Thanks

[@leanngoodall7602]

I've learned so much from your videos. I tend towards more detailed ink sketches, but have introduced wavy and loose lines in my final ink step. Love the difference and am solidifying my style.

[@TobySketchLoose]

Happy to help!

[@user-pn2ei5yk9b]

I’ve just come across your channel and it has inspired me to have another go at sketching. Thank you for some great tutorials!

[@TobySketchLoose]

Not worries, enjoy

[@martielshoutholster2580]

Thanks you so mutch......I am a beginner and this tutorials realy,realy,realy helps me......🎉

[@TobySketchLoose]

That's music to my ears, really great to hear. Thanks

[@debbiepacko6832]

A wonderful lesson,Toby! Thank you so much!

[@TobySketchLoose]

Lots of lovely comments from you Debbie, thanks!

[@peach8959]

I have loved your channel for some time now. I have learned a lot of great techniques to help me along in my watercolor sketching journey. Keep up the great work. 😊

[@TobySketchLoose]

aww thanks Peach!

[@janettepolt2815]

Thanks for your help, Bub. I appreciate it.

[@TobySketchLoose]

No worries, thank you

[@lyndasmith593]

I always enjoy watching you sketch. Then feeling it in with the loose watercolor sort of makes me hold my breath for a second but I know it'll be all right. This was one of the most valuable videos to me where you reduce everything to its basic shapes. I can't tell you how much that helped thank you.

[@TobySketchLoose]

Thank you so much 😀

[@giancarloiattoni6585]

I really like your way of simplifying and drawing. Giancarlo

[@TobySketchLoose]

Thank you very much!

[@janealan2142]

Thanks so much for a lesson in shapes and simplification. My goal is to be a sketch artist, a confident sketch artist. I'm not interested in doing fine art drawing and painting. Line and wash is my thing. Cheers from Toronto Ontario Canada 😊

[@TobySketchLoose]

You can do it!

[@jodycourt]

Keeping it simple, fun, enjoyable. That's what I love. You're terrific!

[@TobySketchLoose]

Haha thank you :)

[@FrancesFraser-wl1je]

Thank you once again Toby for inspiring me to have a go at this type of loose sketching and watercolour.

[@TobySketchLoose]

Have fun!

[@christinegalysh7433]

This is the first video watched. Enjoyed this very much. Lots of helpful information. Thank you and All the best.

[@TobySketchLoose]

Thank you too!

[@NellieandRuthDesigns]

Good morning Toby, thank you for all your tips. You make it look so easy but I'm sure with loads of practice this can be achieve. Loving your videos and your style! ........ I'm going on my second cup of joe 😂 ☕️☕️

[@TobySketchLoose]

haha enjoy

[@user-kg4xk7gc2x]

Супер! Смотрю с удовольствием.

[@TobySketchLoose]

Спасибо большое

[@sovereign142]

Yet another really useful demo. I can see previously that you intuitively draw like this so thanks for bringing it into your conciousness for us.

[@TobySketchLoose]

:)

[@priscillawarren9979]

You've made it easier to see the shapes individually and why it is good to be vague.

[@TobySketchLoose]

Good to be vauge is a great way of putting it!

[@nandeva62]

Great explanation for simplifying. Thank you for sharing! 😊

[@TobySketchLoose]

My pleasure

[@puppydood]

As always, thank you for sharing. Great content.

[@TobySketchLoose]

my pleasure

[@ritzie3131]

These videos are very helpful, Toby. I have the darndest time loosening. I think seeing shapes and continuous line are the methods that help me the most. I am not interested in "perfect" sketches at all. Much prefer impressionistic. Skill in applying the watercolors loosely is another challenge....but it is fun trying. Still waiting for my "aha" moment.

[@TobySketchLoose]

So good to hear!

[@kiranp2325]

ooohhh really lovely. thank you.

[@TobySketchLoose]

No worries, thank you

[@lindaeden27]

Toby I love this and all of your work...spooky though, I'm staying in one of these houses 😂😂

[@TobySketchLoose]

Haha brilliant!! Intentional of me I'm sure 😺

[@swisstypo5743]

Thanks for those tipps and greetings from Switzerland

[@TobySketchLoose]

Hi!!

[@nikkiwells1688]

Another good video Toby 🙏

[@TobySketchLoose]

Absolutely my pleasure to help :)

[@marielouisedavidson4834]

Thanks!

[@TobySketchLoose]

This is really very generous, thankyou ☺️😊

[@mitrashivaya]

Great lesson

[@TobySketchLoose]

Thanks 😊👍

[@maggiefreeman6513]

Great video. Really enjoying your channel. Thanks.

[@TobySketchLoose]

Glad you enjoy it again, thanks for your lovely comments 😌

[@patsymccown2766]

AWESOME !!

[@TobySketchLoose]

Thanks :)

[@kristinbrennenstuhl6520]

Wow! Think I can do it. Will give it a go today. Thanks so much for simplifying!!

[@TobySketchLoose]

Have fun experimenting

[@OneTrueWord1988]

This is so helpful! Thank you very much.

[@TobySketchLoose]

No worries 🙂

[@christinemayopowers]

Very helpful thank you

[@TobySketchLoose]

No worries, thank you

[@MsMoniqueWilson]

Really helpful! Thank you,

[@TobySketchLoose]

no worries

[@Mitch.Wasserman]

Great video. I can't wait for your course to begin again soon.

[@TobySketchLoose]

Thanks Mitch! I'm looking forward to it too :)

[@JohnnyB-art]

Great tips there Toby and very good video.. your definitely right about keeping things simple.. the more we try to draw what’s actually there the worse it looks but if it’s just a quick suggestive line it makes much more sense.. loving the videos mate 😊

[@TobySketchLoose]

Thanks, hope your channel is doing well for you :)

[@JohnnyB-art]

@@TobySketchLoose thank you so much … it’s just not getting pushed out.. hopefully one day I will get noticed lol.. thanks for the comment and I’m so pleased to see you growing so well buddy.. your art and the way you come across is amazing 😊👍

[@lynnedalrymple]

You make learning so easy Tony - from australia

[@TobySketchLoose]

ahhh thanks!

[@wayneandrus240]

I love this stuff. This has made me enjoy sketching even more!!

[@TobySketchLoose]

Absolutely my pleasure to help :)

[@sharonbergman3023]

I really enjoy your videos, I am trying to loosen up my style and your tips have helped.

[@TobySketchLoose]

Have fun experimenting

[@mireillejulliard6907]

Merci Tony pour toutes cette démonstration,dommage que je ne comprenne pas l’anglais,mais j’arrive à comprendre comment simplifier,merci beaucoup

[@TobySketchLoose]

Merci beacoup, I am glad you can enjoy despite the langauge barrier :)

[@frankboernard]

Danke!

[@TobySketchLoose]

Incredibly kind of you thanks Frank

[@Art-What..]

Hi Toby..nice job, thanks for your help 😎

[@TobySketchLoose]

My pleasure

[@MegaWilmington]

Brilliant channel,

[@TobySketchLoose]

Thanks!! Appreciated :)

[@TinyNeuron]

Very helpful thanks! Sometimes I get overwhelmed with the details. Simplification takes practice

[@TobySketchLoose]

Agreed!

[@user-vg3ws9ru2l]

Молодец мужик!

[@TobySketchLoose]

Bolshoe spasibo :)

[@marielouisedavidson4834]

This was a wonderful tutorial. So well explained and so helpful! Many thanks!

[@TobySketchLoose]

Absolutely my pleasure to help :)

[@roslyncorney6004]

This is so helpful. I have been scared to sketch - you have given me the confidence to try

[@TobySketchLoose]

I'm so gald :)

[@earlyheron]

Wonder what’s the magic behind those “connections”, lovely

[@TobySketchLoose]

I don't know, but I agree they're magic

[@aussiesonik523]

Great to see your ease with loose sketching, I’m much to particular at the moment to emulate your methods, but I’m sure I’ll have fun with your techniques one day. I echo Shirley’s comment about colour flow……I see you working very quickly which I’m sure helps, but I feel when I use more water I am loosing too much colour/hue, is it simply the quality of your paints?

[@Rudra0141]

Great question.

[@TobySketchLoose]

Sorry for the slow response! Lots of comments to catch up on :) So I actually cover this question in an upcoming video - I read your comment and so specifically made a point to mention it. There will be a bright and colour sketch in 10 minutes, titles something like 'when time is short' released later in the week - look out for it for an in practice demo of this. But in short... Essentially the brightness comes down to two things: 1) The amount of pigment 2) The intensity of pigment So yes, the quality of watercolours will make a different both because they might be easier to get on your brush and more intense. But also, making sure there is plenty of pigment on your brush will mean any watercolour can be bold. Making sure there is plenty of water means the watercolours will still act like watercolours though, so they will flow and blend instead of being toothpasty like cheap acrylic paint.

[@OkieSketcher1949]

Enjoyed this video. Been trying to simplify my sketches but still find I am tied to details. Must be my OCD kicking in. Your use of the basic building blocks of sketching was reinforcement of countless earlier instructors but I did like seeing it all again. Back to the sketch books and try to put what I have heard onto paper. The use of watercolors also helps so I will endeavor to add the color. I mainly deal with landscapes when I use watercolor as opposed to plain drawings in pen and ink. Will start adding color to the pen and ink work. Just need to keep practicing. I do enjoy your videos and have finally subscribed. Who knows, I might eventually learn something I can actually apply to paper. -OkieSketcher1949

[@lilybelle6495]

I'd love to see a sketching video where you simplify really detailed buildings. I live in an area in the southern USA that was very heavily influenced by the French creole style (think of the townhouses in the French Quarter in New Orleans). I love sketching our beautiful architecture, but I'm always struggling with those details beginning to look too "done" and not loose enough. How do I find a way to make it work?

[@TobySketchLoose]

Noted!

[@zenaidamateos9376]

Thank you. Wonderful!!!

[@TobySketchLoose]

My pleasure

[@shelleybluebell397]

This is so useful. Have you a video on proportion and how to get this right in a sketch please?

[@TobySketchLoose]

There are a couple of videos yes - kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6vQh2tnmpKkfqM and kzbin.info/www/bejne/moDKYYd8iZdpjJY Also in my latest video on Tobermory I mention a bit about initial compositon/proportion of the scene in general

[@Elginbeartube]

I really enjoyed this quick tutorial. Thank you Question: which ink do you use in your fountain pen. I have used Indian in and already ruined one pen. What is your recommendation for waterproof ink?

[@TobySketchLoose]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqi0fYJ_bZeFf80&lc=UgwjN1HaE5y-QgCHn5x4AaABAg check that video out :)

[@nancylemieux8058]

I tend to want to draw the details but then I am also intimidated when I see many details. Proportions get thrown off too. I will try to look at the shapes as building blocks of things I want to draw. And just simplify it first.....All those details can come later, if I feel they are even necessary!

[@TobySketchLoose]

Have fun experimenting

[@danielhewett1140]

🤗👍✋

[@TobySketchLoose]

:)

[@isabellegodin3321]

Good morning from Quebec. I'm a beginner in sketching and watchinf your tutos give me force et confiance. You have a lot of talent in communication. If you do more videos, would it be p;ossible to talk with your's hands?? Thank you or you're time and experiences.

[@TobySketchLoose]

Hi Isabelle - I'm not sure I understand what you mean? Sorry if I'm being a bit slow to understand :/

[@isabellegodin3321]

@@TobySketchLoose You're not slow at all dear Toby. I'm not habit with english...Do not worry with my comment. And I,m thankfull to have the possibility to share you're talent. ;)

[@kindle7191]

I am giggling at 10:06!

[@TobySketchLoose]

Noses the size of windows/

[@hanichay1163]

So fine tip fountain pen with permanent ink?

[@TobySketchLoose]

Extra fine, but yes permanent ink :)

[@Bees123Knees]

As a ridged, black & white, tightly controlled (anal, lol?) graphic designer, I have much to learn from you!!! I tried signing up for the Skillshare course but my password is being troublesome right now. I'll figure that out later. Thank you for sharing your talents.

[@TobySketchLoose]

No worries, I imagine I have a lot to learn from you as well - very different disciplines despite superficial similarities!

[@CoastyMom341]

My colors never flow like yours do!! How much water do you use since this is not wet on wet?

[@TobySketchLoose]

Hi Shirley - great question. The answer is lots! But it's also hard to quantify. I'll have to think of a good way to describe it in a video - my best answer at the moment is to experiment with some simple swatches of one or two colours, until you get the flow feeling right.

[@mickmulvaney3462]

Can I purchase non soluble ink cartridges for a lammy pen.

[@TobySketchLoose]

No, but you can get a converter

[@martinwebb3394]

As those annoying meerkats say ....Simples!😅

[@TobySketchLoose]

Definitely agree! ha

[@Allyballybean]

Not parallelograms (trapezoids)

[@TobySketchLoose]

Haha I knew as I said it I was wrong 😔 thanks for educating me 😊🙏

[@Allyballybean]

@@TobySketchLoose Thanks for the great videos. I've been trawling through them to try to get better at sketching. Trying to be a bit less controlled and go with the flow. I think the trick seem to be to keep your nerve through the 'ugly stage' and hope it'll all come together at the end. Seems to work.

[@patriciajlou4183]

Hello, no subtitle in French ? 😢 I don’t understand ….. 😢😢 🥰🥰🥰

[@TobySketchLoose]

Sorry :( There should be, possible that youtube is still processing it

[@markfalconer_paints]

Perfect timing. I was just wondering about complex scenery on how to simplify. As a Seattle Urban Sketcher this video is brilliant in helping me draw simpler using shapes. @falconer_paints 😊

[@TobySketchLoose]

Brilliant!

[@sherylkinney4919]

I over think, over analyze my sketching. You are just who I have been looking for to help me do the loose, easy, fun, sketching of my dreams. I am very excited to have found you and can not wait to practice, practice more with you. Thank you Tony! You are an amazing instructor!

[@parvaiznaseem8831]

Thanks!

[@TobySketchLoose]

No worries ☺️ and thank you so much for your generosity 🙏