Fast urban sketching for beginners - when time is short

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? And what can you really do if you only have a limited time, say 20 minutes? After a short trip to Amsterdam (what a wonderful city!) a few weeks ago, 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. I like to use a Stabilo Point 88 pen, but any water resistant pen will do - even a fountain pen and ink. The link is still visible when you put water on on, but some of the ink moves to give you shadows. It really is fast.
Equipment: Stabilo Point 88 pen in black, waterbrush, Moleskine sketch book, Artistro paint set
I also show a concertina sketch book, and you can find the link on how to make one yourself here: • How to make a watercol... or a different one here: • How to make a watercol...
Colour is optional and if you are outside, often you don't have the correct colours anyway, but don't worry. I'll show you step by step how to use a little colour to bring your black and white sketch to life. Of course, you are welcome to leave it monochrome or to add colour at a later point.
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."
If you want to have a go at this scene, I have 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.
Of course 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

[@heatheredwards7158]

Liz, I can’t tell you how important these urban sketches tutorials are to me. I have a brain injury, and with that comes memory loss and processing issues between my eyes and my brain. I am going to England in a few months, and I think if I sketch what I see, this will help cement the memories in my mind. So I thank you.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Yes! Somehow sketching engages all your senses, so you look at a sketch and remember a sound or a smell too. I hope it enriches your trip x

[@eklepac1395]

Because of this video, I tried my first sketch of a photograph from Amsterdam. It turned out so good a local artist commented favorably on it. I would never have known where to start until I watched this video. And it's not just your sketching that makes it work. Your narration and explanation is also helpful. Thank you!!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

oh that is brilliant! well done. hope you do lots more 😊

[@pamburke8614]

I love the way the Stabilo darkens the windows perfectly!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

yes!

[@Mollygirl444]

Your tip of scribbling on a plastic surface to create a usable wash is perfect! Love vids where artists show their discovered hacks-- thank you!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

My pleasure! I end up scribbling on my bank card sometimes. I wouldn’t recommend that!

[@Toto-NaoWinter]

I tried Stabilo 88 pen for the first time. It’s amazing. The pen glides smoothly on the surface of the paper. I love it❤. Thank you for your wonderful video !!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Glad you are enjoying it!

[@jennintransit8034]

I loved this beginning to end project in real time with you thinking out loud. It’s very inspiring!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Thank you so much!

[@221b-Maker-Street]

I agree!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

@@221b-Maker-Street thank you too

[@tonyjoe5707]

I'm retiring soon and I've been looking at sketching as a new hobby, albeit a little late in life. I'm not very artistic, and please take this the right way, as I can't put it down as I mean it to be and you're obviously a very talented person. You've only got to see how many subscribers you have. This style looks like something I'd like to try, as opposed to fine art or photo realistic art. I've been looking at KZbin videos for a little while and your real time presentation, thoughts and reasoning, has made me bite the bullet and order some supplies. Thank you

[@ApandaLynn]

Your sketchbook is such a treasure!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

I’ve just got a new one, so that’s exciting!

[@MargrietBossink]

So fun to watch! Thank you! Other places great for urban sketching are Gouda, Dordrecht and Leiden.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

I would love to visit! One day...

[@Sketchbook9999]

Even though I didn't give birth to you my dear dear, but I am SO very Proud of you. Thumbnail drawing made me cry with joy WOW. The vehicles are SO like me. Want to move all the time with their round smooth wheels, love the detail colours used for wall/ bricks- that tree I want to touch it

[@LizChadertonStudio]

what a lovely thing to say. Thank you 😊

[@daleshawn1910]

Your work is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing and all the wonderful tips.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

You are so welcome!

[@miklosnemeth8566]

0:53 I've just tried this watering a water-resistant fineliner trick with STAEDLER triplus and it works exactly as you explained, but the watering leaked the ink through the 160 gramm paper my Scribble and Dot high quality/expensive notebook has. Fantastic demonstration, anyhow. 😃 4:03 how funny, you are right handed and still you started your drawing on the right side of the paper 😃

[@LizChadertonStudio]

I usually start on the left to avoid smudging….

[@anick6265]

Just love you’re inspired videos, thank you for sharing with us. I am French from Quebec, Canada.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

I would love to visit Canada

[@Stephh2425]

Thanks for sharing your drawing and tips - great stuff! I would have liked to see the reference photo while you were sketching - could you zoom out a bit in future videos?

[@LizChadertonStudio]

it’s a tricky one! I do put the reference in on my most recent films, but I know some people are watching on their phone, so it is tiny and they can’t see it anyway!. I always put the reference on the community tab so people can have it if they want a go.

[@patcampton7163]

Love urban sketching . Am part of a group that does it. Nice to see others work.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

It is such a great thing to do, especially with others...

[@sylviewheeler6237]

Hi ! I discovered you today, and I think your videos are really really great ! Full of tips and very positive ! Thanks so very much !

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Glad you like them!

[@funnydogmom]

Thank you so much for showing me how you did this!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

You are so welcome!

[@cathyserafinowicz6374]

Love this, thanks so much for sharing your knowledge. 😍❤️

[@LizChadertonStudio]

You are so welcome!

[@sarahbradley1653]

I appreciate your attitude towards your work. It makes your beautiful pieces of artwork more approachable for all levels.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Thanks Sarah. I really want people to love and enjoy art as much as I do

[@Babyjohn8170]

Really fun and unique.😊

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Thank you! 😊

[@NavyAssassinOnBLAST]

Very inspiring video! Thanks so much for sharing your expertise with us. The lose sketches are the charm of urban sketches. 😊

[@LizChadertonStudio]

so true!

[@richardcrowe3286]

Fun to watch and inspiring - thank you Liz. I'm glad I found your site!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

So glad!

[@minniebeanie4576]

Thank you very much for your real time demonstration of how a scene evoves to life and even how to fix little mistakes, moving on to the next item. As a bloody beginner I really appreciate this. Itˋs a mental thing, not to get stuck and judge yourself in the middle of everything and just keep going. Wish I had a water brush 😂, anyway, letˋs sketch something !

[@LizChadertonStudio]

I don't know where you are but you can get really cheap waterbrushes in Flying Tiger! Or sometimes cake decorating shops....

[@jenniferworksatgrouper]

Love seeing your work Liz, thank you for sharing!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

You are so welcome!

[@jaclee6]

Thanks for sharing how you do it. Definitely make it less intimidating for me to give it a go.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

The first time is the hardest, but it is such a nice way to connect with a place.

[@swiitchy511]

As a true blue beginner who loves to use watercolor but has very little skill with it, and zero experience with stretching, I really enjoyed seeing you just get in there without fussing over the details too much. Thank you for making a video that takes some of the intimidation out of the practice :)

[@LizChadertonStudio]

I’m so glad you said that. Taking the intimidation away is just what I want

[@janstroud9192]

Love this wonky sketch style. Thank you.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

It’s a fun way to capture the mood of a place

[@wuznotbornyesterda]

It was buying a Pilot Metrpolitan fountain that freed me a bit over a year ago from my dread of drawing. I seemed to erase too much, but when the finality of permanent ink set in I guess I paid more attention to do it right in the beginning and then I could repeat the lines a bit more if I needed to straighten them a bit. Then I found your videos and realized I wasn't alone! I love how you experiment with non expensive and unusual things, like the cola pen. Keep up your good ideas!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

I love your description of drawing. Jumping in with ink really makes you committed to your line and I think is so liberating. Thank you for your kind words.

[@robinalcorn5140]

I love the character of your drawings. Your hand and your eye are translating the scene into your personal embrace of the subject.

[@heatheredwards7158]

This is exactly what I needed to see. Thank you, Liz!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@RoadArtAdventure]

Loved watching your process! You make it very approachable!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

That’s what I want to do - encourage everyone to have a go

[@TerryMcGearyScotland]

Very nice. I wish my sketchbooks were as full as yours! I get pleasure looking back at holiday paintings though. I’ve found I become a curiosity for other passers by so I try to find a corner with my back to a wall 😂. Those brushes can be really handy (except the one that leaks a little) with the main problem being getting tapwater to go in when refilling ( an eye dropper might help🧐. Yes I know: unscrewing clockwise, what’s that all abiut😅. I did a sweet pea sketch with black pen only find it wasn’t permanent: it fairly concentrated my mind trying wet-in-wet on petals😂Thanks again . This was great.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

I was advised that if you want to be left alone, put your back to the wall and a hat on the floor with a few coins in. People will avoid you like the plague! I have never done it though…

[@TheLord_MyShepherd]

Brilliant! So cute and clever 👌😁 glad I just discovered your channel 🙏😉 kind regards, Mary from Australia 😎

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Thanks and welcome

[@221b-Maker-Street]

This is delightful, Liz - thank you! 🇳🇱

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ladyhollman9534]

Magnificent! My sketches have been improving watching you … I have so much more confidence. Thank you!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

That’s wonderful to hear. I am sure they are improving through your hard work.

[@shirleygreaves9650]

Loved this thank you. I’m going to France soon and I’m going to give this a try. X

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Hope you have a great trip!

[@cindygutierrez981]

So amazing to see you in action. Lovey drawing. I will do this soon. 😊

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Please do!

[@alejandrochanes4738]

I like your style very much!!!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Oh thank you!

[@joycekhoo2579]

thank you. great teacher.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Glad you liked it and thank you

[@along9971]

Wonderful character sketch! Good way to exercise your drawing muscles and have fun, thanks!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

yes! it warms up your observation too

[@vatiammatri2660]

This is most helpful, especially the pen recommendation and how to approach the drawing! Thx!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Thanks Vatican. I really love these pens for a quick sketch

[@vatiammatri]

@@LizChadertonStudio I just ordered some from Michael's tonight in Payne's Gray, Umber, and black ☺️.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

@@vatiammatri watching KZbin gets expensive!!

[@vatiammatri2660]

@@LizChadertonStudio 😂😂😂 at least they were buy one get one half off 😊

[@LizChadertonStudio]

@@vatiammatri2660 that helps!

[@sandychampagne9715]

I’m so happy that I came upon your video. It was fun watching you sketch. You explained very well what you were doing and why. I’m always using a permanent ink pen because I thought I had to in order to add color over it later. I learned how to darken the windows without always trying to use paint or ink. I have two black Stabilo pens that I’m going to sketch with tonight. Thank you.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Hope you enjoy it. This way of sketching is so quick and you need so little.

[@michaelpaul1802]

Love your sketch and the way you very comfortably presented it! Thank you so much for publishing it.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

My pleasure 😊

[@susancook1617]

Thank you Liz, I’m really enjoying your urban sketches😊

[@LizChadertonStudio]

I'm so glad!

[@osks]

Very nicely done!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Thank you very much!

[@spbv1961]

Love it

[@LizChadertonStudio]

thank you!

[@WhiteRavenBookRook]

Oh my goodness this was so much fun I have never really seen it before and I just love it I am now a new subscriber cause I wanna see more ! thank you so much for sharing

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Thank you so much!!

[@ciacciom]

Fantastic!

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Glad you like it!

[@dianecharest8365]

Love it Liz.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

thanks Diane. hope you have a go

[@PaintingsbyRaymond]

I got some water colours for Christmas. Being an oil painter they are totally new to me but I really like this style of urban sketching so will be giving it a try after watching your tutorials

[@LizChadertonStudio]

oils to watercolour can be quite a culture shock! Just remember they are in charge 😂

[@katsmith8263]

Thank you for this!!!! ❤❤❤❤

[@LizChadertonStudio]

It’s a fun way to sketch!

[@lyndaziemba4630]

Thx much for sharing your work. I’m new to sketching and playing w/ watercolors… really appreciate your videos. Was going to add my attempt at copying your drawing but couldn’t figure out how to include 😊

[@LizChadertonStudio]

you can’t on KZbin unfortunately, but if you come over to Facebook, I have a group there which is nice for sharing. it’s www.Facebook.com/groups/watercolourstudiowithlizchaderton. Hope to see you there!

[@lyndaziemba4630]

Thank you … I added a note and pic on your fb page. 😊

[@LizChadertonStudio]

@@lyndaziemba4630 will go and look!

[@sweethomes674]

Gorgeous 😊

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Thank you! 😊

[@dianekey4780]

How fun and easy you make that look! I ordered some of the pens to give them a try. There is a pen called the elegant writer which can be activated as well, but the color is not a perfect black anymore. Only the areas where you wet it become permanent is that true of these pens as well, so that when you come in later with watercolors, will the areas that have not been wet become activated?

[@LizChadertonStudio]

elegant Writers are such fun too (also dye based). They split into pink and turquoise. Yes, only the wetted ink becomes fixed.

[@Slotzzzz]

Good stuff 🕷️

[@LizChadertonStudio]

thanks!

[@pragativasisht4432]

This is wonderful! I wonderif I can achieve the same effect with acrylic paints? I know they'd be more fiddly, but I'm really keen on not spending any more money on shiny new stuff and just want to get something done on paper.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

I’m a big believer in using what you have to hand and not thinking that there is a perfect brush or pen which will transform your art. So give it a try. BUT acrylic is totally different to watercolour, so the way it behaves and the end result will be different.

[@pragativasisht4432]

@@LizChadertonStudio thank you :) really trying to get into sketching. your channel is so helpful

[@LizChadertonStudio]

@@pragativasisht4432 I’m delighted to hear that!

[@conkcat]

Could you tell me the exact stability pen you used, I see stabilo 88 fine liners and pens on Amazon, but not sure which you used. I loved the Amsterdam street scene, I am often there and I love the tall buildings especially the roof lines, so interesting

[@LizChadertonStudio]

it was Stabilo point 88 in black - the orange/white stripe one amzn.to/49pdRab

[@conkcat]

@@LizChadertonStudio Thankyou so much, I love this urban sketching style . I find it less taxing on my old brain, and the results I am happy with, mistakes an all !!, thanks again

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Tge aim is to be perfectly imperfect 😊@@conkcat

[@newearthman]

First of all, I love your work and thank you for the video. So tell me, as a professional artist, with regard to this small format urban sketching, do you do this for your own personal pleasure or with the intention of selling this work?

[@LizChadertonStudio]

totally for my pleasure. It’s odd when your hobby becomes your work, you are left with no hobby. So urban sketching is my fun ( and portraits too)

[@clairemurray3202]

Liz, no wonder this video did so well. I love this, I promised myself I would try urban sketching, but somehow I never seem to get the courage. Thank you for showing us how to step up these childlike sketches. Totally invaluable. Thank you and I hope your channel continues to grow. I shall be watching your videos and your growth! Take care.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Go for it! Great fun….see if you can find a local group which takes the fear out of it

[@gilliansouthgate1978]

Loved the way you built up the sketch...I did find my pen like yours when I used water the ink went pinkie purple?

[@LizChadertonStudio]

That sounds odd - sorry have no idea why. However, I am a big believer in going with the flow, so go for a pinky/ purple Amsterdam. Then instead of red, white and blue, go for purple washes and highlight of gold/yellow (complimentary of purple). It will be amazing!

[@saftah0305]

I loved this and has inspired me to try this! What is that “palette” you are using Liz to pick up the extra ink?

[@LizChadertonStudio]

That’s a watercolour set from Culture Hustle. A guy called Stuart Semple makes all sort of interesting art materials. Any plastic surface will work ( a bank card has been used, but not a great idea). www.culturehustle.com

[@changchesserly7591]

💕🙏🏼💕

[@LizChadertonStudio]

😀

[@kathleenogilvie617]

Is there a reason to go from right to left rather than left to right?

[@LizChadertonStudio]

no, I just found it more comfortable. It would make sense to start on the left to avoid smudging if you are right handed.

[@lindastewart9069]

What brand of watercolour brush are you using please?

[@LizChadertonStudio]

It’s a no-brand water brush. I usually get them off Amazon and they are much the same

[@lindastewart9069]

@@LizChadertonStudio thank you found a set and love them. Thank you for advice.

[@Creativewings0]

Amazing work ❤0

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Thanks 😄

[@husainlehri]

🤍

[@LizChadertonStudio]

🥰

[@endlessstudent3512]

Honestly, you should use pencils rather than fineliner.

[@LizChadertonStudio]

Why do you prefer pencils? I’d love to know. I personally much prefer water-based media