Urban Sketching Series Pt 5 | Tips on how to simplify what you see

[@citizenraga]

This made a lot of sense. For years I have tried drawing what I "see" but watching this I realized I need to express what I "see" because we all see the same scene but we put value on objects and textures differently. I may actually develop a style now and have confidence in it.

[@alphonsodunn]

awesome! Good luck! : )

[@MegaKinship]

You are a fantastic teacher. I'm 74 years young and I've had a LOT of instructors. Your enthusiasm and dedication to your art is compelling. I have your book and am looking forward to your future endeavors. If only I could take a shortcut to learning!

[@alphonsodunn]

Thanks so much! Really awesome youre inspired. A shortcut lol

[@cherry.berry2]

I really like how you said you're 74 years young :)

[@BlareWolfgang]

when I draw and things start to go awry I become cantankerous and anxious. It happens so much that it's very discouraging and I don't feel like drawing much after that. But then I watched this video and I feel like an ocean of good vibes and soothing feelings have washed over me and I'm really looking forward more to my art and developing my style. Thank you so much for your amazing content! I love your channel. Cannot wait for more.

[@alphonsodunn]

THanks so much! Glad it helps and inspires you to keep going. Just don't stop! Thats key. You're making progress even when you dont see progress

[@disturbedcup5463]

This is the best art channel on KZbin. Seriously. I have never learned more in my drawing before seeing this channel. Thank you!

[@alphonsodunn]

Glad I could help : )

[@guesswhat5988]

agreed 100%!! absolutely the best channel i have also seen so far here on yt.Its the facts that your videos or information are simply, you know whats important to teach you do this really great, infos are clear and on point due to what drawing is really about and how human eyes and brain are working or functioning so we can improve on our own creativity and know how to express talk and understand ourselves as humans. well yea so true, only if you do really understand the thing means being avtively in a concious state of mind then you're doing drawing as a way of communication but of course in creating own artworks we are using not the written or spoken words but actually all the varieties and different drawing techniques are the vocabulary of an artist... so thank you very very much for all your work and your videos!!!💜

[@davidcottam7431]

Definitely. There are hundreds of channels about sketching but few actually break it down to the basics with really useful little tips like this does.

[@cb-vp5gp]

Finally the video I was looking for. Someone who actually takes the time to explain things, and not just draw 300 lines/sec to come up with something final. Please continue. I love the style and the logic that comes with to explain it. A+ , Mr. Dunn.

[@meadowscolin]

Every so often I pop back and watch ur videos. I learn something new every time. You express in such a clear simple way.

[@toobad41]

I've enjoyed every segment and vids for a few years now. Your book is outstanding! I've been an Urban Sketcher for about three or four years and your approach has helped me immensely. Keep up the good work that you do on KZbin. Everyone can learn so much and I enjoy listening to your dialogue on sketching....invaluable!

[@alphonsodunn]

Thanks so much!

[@beverlydorris7557]

I needed this video! Omg this is the light bulb moment for me! This is all I’m going to do the upcoming month. Draw minimally, be expressive. I have approached all art like I has a botanist having to get every detail. I would start dreading the time I’d set aside to draw. THANK YOU

[@alphonsodunn]

Glad you find it useful

[@bunnysammy_]

I'm amazed. This is incredible. I learned so much. Not only on urban drawing, but on deconstruction and construction in general. You got one new subscriber. Thank you so much.

[@sariyak6996]

“You have to allow yourself,it's there already, you already have the potential, you just have to allow yourself being comfortable with what you are doing" - Alphonso Dunn U are a great great Teacher, Keep doing what you do!

[@andybarker8787]

Alphonso you are far and away the best drawing instructor on KZbin. Amazing applicable advice, thank you so much. Can’t wait to get your book!

[@alphonsodunn]

Thanks so much

[@BrandyKelleyArtVids]

Thanks for reminding me to simplify! I get too caught up in detail. You're always a great inspiration!

[@alphonsodunn]

It happens to all of us : /

[@danielgray7742]

Me too

[@chammikaiser7740]

By the way , you really are a superb teacher. You are so right - unadulterated pleasure is what one gets with urban sketching.

[@alphonsodunn]

thanks. Fun indeed :-)

[@hrenzen]

Thanks for the teaching and inspiration, Alphonso. Your calm generosity can lifts me up every time.

[@alphonsodunn]

Thanks : )

[@warmteacosy]

I've always been amazed at how slowly other people draw/sketch because I've often drawn much quicker; feeling like I don't have enough time and having to rush and not being happy with the results. Your statement, about determining what pace works best, has helped me to slow down and I am much happier with the results, even if the sacrifice is - occasionally - not getting the whole piece done. Thank you! 😃

[@alphonsodunn]

Glad it helped : )

[@Cracknutter22]

Everytime I watch your videos I learn really much how those lines go and how to draw and make them look cool! Keep going the way you go now! Nice work!

[@alphonsodunn]

Thanks. Hope you keep making progress

[@prettypoppiesstudio]

Wow wow wow!!! I have just binge watched this series and you have blown me away with all your sketches and tips. Now for me to put into practice. I can't wait to play. I can also feel the passion and devotion that you give in these tutorials. Thank you thank you thank you for top quality and simplified tips but detailed tutorials. 🙌🏼

[@bonnienorris2691]

When I receive notification of a new video, everything is dropped to watch and practice what you teach. What an inspiration you are! Love the book. Thanks for sharing your gift!

[@alphonsodunn]

Very welcome : )

[@maskedduelist1380]

This may be one of the most inspiring and eye-opening art videos I've ever watched. Thank you so much for the perspective!

[@weishaark]

You ROCK, Mr. Dunn! Your attitude of inclusiveness, enthusiasm & encouragement comes through in all your videos ~ & this one is an especially good example of that. You provide specific examples of what you're trying to explain, while gently & consistently reminding your viewer that there's no 'magic bullet' that will eliminate the need to practice. It's only through practice & learning from mistakes (& surprise successes) that you develop the eye & the muscle memory ~ the prerequisites ~ to achieve any level of mastery. But you do it in a way that's supportive & encouraging, not heavy-handed. You're truly a breath of fresh air!

[@TSDCD]

Your videos are so informative. You are both a good artist and a good teacher. Thanks for the great content!

[@alphonsodunn]

very welcome!

[@janejohnson3395]

Thank you Alphonso! I am trying to learn how to draw more loosely. This is just a really perfect demonstration. I've learned a lot from this and have been wanting to tackle urban sketching, but have to break my need to do everything perfectly. This was great advise!

[@debbieasselstine2469]

Wow! I've paid for lessons and never learned what I learned in this video. You are a wonderful teacher. Thanks so much.

[@ushergold5149]

This teacher is amazing in so many perspectives that he just blows my mind at every single tutorial I watch him. 1- Very good at simplifying the most complex concepts! 2- After watching the tutorial you get the feel of knowing exactly what to do and how to execute it like a pro. 3- He's a very humble individual, which makes me feel like I have a personal trainer talking directly to me (at least I feel that way, taking in consideration that he replies to so many comments on here). 4- He shows that being racist is the most foolish thing one can be. (seriously, would you ever judge such a great person like him by his skin color???) He's just spreading love and talent across the world! I assume that one day he will be getting a Nobel prize for his great deeds!

[@alphonsodunn]

Thats one of the most heartwarming comments I have read. Thanks so much. Art is a universal language

[@karen9517]

simplifying is so hard to remember while drawing. i get so caught up in the clean crisp lines, neat colour and what is 'expected' that i forget to just draw for myself. i never touch cityscapes or anything outside of cartoons because i think i cant, but it doesn't matter if they don't look 'right', it's my art for ME. i need to remember this when i draw from now on! your videos have been very inspiring and helpful.

[@zenfulkatoria]

I've been binge watching your videos....wow--you are an amazing artist. I stopped studying art for a few months because of the pressure. You have inspired me to start again. Ty

[@alphonsodunn]

Dont stop, dont stop!

[@GogoGreece]

I enjoyed the whole series of urban sketching, but I think this was the best. It helped me a lot. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@nehazaidi8490]

Never seen a better tutorial... doesn't bore you and inspires you to be who You are... inspires you to be confident enough to show who you really are

[@alphonsodunn]

Thats what I hope to do

[@kea8688]

After watching this series, I broke out some Bristol and micron pens and sketched a city scene following these tips. I have never had so much fun drawing and also been so satisfied with my results. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

[@matthewtomlet2278]

This is one of the greatest instructional drawing channels on all of KZbin! Not only is this man a great artist, he is a brilliant teacher

[@lizday8140]

Shorthand? That's it! Thank you so much! I have an administrative assistant background and that one concept just clicked so strongly with me. I do ok with monoprints in keeping it loose, but my paintings usually take me down a perfectionistic, detail-oriented path. I have written down a quote from this video and will post it in my art area. "Shorthand, we're tapping into the unconscious aspect of who we are, expressively, creatively -- that communicates in a tacit way. We know what's going on without it being said."

[@rituparnabasu433]

I know u will probably find me crazy bt I have to jst tell u that i have watched many art tutorials but till now I have not found a single person who's this passionate like u.n it's amazing like the kind of dedication to ur work n the way u encourage more n more ppl to try out things.truley inspired.thanks.im glad I found ur channel.😊

[@alphonsodunn]

Thanks so much! That means a lot

[@DG-mv6zw]

"Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his paintings." You're a great example of this, Thanks Alphonso. 👍

[@waggy7987]

alphonso man, your videos were already fantastic but youre getting even better now with the tips and colors and whatever hahaha honestly im so thankful for youtube as a platform, people like you who put all these incredible lessons up and ESPECIALLY you for being such a great teacher. Really thank you. I could never afford to go to art classes on my own

[@alphonsodunn]

Youre very welcome my friend! Very welcome. Your job now is just to push yourself to the limit : )

[@judigibbs]

I am amazed by watching you and encouraged to just get on with it and forget details!!! You make us realize we CAN make our lives easier with your methods. AND I am taking out that dust-covered journal I have been 'saving' and will begin 'learning' in it!! THANK you for everything you do. It is so helpful. AND so understandable.

[@EelcoAartsen]

Love them all, but this video especially, the way to simplify, and play and have fun, YES! Thank you!!!

[@alphonsodunn]

🙂🙂🙂

[@felipebarroso1242]

Been watching this urban sketching series this week and all I can say is thank you for this great video in particular. It's really inspiring and it actually gave me a little bit more of confidence to go on.

[@alphonsodunn]

Youre very welcome

[@tinaparkin9169]

You definitely have a way of communicating ideas that go beyond sketching.

[@alphonsodunn]

Thanks

[@alexsoucy5525]

Best drawing teacher ever, thanks a lot Alphonso you do a great job!!!👊🏻

[@ivankovwink1311]

Such a helpful video! This is so important but barely anyone takes the time to actually explain it! Thanks🌸👏

[@luizacastro9992]

The best channel ever, you're amazing teacher! I'm glad to find your KZbin channel. Thanks

[@maryriley6163]

Thank you for these examples. You have given me permission to loosen up and stop feeling like every sketch has to be a Rembrandt.

[@donnarossi3584]

I totally agree. You are an excellent teacher. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and talent with us. We never stop learning - (I’m 58 years young lol) and when I find a gem of a teacher like yourself, I am very grateful.

[@rockymontana1]

Hello Alphonso,I wanted to say thank you so very much.I have used your book and your Y/T video's and now I have just created my own characters for a graphic coloring book that I hope I can put together.Thank You for always mentioning to just relax and enjoy yourself and the fact that less is more finally sunk in.

[@alphonsodunn]

Glad I could help.Hope to see your work some time

[@mysterycheez]

I love the way you take the pressure off of drawing. I put so much pressure on myself sometimes and it totally takes the fun away and makes it a stressful experience. I'm always having to remind myself not to worry so much about whether it's good and just to enjoy the experience. It's to have you remind me of it too. Thanks for the tips.

[@alphonsodunn]

Youre very welcome! I have had my moments too but it takes persistence and really pushing yourself to forget the "rules"

[@artgalsal]

Thank you for your inspiration Alphonso! I have painted tight for a long time and I want to loosen up! With my tight drawings and paintings, my body was getting stiff while I was painting. Once I decided to relax, so did my body and my sketching!

[@thesameritan9844]

This video gave me an important asepct in urban sketching (or any type of drawing).. Is to be loose and playful, having fun during the process instead of thinking about the finished product. You are a great teacher, and I want to see more from you. Thanks!

[@alphonsodunn]

thanks much! And you will : )

[@hlegler]

Thanks so much for posting your series on urban sketching!! I've watched part 5 twice now and picked up even more than I did the first time! Thanks for the great info! I really appreciate it! :)

[@alphonsodunn]

youre very welcome. Glad you found it useful : )

[@typoAdventure]

This is awesome. I've had a block for years trying to learn how to draw architecture and urban landscape. Thanks to this video, I am reminded of everything it took for me to learn to draw people. Thank you so, so much for reminding this artist to loosen up and have fun.

[@alphonsodunn]

Thats it, loosen up a bit

[@RoteStriemen]

Wow, I am only halfway through watching this video, but I have to say that I enjoy your way of teaching and your passion about art because there is so much positivity. For a person like me who has issues with thinking I am not good enough at this, you are so encouraging! Thanks!

[@patio87]

You're videos are some of the best learning drawing videos on youtube.

[@laurenbendik2006]

Thank you for showing how to loosen up and let ppl fill in the blanks with their brains. Ive always had issues with being a perfectionist in my art; i think urban sketching could be a good exercise for me.

[@kiyomima-ro3209]

You put things in ways that are easily understood. Sometimes it makes me wonder why I didn't realise certain things before. I've always felt certain types of art to be beyond my reach, but now I feel I can touch them. I'm finally grasping a realm in art I never thought possible. I did my first urban watercolour sketch after this video, and a second shortly after. In that short time between the two I saw significant progress in both my work and my confidence to do so. I am definitely purchasing your book.

[@alphonsodunn]

Thanks so much. Its wonderful to hear about your progress. Please keep me posted : )

[@pieemme]

Thanks so much Alphonso for your invaluable comments. I think gesture drawing is a really modern development, a true child of our era. People have been sketching for ages, but what we have learnt from psychology, cognitive sciences, photography, etc all comes together, producing a totally new approach to drawing, as well as to art teaching.

[@alphonsodunn]

Thats a really interesting point

[@liviuvieru5060]

Looooove it! You know, there were soo many times when I just thought that art should be perfect, that I'm not good at art. I was making plans about how would it be when i'll grow up and when I will go to an art highschool. And there were times when I was feeling like I don't know how to draw because my drawings weren't perfect or I didn't do it right. Sometimes I said that " im not good at art and that's it, I give up!". And I was somehow "mad" at me because I couldn't draw it right. But then I learned that there's NO bad art. That we were not born to be perfect. While drawing we shouldn't think that we can't do this or that. Someone said: "PROGRESS NOT PERFECTION"😃. This is the first video that I saw from your youtube channel. And I really, really never saw someone putting soo much passion in art. You seem so calm about this. And this made me feel like: " I'm going to leave my comfort zone and start drawing again!" 😂 and yeah, i'm really going to do this. I love art soo much! And guys, hope that you'll become good artists or that you will find what you really want to do and what you love. From where I come, it's 23 o'clock. So, I say "Good night!" And for those were it's not night I say "Have a good day!" 😍 (Sorry for my english, I'm still learning).

[@emdomgab]

Absolutely brilliant. What a great teacher!

[@santanumohapatra1326]

This is so cool man. You deserve success. You really give out informations which are hard to find and comes after years of practice. Keep going brother.

[@alphonsodunn]

Thanks much : )

[@ste5f]

Love the urban landscape videos. That's where I want to go. Thanks.

[@alphonsodunn]

Welcome

[@arkanoid77]

The words you said here, I should also try to abstract them and sum to a single statement. This is exactly the right moment to hear them for me and I am utterly relieved to have watched this class. Cause this ain't a "yuoutube video" it's a kickass master class, I swear. I remember my teacher in elementary school, when there was a drawing assignment she would call every student at her desk to see our drawings and mark us, not only with the grade but also *correcting* our drawings *directly upon* ours. I HATED her with all my guts because of that. I LIKED my early drawings and never thought her corrections made my drawings any better. I think her "ghost" (she's not dead yet :_) is hunting me even today when I draw or even do other stuff.

[@TwiceAsLovely]

Brilliant teaching style, Alphonso! Your knowledge and passion is in every video!

[@alphonsodunn]

Thanks much! : )

[@Angela-jy8um]

Train yourself to be efficient with information. That's a great line. Another great video! Thanks for sharing.

[@conniecostello9321]

Alphonso you are a master! Thank you so much. This video is teaching me to be free, to express myself and to just go for it. It's amazing the drawings that come out when I do that. Thank you!

[@baku9925]

This video was so inspiring in my opinion and I like this "free stylish" sketches a lot. Honestly, good job !

[@alphonsodunn]

Thanks : )

[@bramblin1717]

quality. not quantity. this just changed my way of thinking while drawing. thanks so much!!

[@lovelychelle5238]

It's not how much information, it's the amount.

[@SpyderKing34]

Love this explanation. I drive cab and have a sketch book I carry with me where I do doodles when I'm sitting. Some people ask or comment about the drawing in working in when they are in the cab. The way you talk about sketching in this video is almost exactly how I talk to people when I tell them any one can draw you first have to stop saying I can't draw. Then I'll show them by making a couple simple sketches such as the way you did the bricks or the building with the windows and such

[@alphonsodunn]

Thats awesome! Keep inspiring! 👍🏾

[@alphonsodunn]

Keep being an inspiration! : )

[@samantharankinstinamisan5583]

Ive been drawing, etc for 50 years. But only doing urban sketching for about 4. Recently, i found John Edwards from England. I love his sketching because of the simplicity. Thank you for this video class of simplifying sketches....it was an excellent visual to put things in the mind!

[@alphonsodunn]

youre very welcome : )

[@janetsteinberg7995]

Alphonso, This video felt like it was made just for me. I haven't understood how to leave gaps, giving the suggestion is what I have wanted to do. I discovered your generous videos today and will be a follower. Thank you.

[@theempoleon78]

Impressive piece of content. Keep doing what you do.

[@alphonsodunn]

:-) thanks

[@lareinaqueeniegarcia2874]

It's my first time on your channel , but for the few minutes I've spent here I feel like that I have learnt so much already that I would have never learnt in class and I would like to thank you for that, and giving me some peace of mind about my sketching moving on!

[@sandracastillo7916]

You are an amazing teacher! God bless you!😊

[@Jennifer-wr9si]

Love this video, you describe "good" drawing in a new way, i.e. the way I think of good writing - efficient, i.e. knowing what to leave out and letting the brain fill in the blanks and the viewer/reader discover the story.

[@alphonsodunn]

wow, I couldnt have put it better. : )

[@justlulu5627]

You’re just amazing. Everything you said hits me. I do need to trust my self more. Thank you 🙏

[@thatslifecaro1479]

Oh my... I heard you were good. But I am still amazed. Thank you so much for your awesome teaching! So liberating.

[@uh6537]

You are such a great motivator and inspirator Alphonso. I have started on drawing several time but always got stucked. Now after following your videos it suddenly start to flow for me.

[@darktraumadamages]

I always feel better watching youre videos, not all art is the same, we all have diferent creative minds, thanks for sharing and supporting others!

[@alphonsodunn]

Very welcome. Glad you find it helpful

[@ulrichvollert2277]

Alphonso, I love the way you sketch and I love the way you help me on my way to draw things. Thank you so much for your videos and your great Pen&Ink Drawing book. Greetings from Germany.

[@alphonsodunn]

Youre very welcome

[@lauraghautzre]

Hey I just start sketching/painting by myself and your videos really help me ! You're a very good teacher :)

[@alphonsodunn]

Thanks much! :-)

[@michaelchen869]

This video is so inspiring and it is what I am looking for. Thanks for sharing. I need to watch this once per week.

[@shylapr]

Extremely enlightening tutorial! Simply beautiful! Very useful

[@robbalbrecht]

This video is gold! Thank you Alphonso.

[@bakamund]

Fantastic distillation of concepts/ideas. Thank you!

[@ALvatar3]

All your videos are great just watching you draw for 5 minutes helps.

[@alphonsodunn]

Thanks much!

[@xonarofficial]

Ey man! I am glad you are still working on other series, keep up the amazing work!:)

[@alphonsodunn]

no worries :-)

[@jeffnash5691]

Absolutely the most helpful drawing tutorial I have ever seen. Very inspiring. Thank you Alphonso!

[@markdonovan1540]

This series of videos is one of the best examples of sharing skills and knowledge that I've ever seen. Alphonso Dunn you are the One! Thank you. Book is on order :-)

[@Winstonsmom]

Thank you for making these incredible tutorials! Your “even-brained”, articulate approach is so effective in getting your message across! All of your tips are actionable and in the few lessons I have watched, I have already learned so much. 🙏🏻🎨

[@alphonsodunn]

🙂🙏

[@birdotheweirdo]

The hardest part about drawing for me is not being too serious with it and just having fun. I always get under pressure. It has to be good, otherwise it makes no sense only trying to succeed. I want to improve so bad, but with this way of thinking I lose fun about it^^ So, your message exactly hit my "wound points" ..

[@alphonsodunn]

Yea you have to loosen up. Treat the drawings as if theyre just sketches

[@lizmoson5522]

How come 45 people put thumbs down for this video? I think it’s brilliant and would recommend it to anyone interested in loosening up their sketching techniques.

[@RichardVobes]

Thanks for the video. I am going to give it a try!

[@alphonsodunn]

Please do You'll enjoy it:-)

[@Gabihorse]

I learned a lot with this video! Thank you! Pressure is something I always use on me.. and when I see those super relaxing drawings, I say to my self you have to do it! Get it? like I try to push myself to do something that doesn't need pressure.. but just let the lines speak for themselves

[@mikerosario7358]

Alphonso , you have helped me so mush with all your U Tube Videos,and your book. all that I have gathered in classes you made all fall in to place. Thank you I look forward to watching your videos over and over You know your stuff and how to explain it '

[@alphonsodunn]

Thanks so much

[@brendavies5805]

Your video is exactly what I need to give me ideas and confidence to start sketching. A big thank you I love it xx

[@alphonsodunn]

Glad I could help

[@tdm8507]

Just genius! The best tutorial to get the idea behind every sketch/drawing/photograph/.... the things that you have to see in a landscape,...,...., and how to use it in the sketch. It makes everything so much easier. Keep up the GOOD work! Cheers from Slovenia ;)

[@chammikaiser7740]

Great to see you doing urban sketching Alphonso. I am really enjoying US. So therapeutic and releasing after being an animal portrait artist. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@alphonsodunn]

release is the word :-)

[@beckerabstracts]

This turned out to be a course in working from photos as well. Great series!

[@alphonsodunn]

: )

[@michelestuart3632]

I love all your videos but this one is especially helpful for me, as I have such issues with relaxing and having fun with it.

[@alphonsodunn]

+Crystal Brier yup thats super important, fun should be top priority lol

[@charlesjenkins8078]

I really appreciate your books. Great video! Thanks

[@sam55max]

Thanks Alphonso for opening my eyes.....keep up the great work. Ciao Bob from Italy

[@laluthomas3167]

This video has already changed my perception on drawing... which is really helpful... I have started to draw seriously without being serious....

[@alphonsodunn]

+lalu thomas draw seriously without being serious lol I like that

[@acornwillows7995]

Thank you so much! This video was very helpful. I love the part about a child drawing their mom's purse. I need to approach my drawings with that same freedom and confidence!