Inspiration

One of my favourite subject matters, when I’m urban sketching, is architecture. I was spoiled roaming around London looking for my next target, there are just so many fabulous buildings and too little time! Now, I’m in Johannesburg where there isn’t too much in the way of old architecture, I understand how much I took

Sketchbook Design – Liz Steel At the very end of 2020, Liz Steel launched a brand new course to her learning platform, Sketching Now.  Sketchbook design is a subject close to my heart. I love looking at, researching and understanding what goes into an amazing sketchbook composition. To find Liz had released an entire course

Urban sketching using photos is not really urban sketching. The definition of urban sketching is drawing on location (inside or outside) from direct observation to record the world around you. However, you can practice the skills required for urban sketching by using photo reference. Sometimes there are very valid reasons as to why you may

What is Urban Sketching? Urban sketching is the practice of sketching on location to record the world around you. This basically means sketching from life but generally with an emphasis on capturing a story, rather than a deliberately placed still life, for example.  A non-profit organisation called Urban Sketchers grew from people around the world

If, like I was, you are confused about why white watercolour exists, why it is included in some watercolour sets (most often watercolour sets at the budget end of the market) and how to use it properly then this post is for you. First of all, let’s address something I found very confusing in my

Have you seen those perfectly composed nature or travel journal layouts on Pinterest? You know, the ones that have beautifully perfect illustrations and gorgeous hand-lettered script next to them? Well, not all journal or sketchbook pages need to look that way. Mine most certainly do not. But if you’re excited about keeping a journal-style sketchbook,

Do you admire the simplicity of an urban sketch done solely with a pen? Would you love to ditch your supplies from time to time and know that you could nail a sketch with nothing but a sketchbook and pen? Do you want to know how to make a sketch with just these basic materials

Have people started to notice your sketches? Do you get compliments from friends, or strangers, or both?! Then your first (or next) commission may be right around the corner so get prepared! As people begin to notice your art and that you’re actually getting pretty good, someone may approach you and ask you if you

This post will cover some of the most important tips and tricks to know when it comes to urban sketching. Learning, developing and keeping in mind some of the factors below will help you leapfrog quite a bit of the learning curve when it comes to taking your sketching skills to the streets…or just the

When considering taking up a new interest, hobby or even career a lot of people will think to themselves, “is it too late”? I have even heard people in their late-twenties utter this question when considering taking on something new. Unfortunately, we automatically seem to think we are too old to learn new tricks no