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Skillshare

Urban Sketching: Learn to Use Continuous Line Drawing and Watercolors

via Skillshare

Overview

Do you want to get into Urban Sketching, but aren't sure where to start? Perhaps you're already sketching, but are looking to experiment or bring something new to your style?

If so, this is the class for you!

Hi, my name is Toby Haseler, known as Toby Urbansketch on Instagram and YouTube. In this in step by step in depth tutorial I will be showing you how to combine continuous line ink drawing with fine liners and watercolors to produce fun, interesting and lively urban sketches.

'Why use continuous line sketching?' I hear you ask! Surely it makes things harder? More complicated?

Actually, I love using continuous line sketching in all my urbansketching! For me, it has some clear benefits and I'd love you to join me in this class, so I can show you why I love it!

  • It's fun
  • It's quick
  • It gives my sketches character
  • It's unique and recognisable
  • It helps me develop key simplification skills
  • It lets me be loose and experimental
  • Did I mention it's fun!

We will cover everything you need to know to get started with this style:

  • The basics of continous line drawing
  • How to simplify your scene and see shapes
  • How to add character to your lines
  • How to use thumbnails to plan and practice your sketch
  • Using watercolors in a loose and fun style
  • And a full, step by step guide on producing your final project as I sketch and paint alongside you!

This class will teach you not just how to capture vibrant and interesting urban scenes quickly and easily, but also how to relax and enjoy the process rather than worrying about the final result! The secret to this method is using a 'one line' or 'continuous line' drawing to simplify your scene and condense it into something truly interesting. Trust us when we say it’s easier than it looks, and super fun to get stuck into.

Whilst urban sketching can seem perhaps scary or overwhelming, in this class you’ll gain confidence and see just how easy it can be. I have a few goals that I hope everyone can achieve by the end of these lessons:

  • Confidence and inspiration to experiment with urbansketching
  • Understanding how and why to simplify our sketches
  • Begin to experiment with quality or lines, to bring extra character and interest to our sketching
  • Understand how continuous line sketching can be both fun and interesting in it's own right, but also help us develop in other aspects of our sketching
  • Develop a loose and expressive watercolor style, to complement our sketching
  • Enjoy the process and have fun!

This class is suitable to all levels.

  • For beginners, the basics of composition and line work are covered, and the tutorials are step by step, in real time, and in depth.
  • For intermediate or advanced sketchers, this style in interesting and fluid, and might be something you could explore as part of developing your own style.

Single line, or continuous line drawing is perfect for urban sketching, no matter whether it’s buildings, markets, people or anything else in front of you. It challenges you to simplify scenes, to interpret them rather than spend hours putting in every last detail. And the process can be so freeing, fun and easy when you just build up a bit of experience and confidence.

Focusing on what is important in a scene, the shape and feel of what’s in front of you and just a few relevant details means your sketching is quicker, more focused, and (at least in my opinion) more fun. And this is everything that urban sketching is about.

  • The class focusses on architectural urban sketching with ink and watercolour. The process is simple:
  • Fine liners or waterproof ink pens are used to quickly capture our scene with a continuous line drawing
  • We then add a little extra detail, shape and shadow with some simple techniques
  • Watercolors come next, adding life and fun to the sketch
  • Finally, a few finishing touches bring the sketch to its finished state

Finally, there is the class project – which I will, of course, take you step by step through this. From the initial thumbnail sketches, through to the finished piece showing you his process in a clear and detailed way.

Audio Credits:

Apero Hour Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons By Attribution 4.0 License
httpcreativecommons.orglicensesby4.0

Credits:

Made with Wondershare Filmora

Syllabus

  • Introduction
  • Suggested Supplies
  • Class Project Explained
  • Simplifying our Linework
  • Seeing Shapes
  • Adding character
  • How to Sketch People
  • How to Sketch Trees
  • Composition and Thumbnails
  • Step 1 - Continuous Line Sketch
  • Step 2 - Finessing our Ink Sketch
  • Step 3 - Watercolour Sky and Shadows
  • Step 4 - Adding Bold Watercolours
  • Step 5 - Finishing Touches
  • Continuous Line Thanks

Taught by

Toby Haseler

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