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Urban Sketching - where to start?
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Message
Posted
Last year during lockdown I was able to travel around the park, which was empty, with my sketchbook and HB pencil. However, I would really like to do a bit of painting or complete more of a piece in the lovely fresh outdoors.
With sketchbook in hand, and my lovely new polychromos pencils in a travel case, I am all set to do some urban sketching, en plain air painting etc but I am not quite sure where to start, and to be honest I am a little bit nervous of the idea, it feels quite daunting. I tend to take photos and then scuttle back home to complete the piece.
Does anyone have any tips and tricks, advice on how to start, or even just how to get over the nerves?
Carrie
Posted
Going sketching or painting with a friend will help, particularly a more experienced one who is used to plein air working. Or join an art club, you’re sure to find someone else interested.
However, this isn’t always possible! But initially, try and find somewhere relatively quiet, away from the madding crowd…
People aren’t necessarily as interested in what we’re doing as you might think, but the only way is to get out there and your nerves will eventually evaporate.
There’s no easy answer - take the plunge!
Edited
by Alan Bickley
Posted
I’ll skip the chocolate, but a stool can be useful although I tend to find something to perch on most of the time. Often it’s the rear of my estate car with a pochade box on an easel. - that couldn’t be easier!
You need to travel reasonably light if you’re on foot for any distance, equipment, easels etc can weigh a ton, you don’t need quite as much for sketching and watercolour of course, I’m using oils generally and you need more stuff.
I try and avoid conversation personally, I’m only interested in getting on with my work, I don’t like being distracted and having my concentration broken.
Edited
by Alan Bickley
Posted
Depending on where you live, you might find there is a local Urban Sketchers group, or a plein air group - details of some local groups can be found on the urban sketchers website Urban Sketchers - however, there are other local groups that are not affiliated to the worldwide network. I know that some groups are organised on Facebook and others using Meetup - if there isn't already a local group, you could maybe start one if you wanted. The Edinburgh Urban Sketchers, my local group, met using zoom during lockdown and now are doing a combination of actual meetings and zoom meetings. I found my local group very welcoming and friendly.
I must admit that I often go sketching on my own - I take a wee sketchbook and a few pens almost everywhere with me in case I see a likely subject when out for a walk etc. I sometimes take watercolour paints but also find water soluble wax pastels and ws colour pencils really useful (I use Caran D'Ache). Hope you enjoy your sketching whatever you do :)
Posted
Good luck Carrie. I stopped at a garden cafe yesterday with my sketchbook and tried to sketch quickly some people at other tables, not too close. Part of the challenge and fun is that you don’t know how long people are going to stay. I started two and they very quickly upped and left! I guess you need to look for subjects that you see arrive, but it’s so long since I’ve been able to do this that I’d forgotten.
Margaret has given good advice re urban sketchers groups. It’s something I would like to do in the future but my nearest is an hour away.
There is also the Plein Air Painters group which meet up several times a year around the UK for a days painting. I’ve been to two of their days in London and you meet a great and talented bunch of people who then meet at the end of the day in a pub or cafe to show their results. I will find the link but I’m sure you can look it up if interested. I know that they are restarting shortly.
The link is www.britishpleinairpainters.co.UK
Edited
by Tessa Gwynne
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